Are you planning a vacation to Turkey and are only interested in the beach and hotels? In vain, because in this resort you can not only sunbathe in the sun and swim in the salty sea, but also go fishing well.
Fishing in Turkey is a very interesting and exotic activity that will appeal to both an experienced angler and a beginner angler. However, before you take a spinning rod and take a convenient place, you should familiarize yourself with some of the rules and features of fishing at the resort. What kind of fish is caught in Turkey? What are the best ways to use it for fishing? Are there specific bodies of water in Turkey designated for spinning hunting? Let's find out.
The benefits of fishing in Turkish land
It only seems at first glance that Turkey is a country for lazy tourists relaxing on the beach or relaxing in trendy discos. In fact, the infrastructure provides entertainment for experienced fishermen. Special excursions and trips are organized for those foreign guests who want to spend their vacation (or part of it) with a fishing rod in their hands. And this is not surprising, because Turkey is a coastal country, most of its hotels and recreation areas are located near the sea, so it will not be unprofitable or inconvenient for tourists to participate in Turkish fish hunting.
Thanks to this pastime, foreign travelers can not only relax, but also expand their horizons. Fishing in Turkey requires compliance with certain requirements and conditions, familiarity with which will enrich the experience of fishermen, improve their skills and dexterity.
Moreover, fishing in the Mediterranean Sea has another advantage - gastronomic. Here, not only familiar carp or carps, but also mackerel, octopus and, possibly, even a shark, will fall into your bait.
Varieties of fishing
As mentioned above, fishing activities are also included in tourist activities. Numerous companies and firms offer their assistance in organizing fishing. Most often, they focus on three types of fishing, common in Turkey:
- Fishing on the high seas.
- Fishing in fresh water.
- Hunting fish under water.
Let's discuss each of these species individually.
Sea fishing in Turkey. Excursion
Offshore fishing can be several options. The first of them - in a hotel or travel company you buy a tour (for one or more people) and go swimming. At the same time, the organizers most often supply you with everything you need: tackle, bait, bait and so on. On the ship, tourists are accompanied by an experienced angler, or from the beach they are watched by the coordinators of fishing tours.
It is very convenient, but has its drawbacks. First of all, what kind of real fishing can we talk about if your time and space are limited by guides? Moreover, being in close proximity to the coast, it is impossible to taste all the charm of sea fishing, not to mention catching a good rare fish.
Nevertheless, such a trip on a yacht with a spinning rod will be fascinating in any case. Especially if the vessel is maneuvering, equipped with life jackets and search beacons.
Own fishing at sea
In addition to excursions, you can take an autonomous trip. What does that require?
Independent fishing in Turkey involves the rental of any vessel convenient for you (with or without a captain), on which you can go to the open sea. A similar deal can be made in almost any port, with almost any shipowner.
This type of fish hunting is very convenient, as it does not limit you in actions. You can personally prepare the gear you need. There is no need to be near the shore or other specific place. Moreover, no one is watching or watching over you.
Nevertheless, such fishing (for spinning or tackle) involves the observance of certain safety measures. Firstly, the presence of a life jacket on the vessel is mandatory. Secondly, make sure that the captain’s cabin is equipped with a GPS beacon or navigator. And of course, when choosing a boat, pay attention to its condition. On a rusty and broken vessel you will not swim far.
How long will fishing take in Turkey? Usually a good nibble starts at six in the morning and ends at ten in the afternoon. As you can see, such a pastime will not take much time, but will enrich your life experience, delight your heart and help you plunge into the exotic world of a fish resort.
And a few more recommendations. Turks are very fond of fishing. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask them for help and advice. It is best to ask local anglers about where fish migrate and where the most numerous underwater flocks swim. This will help you all the same GPS-navigator and echo sounder, which you can supply caring Turks.
Among local fishermen, women occupy a special place. Often they are known as responsible and skillful fishermen, so do not neglect their opinions and advice.
Tackle and bait
With regard to sea fishing, it should be remembered that spinning fishing in Turkey is not always popular. Often, on the Turkish coast, experienced fishermen use tackle - a fishing line on a short fishing rod, the end of which is equipped with a sinker. Along the fishing line are hooks (about ten pieces), on which the bait is strung.
Often fish bait, mounted on hooks or scattered around the float, is pieces of fresh meat, shrimp or regular bread.
The dangers of sea fishing
Yes, it turns out that it happens. To prevent all kinds of accidents and adventures, one does not need to go far from the shore. Also, at the sight of a gathering thunderstorm, it is best to return to the port in a timely manner.
But there is another real danger that should definitely be mentioned - this is a dragon fish, which can prick you with its spikes. Such an injection is very dangerous, as it can lead to amputation of limbs.
What can be caught
Of course, not all fish caught on your hook will be poisonous. In the open sea you can catch black sea mullet, sagan, izmarite, palamute, levrek and, if you're lucky, tuna.
An interesting find can be a mouse fish - an exotic fish with sharp teeth. So be careful. However, the meat of this marine inhabitant has a pleasant taste and special tenderness.
The Black Sea Red Mullet, called “Sultanka” in Turkey, is a small, yellowish-gray fish, with pink spots on the scales and an elongated mustache along the mouth. It is best to hunt on the open sea, but not far from the coastline, using bait in the form of mussel or shrimp.
The fish has a pleasant unusual taste, especially if cooked correctly. The locals from whom you rented a boat will be happy to do this for you at an additional cost.
Caution: predators!
Many people wonder if it is possible to catch barracuda in spinning in Turkey. In short, yes, but for this you should try hard.
Firstly, the activity of this fish in the summer lasts only half an hour. It was then that ordinary fishermen increased their ability to hunt for barracuda. Where does this fish live?
Although most often she prefers to swim at the bottom, at dusk the barracuda likes to swim a little closer to the shore.
The best time of the year for fishing is the beginning of spring (March-April) and autumn (late September - early November). During this period, where the barracuda lives (in the Mediterranean Sea), it is quite warm and cozy for the active lifestyle of this fish.
When hunting for this marine creature, remember that it is very dangerous. In length, the fish can reach two meters, and its weight sometimes exceeds forty-fifty kilograms. Barracuda is considered a predator, as it can attack a person and inflict stitching, lacerated wounds on him, which will be very painful and difficult to heal.
Moreover, fish is considered relatively edible. Only young individuals can be used as food, as the meat of old barracudas becomes tasteless and poisonous.
And yet, if you come across this fish, then it will become your real trophy, the pride for any fisherman.
Self-fishing from the shore
This type of fishing is also quite common in Turkey. This is the easiest, safest and cheapest form of sea hunting.
And yet, heading with a fishing rod to the shore of his hotel, it is worth remembering some recommendations:
- In the hotel you are staying in, this type of pastime may be prohibited.
- Moreover, fishing in this particular place may be a violation of state law, since in Turkey, however, as in any other country, there are certain water areas in which fishing is permitted.
- Look for local fishermen who will tell you where it is best and, most importantly, where it is legal to sit with a fishing rod on the shore.
If you are going to throw a fishing rod from the shore and you were allowed to do it, it's time to think about where to fish. Of course, it will be more convenient to do this from the pier. Here you can catch mullet and other small but tasty fish.
Turkey Freshwater Catching
As you know, this country is rich in freshwater bodies of water. Eleven percent of its territory is occupied by rivers, lakes and swamps, in which local residents specially launch fish to decorate the leisure of any tourist.
Similar fishing trips are accompanied by family outings. Here you can not only sit with a fishing rod by the water, but also admire the picturesque scenery, entertain the children with animators and also arrange a romantic dinner.
Here you can offer to smear healing mud or tell amazing local stories that have something in common with real events and folklore. This is especially true of two famous reservoirs, in the middle of which is a small flooded village.
You can fish from the shore and boats. Most often, fishing excursions go to such picturesque places as Lake Manavgat, the Kepruchay River or Duden Waterfall. It should be remembered that the narrower the body of water and the faster its course, the worse the coveted fish will be caught there.
Caught in freshwater reservoirs most often for bread, it is possible for meat or Makukha. Here you can hunt for trout and mullet. If you go fishing at some reservoir, then you can catch a pike.
There are practically no catch limits with spinning. So catch as much as you want!
Reviews on the river
This type of fishing is very popular in Turkey. Fishing, where you can relax comfortably (sometimes even the whole family) - is this not a dream of every angler ?! However, not all Russian fishermen praise such pastime. Many note that such excursions are distinguished by drunkenness and a noisy company, so there is no longer the opportunity to calmly go fishing and relax.
On the other hand, there are positive reviews about fishing on the lake. Often our compatriots note that such tours are accompanied by quiet family dinners and picnics (lunch, barbecue and drinks are included in the price).
Obviously, how these excursions are conducted depends on the guides and guides, as well as on the tourists themselves.
Fishing under water
This type of diving is gaining more and more popularity. This type of pastime is considered sports. He is of little interest to local residents, but attracts extreme fishermen.
Underwater fishing is possible with an underwater gun. Most often, such excursions are conducted in beautiful exotic places - among the rocks or coral.
Visibility in the waters is very good, there are a lot of fish, so such fishing will be a very exciting and exciting activity for experienced anglers.
Numerous people will be taught the initial art of immersion, as well as how to behave properly under water. Of course, they will give the necessary uniforms and weapons.
If you want, you can plunge into a large company and arrange a competition over who will catch the fish the most. It will be interesting and exciting.
Of course, spearfishing has its own requirements for everyone. For example, if you are drunk or have serious chronic illnesses, you will not be allowed to dive. In addition, the caught catch will need to be weighed. Tourists are allowed to take with them only eight kilograms of fish caught.
Diving is only necessary during the day. Such night fishing is considered poaching.
Interestingly, recently, companies that provide services for underwater fishing, do not need to purchase a license for their activities. Nevertheless, tour operators are cautious in their work, as for non-compliance with the above rules they will face heavy fines and huge problems.
Pleasure cost
Of course, discussing the topic of fishing at the resort, it is impossible not to touch on its value. The price of fishing in Turkey (organized by excursion companies) can reach one hundred euros or more. It all depends on the quantity and quality of services included in the general service (provision of gear and bait, transfer to the hotel and so on).
Of course, if you rent a boat from fishermen in the port, then fishing will cost you less. Especially when you consider that the Turks love to bargain.
On the other hand, the cheapest type of fishing is fishing from the shore. However, there are also disadvantages - a big fish is unlikely to fall into your spinning. In addition, you should also know where to catch.