In Finland – only successful fishing!

This country has more than sixty species of fish. About two hundred thousand large and small lakes and numerous rivers are ready to share their riches with you. You just need to stop by a store offering sports equipment<\/a> and stock up on good gear and everything needed for staying in nature.<\/p>

For Finns, the process of fishing itself is more important than the amount of fish caught. Fishermen enjoy the beauty of nature and solitude: the desire to break away from the hustle and bustle is common to most Finnish men. They half-jokingly, half-seriously believe that the "fish office" is run by the sea king Ahti, who must be respected. Going fishing, one must be inwardly humble, not arrogant and boastful – otherwise, do not expect luck: angry Ahti will hide all the fish. Many songs have been composed among the people dedicated to the ruler of the waters, with requests for a good catch.<\/p>

Finnish fishermen like to slightly exaggerate their achievements, sometimes making up the most incredible stories. For example, having caught a fish thirty centimeters long, they say that thirty centimeters was between its eyes. The most common "true story" is that a big fish (of su-u-uch size!), as luck would have it, got off the hook.<\/p>

Among Finnish Casanovas, it is not customary to cover up "straying" trips with fishing. In Suomi, they joke about this sensitive matter: "Left to get a newspaper on Friday evening, and came back only in the morning. On Monday."<\/p>

Finns love jokes about fishing, whose heroes traditionally are residents of the Savo region. Here is one of them. A Savolainen went fishing on Lake Saimaa. Oddly enough, he caught a big perch. He returned by bus. He took out money to buy a ticket. Driver: "You must also pay for your perch's fare – it is taking a passenger seat!" Savolainen: "One adult ticket and one child ticket!"<\/p>

If a Finn is going fishing for real, you won't find alcohol on his "What to take" list. That is exactly why Finnish wives are so loyal to their husbands' hobby. Fishermen know from experience: alcohol brings only trouble. For example, trying to haul in nets while not entirely sober means simply falling overboard and drowning. In winter, fishermen usually warm themselves with hot coffee. Hence the first rule of fishing: leave alcohol on the shore!<\/p>

Fishing in Finland is quite an expensive pleasure. You need to purchase two licenses: a certificate of payment of the state fee for the restoration of fish resources and a permit from the water body owner or a permit for bait fishing. The total amount will be at least 12 euros per week. And if you want to fish in rapids, you will have to pay at least 20 euros for just one (!) day of fishing. However, take the costs philosophically: the strict permit system helps control the amount of fish in the country's waters.<\/p>

In Finland, there is a rule: release fish that have not reached certain sizes. Usually, the minimum lengths of fish are indicated on a stand at the license purchase points. Size restrictions vary depending on location, time, and method of fishing. For example, on the Korkeakoski rapids (Kymijoki River, Southeastern Finland), the size of salmon and taimen must be at least 50 cm, grayling – 40 cm.<\/p>

In some places, there are also restrictions on the number of fish caught. For example, on the same Korkeakoski – no more than three salmon (or taimen, or trout) per permit. In addition, in autumn it is recommended to release all fish with roe, and from November 1 to April 30 it is mandatory to do so. There is plenty of fish in the country, so the second rule: don't be greedy – release the "small ones" without hesitation!<\/p>

As noted by the magazine STOP in Finland, fishing in Finland is so popular that competitions are regularly held in almost every city. Puruveden Lohikuninkuus – the largest summer competition for trolling from a boat – takes place on the first weekend after Midsummer in the town of Kesälahti (Eastern Finland). Sometimes even cars are offered as the main prize here.<\/p>

The largest international ice fishing competition Miljoona Pilkki takes place in February–March in Tuuri (Pohjanmaa province). Everyone who fishes in Suomi, whether a Finnish citizen or a foreigner, has the right to participate in the national competition for the biggest fish. To become a contender for victory, you need to: photograph the caught fish; weigh it in the presence of a witness; fill out the standard saalisilmoitus\/big fish declaration form and send the application and photo of your catch to the competition.<\/p>

Any Finn will be happy to help you find the application form on the Internet (and even send the application to the right address!). You can involve the owner of the fishing cottage you are renting, or contact a place where fishing licenses are sold – for example, a café.<\/p>