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Post by chasb on Oct 23, 2006 18:15:55 GMT -1
I've just read an article in an old Trout and Salmon about seatrout fishing in Denmark and in the Baltic. Has anyone any experience of either location, been there or can recomend or sugest any guides or firms who will do a holiday or long weekend trip?
I really fancy a go a marine seatrout but other than Orkney or Shetland (to many salmon farms) Denmark or Sweden are the only practical places I can find to try for them.
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 23, 2006 19:56:59 GMT -1
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 20:32:55 GMT -1
You will find most of the info you need here; www.fyn.dk/article/14115The pamphlet offered ( 117 Fine fishing spots) is worth every penny, it more or less replaces a guide for Funen. Order here; www.fyn.dk/modules/fyntour/shop.php?langcode=en&categoryid=186#( Click on "Seatrout") You can also book guides through the site. If this is your first time then this is a good idea to get to know the ropes. One can do it alone, but the chances of catching a fish are very much increased if you use a guide for at least one day. After you have done that, you can fish alone. www.fyn.dk/article/14123Most of the time, the main difficulty is in finding the fish. This is more or less impossible for a newcomer, as there are many factors to consider. Guides usually have a good idea of where to go, and what to do. The weather is of course critical in any case, but a guide will know what to do then as well. Regardless of conditions, there is always a possibility somewhere on Funen, one merely has to find it! One can go it alone, but one is likely to waste a lot of fishing time trying to find a good spot on the day. There are ways and means to narrow the choices down considerably, but these are not easily and quickly explained. Buy the pamphlet, and study it carefully. It will actually suffice on its own if you use it properly. Check here for flights; www.lastminute.com/site/find/World/Europe/Denmark/Denmark--Flight.htmlDont go the Hamburg/ car to Denmark route, It is too expensive, and wastes time unless you know somebody there. Most of the guests I take to Funen go this route, because I pick them up at the airport, and I have usually arranged all accomodation and food etc, this makes it a cheap trip if you get four people together. I once had a group of 23 people for a week, and the total cost ( excepting travel) was less than 12 dollars US per day, in self catering cabins. I carted the food up with me in a VW bus. Before anybody asks , much as I would like to, I am unable to do anything like this at the moment, due to personal circumstances, but I can advise if desired. You can buy a licence online here; www.fisketegn.dk/fisketegn/common/setupAnglerFisherType.doVery cheap, a weeks licence costs 90 DKK which is about eight UK pounds. A years licence is not much more. Of course, you can fish the whole Danish coastline, but this poses very large problems for somebody with no knowledge at all. Funen is a very good place to start, there are a lot of seatrout there, and one always has a possibilty to fish somewhere. Cod may also be caught on the fly in many places. At other times of year, mackerel, garfish ( large numbers!), and a range of other fish in various places. There are many possibilities. One can do it very cheaply indeed, with less comfort. Camping ( at camping site, wild camping is not allowed in Denmark), and carrying food etc in a rucksack, I know a few people who do it for about 30-40 pounds for a week, ( not including travel). If possible, it is sensible to go as a small group, but one can also use the lodges etc offered at the URL´s I gave as a single traveller, and they are not too expensive usually. With a little advance planning, you can have a really good and memorable trip, more or less tailored to your budget. Everybody in Demark speaks English, and anglers are welcomed and respected. If you need advice on gear, tactics, flies etc, just ask. TL MC
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 21:06:23 GMT -1
I have been thinking for a while that I ought to get a group there again. Couldn´t do it this year. Obviously, the members here are likely to be interested in such things. If there is sufficient interest, I would be prepared to organise a "gathering" next year, for members of this board. This would be at "cost", ( I have never taken money for anything to do with fishing), and would require some planning of course. If there is interest, fire away..................... Might whet your appetites somewhat...; www.visitfyn.com/modules/fyntour/index.php?baserecordid=66299730&langcode=enwww.visitfyn.com/seatrout_fynA fairly typical double room B&B ( most are very comfortable indeed), cost here is 400 DKK which is about 35 British pounds, there are cheaper and dearer ones as well of course. TL MC
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 21:20:40 GMT -1
If I did it, I would take self catering accomodation for the group. This keeps the price low. I am quite a good cook, and I would also get the food sorted out here in Germany. This drops the price even further. The total cost ( excluding travel) is divided equally between all participants. The more the merrier, ( and the cheaper). This is also a good introduction to anybody wanting to make regular trips etc. Once you know the drill, and have a reasonably good grounding, it is not that difficult to catch fish. Usually the groups I have taken have wanted casting or flydressing instruction etc, and of course guiding. This costs time of course. In order for beginners to be prepared I have often spent two days giving casting instruction etc etc, and sorting out gear and the like. This cuts into fishing time of course. I dont do guided tours of the island, or legoland, or ancient castles etc. I am only there to fish! ( And guide as required). Booze is much the same, I get it here and cart it up. It is cheap here. But if I am organising, I dont drink much, and in my experience, pissing it up every night only ruins the trip for others. Nothing against a couple of parties of course! Also, there is a ZERO ALCOHOL RULE in force in Demark when driving. If you get caught you lose your licence. TL MC
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 23, 2006 21:29:22 GMT -1
I have been interested for a few years now, id love a long weekend or short break over there next season.
Depends on the best time. I would love to do a week, but with the nippers it would be pushing it.
Im definately up for a 3/4 day break though!
Hoppy
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 21:41:06 GMT -1
Well, if a long weekend is the main wish, it is better to book one of the trips offered on the site I posted. Self catering accomodation is a problem for less than a week ( saturday to saturday). This offer is for a week and costs about 540 Quid for four people; www.fyn.dk/article/36244This works out at about 22.50 quid a day per person, so it is not outrageous. For a weekend this is said to be very good, but runs about 180 quid; www.fyn.dk/article/21342Which is ninety quid a day, so rather expensive. As I said there are lots of possibilities, but the cheaper ways of doing things require local knowledge really. My target price per head for a self catering group in a cabin is about 12 pounds a day, including all you can eat, all you can drink, and all you can catch! One can do it for even less, but it is nice to have good grub, good beds, good shower facilities etc. TL MC
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 21:47:57 GMT -1
I think this is a fantastic oppertunity Mike, personnally i am very thankfull for the offer of your experience and services... I sincerley hope this attracts alot of interest, and if it seems numbers exceed expectations, if you wish, may I offer assistance should people want help with casting, just to aleviate your workload Mike "and not a plug!!"... www.visitfyn.com/seatrout_fynThis link is fantastic...! Cheers[/quote] I would hope we got mostly experienced people, but one can not make this a condition, and anybody wanting to learn is welcome of course. Certainly, I would expect the more experienced to be of help generally, but most people who do this want to catch fish ( understandably! ). As I said, the possibilities are more or less endless. We could camp, and save a great deal of money, but after a hard days fishing with just a packed meal or a grilled sausage or a smoked seatrout fresh from the sea, or so, for lunch, one is grateful for a hot shower, a pleasant evening meal, maybe dressin a few flies for the following days etc, a sip or two of whatever poison one happens to favour, and a comfortable bed in a well appointed cabin! Believe me I know! Also, the time of year has to be considered, ( among a host of other things!). Let´s see how it gets kicked around here.................. TL MC
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 22:20:56 GMT -1
I deleted this, the pics were far too large.
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 23, 2006 22:25:51 GMT -1
For further general info on seatrouting Denmark; globalflyfisher.com/global/denmark/species/seatrout.htmlglobalflyfisher.com/patterns/smalllarge/globalflyfisher.com/global/denmark/tackle.htmglobalflyfisher.com/patterns/magclass.htmglobalflyfisher.com/gallery/denmark2004/pic.php?id=1164&caller=indexglobalflyfisher.com/patterns/frede.htmwww.ulnits.dk/gb/frame236.htmwww.ulnits.dk/artikler/frame-84.htmwww.angling-eastjutland.dk/uk/frame-93.htmOther possibilities; www.aeroe-urlaub.de/en/aeroeix.htmFunen is not the only island good for seatrout, and some of the others are less expensive. Aero, Langeland, Bornholm, Als, etc etc. The main coastline is also pretty good if you know where to go! A good way to get to Denmark is this; www.aeroe-urlaub.de/en/anfahrtgb.htmwww.dfds.co.uk/DSW/EN/Travel/Transport/HE.htmPlenty of fish around all the islands; www.aeroe-urlaub.de/en/island/pg_10.htmwww.fishing.co.uk/article.php3?id=2077www.cofman.co.uk/denmark/activities/angling-waters/funen/One of my favourite spots on funen; www.cofman.co.uk/denmark/activities/angling-waters/funen/fyns-hoved.htmlThe ONLY reason many of my guests have landed in Hamburg in the past, is because I live sixty clicks South of Hamburg, and pass the airport ( more or less) on my way to Denmark. The border is about 2 hours from where I live. ( depends on your car, and how fast you drive of course). In Denmark there is a universal speed limit on major roads of 110kph ; www.alltraveldenmark.com/Denmark/Car_Rental/Driving_Tips.htmBest not to exceed it! In Germany, on many motorways, there is no speed limit, so if your car can do it it, you can drive at 300 kph. If you go here; www.cofman.co.uk/denmark/activities/angling-waters/you can find accomodation and angling opportunities anywhere in Denmark. This should give you a general idea of the possibilities, ( very good centre for Funen as well), which are typical of Denmark; www.kerteminde-turist.dk/May also be of interest; www.ukswff.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131That should do you for now! TL MC
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Post by buzzerman on Oct 24, 2006 3:04:46 GMT -1
ohyeah thats for me my freind
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 24, 2006 3:58:48 GMT -1
By the way, there are a lot of excellent possibilities for wives and kids at most places. I have had a couple of groups where the blokes brought families along. Also a number of groups where the ladies fished as well, although I wont take kids fishing on the Baltic unless their parents are present. This is for safety reasons, and mainly because I have not yet managed to develop eyes in the back of my neck! Some of the camping/cabin grounds etc are very very good indeed, with all possible holiday amenities. This does of course depend on the time of year. As anglers we can go off season very cheaply indeed, but in the main holiday seasons prices increase sharply. One can catch seatrout all year round, but of course it is easier at some times than at others. Right now is a very good time usually, especially in view of the weather, and late spring early summer is also usually good. This may be of interest; www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/Menu/turist/inspiration/familie-ferie/bomedborn/accommodation-with-children.htmA search on "Denmark family holidays" will turn up a lot more. Some students I know do things like this at "sleepins"; www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/Menu/turist/inspiration/familie-ferie/budget-denmark/denmark-for-the-cost-conscious.htm( No idea why the board reformats the end of that URL, just paste into your brower, and add the missing letters) They actually earn some money, and go fishing more or less when they want. This is the most popular "el-cheapo" place for anglers; www.citysleep-in.dk/It is located in Aarhus, optimum for the East Jutland coast etc. Last, but not least, the current exchange rate is 1 DKK ( Danish Krone) equals 0,0899 GBP Or 1 British pound equals 11,1240 DKK Which means that an overnight stay at the "sleep in" in Aarhus costs 10 quid. Some info on Aarhus itself; www.visitaarhus.com/composite-1297.htmwww.angling-eastjutland.dk/uk/index.htmwww.ulnits.dk/gb/frame268.htmwww.ulnits.dk/frame-14.htmI stayed here a few times; www.helnaes-camping.dk/engelsk/brit_index.htm( We stayed in the cabins, but one can camp as well) Excellent! And I got some very good fish on the beach below the lighthouse shown. Indeed, a group of four people I took there caught 23 fish in two days, all sizable, and a couple of really good ones. The best was just over ten ( English) pounds. Bed and breakfast in the same area here; www.bed-breakfast-fyn.dk/Assens.htmOther areas here; www.bed-breakfast-fyn.dk/Englishpage.htmA satellite map here; www.travelamap.com/mapcity.asp?id=128Some pics of the beach below the lighthouse, perfect seatrout ground; fyrtaarne.dk/helnaes.htmlA cabin I also stayed in, 60 metres from the beach; www.hytter.co.uk/vacationhouse/helnaes-fyn/vacation%20house-helnaes-fyr.asp?id=3441There are loads of these cabins all over the place, but one often has to book early. I stayed in such cabins quite often with my wife. They are cheap enough especially off-season, ( holiday not angling season), and usually very well appointed. TL MC
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 24, 2006 8:08:34 GMT -1
One very important point here by the way, which will doubtless be of interest. When fishing for seatrout in the Baltic, one is fishing to actively feeding fish. This entails using rather different flies and tactics to those used in freshwater for seatrout on spawning runs. Usually, ( but not always!), if you find the fish, and "match the hatch", you will catch them. Sometimes it is even possible to catch them on outlandish nonsense, but as a rule natural looking imitative flies are more successful. This also depends on the time of year. It is not essential to cast huge distances, but even a longish cast looks pitiful when you are casting into an expanse of even a small sea like the Baltic! People used to fishing rivers are often quite dismayed at their inability to reach any distance, but this is often a result of having the wrong gear. I use shooting heads exclusively for traditional flyfishing on the Baltic ( I also use some other gear on occasion, which is not "traditional" at all! I dont like WF lines, and full DT´s are no use at all. The shooting heads are not just for distance, but because of the often cramped backcast possibilities. Also, line management and control is different in the ocean where wind and waves are operating. Although the Baltic is often very calm, and looks just like a huge stillwater somewhere, it can also be a bit rough on occasion. A line tray ( or similar device like the "flexi-stripper") is really essential. There is a lot talked about using light gear on the Baltic, and this is indeed possible if you can pick and choose when and where to go, or you live in a hut on the beach, but it is not sensible to rely on this when you are travelling any distance to fish there. I have seen people using #5 weights, indeed I have used them myself, but I normally use a #7, and this is what I advise others to do as well. A #7 or #8 nine to ten foot rod, with the appropriate shooting heads. Namely a floater, and an intermediate, matched to the rod. Most "normal" UK seatrout rods will be adequate. Even with this gear, if you hook into a large seatrout, or even a large cod, you will be hard put to land it. In the ocean, there is nothing to stop a fish running, except the pressure you put on him! No banks, or pools, etc etc. Lots of people have been spooled and broken by a running seatrout, and a fair number of them because they were still mentally on a river, and their gear was not set up right. You will need at least 100 yards of backing behind a thirty foot head, and preferably 150 yards. I am well aware that a lot of people say otherwise, giving as a reason that they are only catching "small" fish. This is just a silly argument. If you do hook into a ten pounder, or even a feisty six pounder, it will simply spool and break you. Usually as the backing knot, ( assuming you have one, which you should!), jerks the whole thing to a stop as your line runs out! This is considerably exacerbated if you are also using a light rod. Of course it is possible to play a six pound seatrout on a #5 weight rod, but it is not a sensible thing to do, and risks losing you perhaps the fish of a lifetime. If anybody has any specific questions on gear etc, or indeed anything else, then please fire away. There is a very great deal of information in the links I posted, but it takes time to digest all these things of course. If anything is unclear, then just ask, and I will do my best to answer. TL MC
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 24, 2006 9:28:27 GMT -1
Mike, what would you advise in respect of Dates for 2007.
Late May/ Early June or October?
I would appreciate your views so we can start to look at dates, and get an idea when would be best to visit.
I also take on board your comments re beginners/novices.
Whilst i am in no way an expert on the art of the angle, i would suggest that those interested have some degree of experience of casting and wading. Plus that they have their own kit!
It seems like this could be the first International Forum meet.
There will be many spin offs, including Salt Water fly selection and tying instructions! (I know you can assist with this!)
Hoppy
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Post by Hoppy on Oct 24, 2006 10:01:30 GMT -1
Mike, thanks so much for all the effort you have put into these posts, you are a star.
I have made this post an announcement so it goes across all pages.
We will discuss this further, but it looks like a goer!
Hoppy
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Post by SMW on Oct 24, 2006 15:19:22 GMT -1
Mike, thanks for that very enticing rundown on ST fishing in Denmark, Im well hooked, and need landing, I dont want to escape this one, I was over in Denmark a few years back after Grayling, it was a fantastic experience, I vowed I would go back and fish for them again, and I will, but this sound like the dogs danglers.
Count me in for this one,
Starlmagwonder
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Post by chasb on Oct 24, 2006 16:21:25 GMT -1
Thanks for the info - I'm quite overwhelmed by the responce. I'll have a good read over the next few days and I'm certainly wanting a trip next year.
Funnily enough the article was about Funen in Denmark but written about 10 years ago - before the internet!!
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 24, 2006 19:57:39 GMT -1
May is better than October. As early as possible. Moving into June other problems arise. Plans and tactics are heavily dependent on the weather. Fish are starting to disperse, and getting harder to catch. If still cold, then daylight fishing is best, if already warmer, then one must move on to evening and late night, or even all night fishing. One can usually see these trends a couple of weeks in advance, sometimes longer. Dependent on the various weather fronts, duration, direction, etc. This affects the temperature and other conditions ( salinity) in the Baltic considerably, and often a weather change can bring the fish on, or put them off. One has the best chances in spring. This of course affects how one plans the trip, sets up meals, etc etc. The water temperature in the target area is important. "Usual" May weather means starting to fish around lunchtime, and possibly into the night, more or less 12 to 12 as it were. When I am actually fishing, I tend to stay out a long time. This is not everybody´s cup of tea. Of course anybody can go back to the cabin at any time for a kip etc. Usually I have ( when with a group) a means of making hot drinks, and a portable grill for a shore "lunch". If it is warm, or indeed in any case, one needs to take drinks along as one dehydrates pretty quickly on the coast. For a day, one needs a minimum of three litres of soft drinks etc. Sandwiches etc are not a problem. I will put up a list of essential gear and acessories required. With regard to "beginners", I dont mind helping people out, quite the reverse, but with a group of pure beginners, I dont get any fishing! This is the main reason I dont do this any more. I used to take groups from a couple of clubs at fairly regular intervals, but I ended up either teaching casting, flydressing, setting up gear, or cooking, etc etc. all the time. While it is nice to help people out, it is not my main reason for going fishing! This also meant that I had to lug large amounts of gear along. I dont want to do this any more. Anybody who can cast reasonably, and has the right gear will be OK. Basically, fishing the Baltic is in many respects similar to fishing a large stillwater. We can have a casting clinic etc, if desired, and we will doubtless dress a few flies of course, but the main aim this time around is to get you into fish. I will post the basic list as soon as I have it finished. As soon as we have decided on a definite time window, I will make more specific enquiries about accomodation, location etc. I think Funen is a good choice, but there are other places just as good, which are not publicised as much. We will see what is going on a little nearer to the date. Fortunately I have a number of good contacts who let me know regularly what is going on in the area. I must also warn you now, this type of seatrout fishing is highly addictive! Once you catch a seatrout in the salt, you are hooked for life. There is no going back. You will often then be found sitting with a faraway look in your eyes, completely sunk in retrospection, or future plans, much to the annoyance of your wife, children, significant other etc etc. Anyway, as I wrote, basic list to come, and we can get on to discuss specifics when we have more info. TL MC
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Post by tuniwes on Oct 24, 2006 20:22:06 GMT -1
Theres 5 of us, strait in..... Me too!
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Post by mikeconnor on Oct 24, 2006 20:36:17 GMT -1
Fishing gear: Any suitable #7 to #8 nine to ten foot rod, faster rods have some advantages. Make sure you are capable of handling the rod all day long, with repeated casting. If in doubt, use a nine footer. Shooting heads or WF lines to suit, in floater, and intermediate. If you want to use only one line, then use a floater, but be prepared for some problems with it, in waves etc. There are tackle shops in the area, in case of disasters, but they are expensive! I usually have extra gear along, but a spare rod and line is a good idea. Reel, any standard reel. I use saltwaterproof reels, but any reel will do, as long as it is carefully washed and maintained after every trip. Drags may be useful, but are not essential as long as you can "palm" or otherwise brake the reel comfortably. Fly boxes. Use plastic, and take out any flies on normal hooks you dont need for the Baltic. They will rust away in no time. One can use normal hooks in the Baltic, and I invariably do, but they must be checked regularly. There is no need for stainles steel etc. Chest waders. Breathables are best. Thermal underwear. One can fish in many places without wading, but wading is better. Sturdy well fitting, and comfortable boots! ESSENTIAL! With felts or studs, or both. You are responsible for not slipping off rocks etc, and breaking your neck! This is best avoided by not climbing onto rocks at all! Many of the places we will fish are characterised by beaches with large stones in various sizes, from marbles to footballs and above. This i oftne like walking on ball bearings! Care is needed when negotiating such places. Rocks and stones in the sea itself are slimy and slippery with weed and algae. A wading staff! THIS IS ESSENTIAL! I use broomsticks with a metal ferrule on the point. If anybody needs one, I can provide it, ( Transport problems with these things I fear). Folding staffs are OK, as long as they are robust enough. A line management device. ( Line tray or similar). Leaders etc. I dont normally use them as such. Just straight pieces of various breaking strain line through to the fly. I almost NEVER go below 8lb tippet. Doing so is inviting breaks. Outer clothing. Whatever you like, although a good breathable wading jacket is best. Whatver you use it must be waterproof and you must be able to keep warm in it. Whether by dint of layering or whatever. If you are cold and wet you will not fish well. A good waterproof hat, or a baseball type hat with a brim, and a waterprof hood for your jacket. "Bobble" hats are also popular. Polaroids ( cheap clip-ons are OK). A landing net. I like a large folding net. The little tennis racquet type things can lose you fish. Flies. I will make a separate list of a selection which we can use, for those who dress their own. One does not need many patterns. One may of course try anything, but there are some basic patterns on which one may rely. Just to lighten this up and bit ( I hope i am not sounding too much like an old schoolmaster here!), here is a selection of mine; Actually, one could get away with just these flies, but I will add a few more later. I can supply the dressings if required. We will be fishing intensively, for long periods, often over weed banks and stony ground, so you need a few flies. I will continue with the list in the next post. TL MC
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