catch and release fishing

Sea fishing July 24, 2024

Short fishing from the pier, Adriatic Sea Croatia, catch and release fishing

Reading Time: 4 minutes

After an unsuccessful spin fishing in the morning, I went to try to catch some fish on the pier before going home. In Croatia, a fishing license is required for recreational fishing in the sea.

The license can be obtained from local authorities, tourist offices or online (link, fishing license).

The Adriatic Sea is a body of water that separates the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. It is part of the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its clear blue waters, beautiful coastlines, and numerous islands. The sea stretches approximately 800 kilometers (about 500 miles) from the Gulf of Venice in the north to the Strait of Otranto in the south, where it connects to the Ionian Sea.

The Adriatic is bordered by several countries, including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. It is famous for its picturesque coastal towns, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Venice, as well as its rich marine biodiversity.

The Adriatic Sea is home to a diverse range of fish species, making it an important area for both commercial and recreational fishing. Some common fish found in the Adriatic include:

Anchovy – A small fish that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Sardine – Another small fish that is popular for its flavor and nutritional value.
Mackerel – Known for its rich taste and high omega-3 fatty acid content.
Tuna – Various species, including bluefin tuna, are found in the Adriatic, though they are often subject to fishing regulations due to overfishing concerns.
Sea Bass – A sought-after species in both commercial and sport fishing.
Grouper – A larger fish that is popular in Mediterranean dishes.
Snapper – Known for its delicate flavor and is often caught in the region.

The Adriatic Sea also supports various ecosystems, including rocky reefs and seagrass beds, which provide habitat for many marine species.

Fishing in the Adriatic Sea is a popular activity, both commercially and recreationally. The sea is rich in marine life, which supports various fishing practices.

Here are some key points about fishing in the Adriatic:

Commercial Fishing: The Adriatic supports a significant commercial fishing industry, targeting species such as anchovies, sardines, and various types of tuna. Fisheries in the region are often regulated to ensure sustainable practices and protect fish populations.
Recreational Fishing: Many locals and tourists engage in recreational fishing, with opportunities to catch species like sea bass, mackerel, and grouper. Charter services and fishing tours are available for those looking to experience fishing in the Adriatic.
Regulations: Fishing in the Adriatic is subject to various regulations aimed at preserving fish stocks and marine ecosystems. This includes restrictions on certain species, fishing seasons, and size limits. It’s essential for fishers to be aware of and comply with these regulations.
Sustainable Practices: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable fishing practices in the Adriatic, including catch-and-release methods and the use of environmentally friendly gear to minimize bycatch and habitat damage.

The Adriatic Sea hosts several species of small fish that are significant both ecologically and economically. Here are some notable small fish found in the region:

Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus): A small, schooling fish that is commonly found in the Adriatic. Anchovies are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and are often used in various dishes.
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus): Another small fish, sardines are known for their rich flavor and are often canned or grilled. They are an important part of the local fishing industry.
Mackerel (Scomber scombrus): While mackerel can grow larger, they are often caught when they are still relatively small. They are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content.
Sprat (Sprattus sprattus): A small pelagic fish that is often used as bait or processed into fishmeal. Sprats are also consumed in various culinary preparations.
Goby (Gobiidae family): Various species of gobies inhabit the coastal waters of the Adriatic. These small fish are often found in sandy or rocky substrates.
Blenny (Blenniidae family): Blennies are small, bottom-dwelling fish that are often found in rocky areas and are known for their unique appearance and behavior.

These small fish play crucial roles in the marine ecosystem, serving as prey for larger fish and other marine animals.

If you’re interested in sustainable practices related to fishing small fish in the Adriatic Sea, here are some key points to consider:

Sustainable Fishing Methods: Utilizing techniques that minimize bycatch and habitat destruction is crucial. Methods such as using selective gear, like circle hooks and traps, can help target specific species while reducing the impact on other marine life.
Regulations and Quotas: Adhering to local fishing regulations, including size limits, seasonal closures, and catch quotas, is essential for maintaining fish populations and ensuring the long-term health of the marine ecosystem.
Catch-and-Release Practices: For recreational fishers, practicing catch-and-release can help sustain fish populations. This involves carefully handling the fish and returning them to the water unharmed.
Supporting Local Fisheries: Purchasing fish from local, sustainable fisheries can help promote responsible fishing practices and support the local economy. Look for certifications or labels indicating sustainable practices.
Education and Awareness: Educating yourself and others about the importance of sustainable fishing can contribute to better practices within the fishing community. Participating in workshops or community programs focused on marine conservation can be beneficial.

Till next time …

… tight lines and wet landing nets!

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Carp Fishing May 18, 2020

Light float carp fishing in the margins, commercial fishery

Reading Time: 6 minutes

This time I went fishing on a commercial lake. Fishing matches are also common on this lake, so there are plenty of fish in this lake. Because there are many smaller carp in the lake, it is so much harder to catch carp over 4 pounds. The 4 pound carp really isn’t big, but on this lake it’s a real challenge to catch it. Some anglers say there are also grass carp in the lake, but I haven’t seen or caught any in all these years. Maybe I catch a grass carp on my next fishing trip, who knows, anything is possible.

I have already written about this lake on my blog in one of the previous posts, click: Boilie waggler Carp fishing – if you want to read this post.

Boilie waggler Carp fishing

Happy day

Weather:

Air temperature: max 24°C
Wind: 12 km/h
Precipitation: slight rain showers during the day, evening, heavy rain

I mix groundbait before I start fishing. During this time when I prepare my fishing rod and other fishing equipment, the groundbait slowly moistens.

Prepared landing net before start fishing is important especially when fishing alone and it’s so much harder to put together a landing net when we catch a fish. My advice is to prepare everything you need for fishing and then start fishing.

I decided to use a 0.5 gram float for fishing today. Lightweight, sensitive and visible, perfect combination for today’s fishing 👍.

The first carp caught after a few minutes of fishing. The beginning is promising.

In addition to hook baits I had with me, wild strawberries grew nearby. I didn’t eat them all, so I used some of them as bait on a hook.

The most beautiful part of float fishing for me is enjoying nature, observing the float and of course catching fish or two.

In addition to groundbait, I also fed the fishing spot with home-made particle. Because there are quite a few fish in the lake they ate the fishing food quickly. That the fish were active I noticed after the muddy water rising to the surface. I didn’t have a specific feeding timing, I only fed by my feeling.

And the float disappeared beneath the surface ………. fish on 😎🐟.

One of the many carps I caught that day. Happy day 🙂.

Damage to the gill cover probably occurred during spawning. In this case, we must be very careful that the antiseptic does not get between the gills. If we do not apply the antiseptic carefully, we can do more harm than good. If you are not skilled in this procedure, you better not apply anything.

While waiting for the fish bite, it’s time for a hot challenge. But they’re not as hot as I expected. Maybe next time I’ll try to catch some fish on these Smoki Fun Hot Challenge.

Perfect, the groundbait ball landed nicely next to the float.

It started to rain and the fish became very hungry.

Because it started to rain heavily, I decided that I would end up fishing that day. For that day I caught quite a few carp, I didn’t count how many. The number of carps is not even important to me, but the fact that I was by the lake and enjoyed fishing to the maximum.

Tight lines!

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Fly Fishing April 29, 2020

Chub fly fishing on a small river

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The river is waiting for me 😎

Spring came, and so did all the fish from the deep pools of the river, where they survived the winter (at least most fish). The water level of the river was excellent and I could already start fly fishing.

**Barbed hook (I later squeezed barb with pliers).**

So let’s try to catch chub on a freshly tied squirmy wormy fly.

When I was here two days ago without fishing gear there were a lot of chub and other fish, now no fish activity (as usual). When I was back here a few days later there were a lot of chubs (as if they knew I didn’t have fishing gear with me) 🙄.

Small chub attacked the squirmy wormy 3 times before being caught on the hook.

In addition to fish in the river ((which are good signs that clean water is in the river), there are other aquatic creatures that are also food for the fish.

To some fishing spots I had to crawl and climb through nettles and thorns but it was worth it.

Amazing what a jump of a chub out of the water.

These chubs in the river are amazing acrobats.

Using the barbless hook is very useful as it is quickly released from the mouth of the fish.

Goodbye, see you another time.

Despite the fact that the chubs and of course other fish species were not in the mood for flies it was a very nice day by the river. Nevertheless, I am more than happy with fly fishing as I have caught quite a few chubs (they are still happily swimming in the river).

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Carp Fishing March 31, 2020

Successful day ticket carp fishing

Reading Time: 4 minutes

As usual, when I get to the fishing swim, I first mix the groundbait (meanwhile, the groundbait is slowly moisturizing) and then throw in a fishing spot small amount of bait (corn, boilie, pellet,…) with a spod, fishing catapult or throwing stick. In the meantime, when I am assembling a fishing rod, rigs, bait, rig system…, free bait attracts fish without unnecessary danger to them (monofilament, fishing lead, fishing hook, rig tube, hooklink, …).

Fishing rods waiting for action.

Someone was looking for food on this rotting trunk, probably a woodpecker. For someone waste for someone important for survival. Nature took care of everything.

I know it doesn’t look like a super perfect tied carp rig from some famous fishing magazine or video from internet but the rig works and that’s enough for me.

FIrst mirror carp and…….

…… very soon another a little bigger mirror carp.

Some don’t have any feel with fish or they don’t care about our water friends. Please take your time and fight the fish slowly and not at all power to pull the fish out of the water. Because we go fishing to enjoy nature, catch fish, be they big or small, they all deserve the same fish care respect. We need to look to the future for fish to be healthy and in best shape. I’m just wondering who wants to catch a crippled carp, even if it’s 40 kg or 80 pound or more. I definitely don’t.

Proper carp care is important for carp as well as for the future of fishing.

Happy days.

On the carpy menu today: a little amount of tigernuts, corn, can of sweet corn, groundbait mix, crushed boilies, sweet pellets and liquid csl .

Any kind of garbage does not belong to nature (these also include monofilament or braid pieces that fishermen cut), so everyone who brings with them should also take with them and throw away in the dedicated trash can!

I picked up that trash (and other trash I found) and took it home and dumped it in the trash can (just a reminder, I don’t need any medals and compliments, anyone who appreciates nature and hopes for a better future would do it).

The last hour to finish fishing today. Fingers crossed.

The buckets and other fishing accessories are empty and partially cleared (finally is cleaned under running water at home, not to transfer any fish diseases to other lake, pond, river,…), which means that the fishing day is over for today..

The last rays of the day are still trying to illuminate the sky through some clouds. The singing of the birds slowly slows down and the lake slowly goes into its nightly rhythm. For a few moments I still admire this beauty of nature and then go home hoping to visit this beautiful lake soon.

Till next time …

… tight lines and wet landing nets!

If you would like to use content from the Fishing Religion website (in whole or in part), please add a link to the contribution on our site in your post.

Disclosure

Some of the links in this blog and in our videos may be affiliate links, and pay us a small commission if you use them. We really appreciate the support. Thank you for your support.

This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. As an Amazon UK Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.

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