Throwing out a fishing rod - some people are horrified by the idea, others enjoy it. And many more have no idea. It's a shame, because there is no better combination of relaxation and excitement at the same time. What does a day of fishing in Groningen actually look like? To partly answer that question, we take you fishing four times, each time in a different area. In this first part, we fish from Lauwerzijl to the Lauwersmeer.
Pike fishing in the Reitdiep
You can fish from the shore, of course, but for the ultimate fishing experience, take to the water yourself. Today in Lauwerzijl, the boat heads into the Reitdiep, with a trip past Zoutkamp to the Lauwersmeer scheduled.That works out well, because the Reitdiep is beautiful water for predatory fishing, according to experienced anglers Jan Willem Wijers and Tamme Smit. Here we fish for a real predator: the pike. A fish with up to 700 razor-sharp teeth.
Trolls
No, not those little creatures with brightly coloured upright hair. Anglers know that trolling refers to an effective method of predatory fishing, dragging lures through the water in de hoop that a hungry pike will sink its 700 teeth into your brightly coloured fake fish. These fake fish (which, by the way, all have different names), come in all sizes and fluorescent colours, and dragging them behind the boat seems to bring them to life. Carefully, a fish from the colourful collection box is chosen for today's pike. 'This will be it', says Jan Willem, 'today we are trolling Ernie'.
" "Today we are trolling Ernie." "
Jan Willem Wijers
Zoutkamp and the Lauwersmeer
More and more colour also appears on the horizon - the fishermen's cottages in Zoutkamp. Once the 'gateway' to Groningen. Until 1960, Zoutkamp had a large fishing port, but when the Lauwerszee was closed off, the village lost this important position. Fortunately, it still has the appearance of an old-fashioned fishing village. Somewhere after the fishermen's cottages, the Reitdiep merges into the Zoutkamperril. You don't notice that. Until, a little later, helmsman Tamme slows down. Looking around, you understand why: Scottish Highlanders and Konik horses along the water's edge enjoy grazing in peace and quiet. Welcome to National Park Lauwersmeer, you're right in the middle of it. Suddenly you realise: driving past, you are just a spectator. On the water, you are part of the impressive whole.
An open door for migratory fish
At the Robbengat lock, the boat is stopped. This should be a great place to fish for perch, but: you can't troll behind a stationary boat, so the gentlemen bring out other rods for the more active part of the fishing adventure. Angling themselves, as they do from shore. With a skilful sweep, they cast the rod out several metres and then calmly pull it back towards them. Successfully, as several perch bite. This is clearly a favourite hangout for fish. The fish-friendliness of this spot is also evidenced by the new lock gates installed this year.There are special holes in them so that migratory fish can swim through, even when the doors are closed. This allows fish to swim more often from the Wadden Sea into the Lauwersmeer and vice versa, which is of great importance for biodiversity. Improving the connection between the Wadden Sea, the Lauwersmeer and the waters beyond is the aim of the Fish for Connection project.
Waterfront charging
About 10 perch later, it's time for the anglers to head home too. Fishing was an adventure. Generally very relaxing, with the occasional welcome adrenaline rush. Excitement and clearing your head at the same time. You don't even necessarily have to catch anything, the excitement is just in the idea that you might catch something. What will it be on? Small? Big? What kind of fish?
If you stay close to home this summer, at least look for water. A lake, river or even the pond next door. Because after a busy day, nothing is better than recharging at the water's edge. And bring a fishing rod too.
With thanks to Sportfishing Groningen Drenthe.
