Simple Pleasures: Fishing for Sand Smelt
Recently, we decided to try out a new fishing tool, revisiting the methods I used in my childhood.
As a child, I often went fishing with my grandmother. Whether it was by boat or walking along the shore, I always enjoyed catching sand smelt – a small, yet tasty fish that’s a common part of our diet.
Sand smelt, scientifically known as Atherina hepsetus, are small, silvery fish that move in schools. They are found in bays and open waters, preferring shallow areas near the surface. The larger specimens can reach up to about 10 cm in length and are particularly delicious when fried after being lightly coated in flour – they don’t even require cleaning.
This little fish plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem, serving as food for larger fish and seabirds.
The sight of sand smelt schools, often forming impressive patterns in the water, is quite a spectacle. In the spring, they spawn, contributing to the replenishment of their population and the overall health of the marine ecosystems.
Today, the fishing net I use has a slightly different design and requires careful handling. It consists of four wires supporting the net, which is spread out and lowered into the water using a long pole.
For bait, we throw some bread crumbs soaked in water over the net. As the sand smelts gather above it, we begin to pull up slowly. While some scatter, many remain in the net. It’s crucial to lift the net gently to prevent the structure from collapsing under the water’s weight.
Sand smelts are not only prized as a delicacy but also serve as excellent bait for anglers targeting larger fish species. For more information on this fish, please refer to this article.
0 Comments