For most sailors, the dream of the perfect blue water trip also includes catching a big fish. There are plenty of pictures of proud hunters holding a handsome mahi mahi up to the camera. The reasons are obvious. On the one hand, deep-sea fishing is part of the boundless freedom of the ocean and on the other, it is the only way to get fresh meat. What's more, it's free, a gift from the sea, and well prepared a real treat for the palate.
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In our local waters, such as the Baltic and North Sea, angler's luck is a far rarer sight. Why is that? The Baltic Sea in particular is considered to be empty of fish, which in turn leads to stricter regulations, restrictions and controls. You also need a fishing licence in Germany. Perhaps it's also due to the time factor, because if you want to get a good berth in the harbour, you can't be late. And you can buy fish in every harbour town, either in a restaurant or directly from the fisherman.
But there are also good reasons to go hunting yourself. With a little preparation and the right timing, tasty fish can be pulled out of the water. The best thing is that these fish are not aquaculture fish, nor are they caught on the other side of the world and imported. It could hardly be more sustainable.
The most important equipment for fishing on board
Fishing licence and formalities
A valid fishing licence is required to fish in German coastal waters. After passing the examination, the licence is issued on presentation of the examination certificate at the public order office. The fishing licence is recognised in all federal states. It is also necessary to pay a fishing licence fee.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a coastal fishing licence is required, which can be purchased for little money at many fishing shops or petrol stations. Schleswig-Holstein also requires its own fishing licence. However, there is another special regulation in both federal states: a tourist fishing licence can be applied for here, for which no further requirements are necessary. This is valid for four weeks and costs between 20 and 30 euros. There is also a brochure that provides information on the most important fishing skills and the correct handling of caught fish. Admittedly, this sounds typically German and complicated, but once you have your fishing licence, the rest of the formalities are easy.
A state fishing licence is also required in Danish waters, but this does not require a prior examination. The so-called "Fisketegn" is mandatory for people between the ages of 18 and 67 and is only valid in conjunction with an identity card. The Danish fishing licence is only available online via the website www.fisketegn.dk or via the "MitFisketegn" app. The cost is 6, 20 or 29 euros for a daily, weekly or annual pass.
Minimum sizes and closed seasons
On the German and Danish coasts, minimum sizes and closed seasons must be observed for many of the marine fish found. These regulate the size above which a caught fish may be kept and killed, as well as the times when they may only be caught to a limited extent or not at all. In addition, there may be temporary EU fishing quotas that also affect hobby anglers. For example, the so-called bag limit currently applies to salmon, which only allows one specimen to be caught per angler per day. Salmon fishing must be stopped after the first catch. There is even a general fishing ban on overfished cod.
As minimum sizes and closed seasons vary not only internationally, but also in the federal states and are subject to change at any time, it is essential to check these in advance. For German waters, for example, this can be done at www.fischpro.de and for the Danish coastal areas on www.fisketegn.dkwhere the fishing licence is also issued. Failure to comply may result in severe fines - checks must be expected.
Fishing is generally not permitted in nature conservation areas that are marked on the nautical charts.
Good chances of success
But where is it worth casting your line? Other anglers offer some guidance. In spring, during the herring season, they populate fish-rich waters such as the Strelasund or the Schlei with their boats. If the recognisably good spots are too shallow for keelboats, it is a good idea to drop anchor in a dinghy. One advantage of this method is that the yacht remains clean when butchering and gutting the fish. Seagulls, which continuously swoop into the water, are also an indication of possible prey. They hunt for small fish that are driven to the surface by predatory fish.
Professional fishermen are also well informed. The nets they set up or lay out are a reliable indicator of fish stocks. Just don't get too close - you're just as likely to get into trouble.
If you want to find a good spot individually, you can also use the nautical chart for orientation: Sailors usually steer clear of shallows, but they are the hotspots when looking for fish to catch. Fish find shelter and food on wrecks, reefs or sandbanks. It is also worth taking a closer look at the depth contours. If the bottom drops off sharply, this is an indication of changes in the current and therefore also of a greater abundance of fish.
A good example of this can be found in Aarhus Bay in front of the Sletterhage lighthouse. Here the bottom drops rapidly from two to fifty metres. Not only do the container giants pass here on their way to Aarhus harbour, it is also a popular fishing spot all year round.
The strong currents of the Öresund are also an Eldorado for fish of all kinds. For some years now, a large school of tuna has even been hunting for garfish, herring and mackerel here in summer. Although the impressive hunter is protected, its prey is not.
Silver arrows in the Baltic Sea
When the rape blossoms in northern Germany, the garfish are there too - this rule of thumb helps to recognise the start of the garfish season in the Baltic Sea. The silver arrows are at home in the depths of the Atlantic. However, when the water warms up in spring, they migrate to the coasts to spawn. In the Baltic Sea, they can usually be found from the beginning of May until June or July.
Calm, sunny weather is ideal for hunting fair-weather fish, while they are rarely active in cloudy conditions, at dusk or at night. As the nimble needlefish hunt for shrimps, small fish or worms in the shallow shore regions after spawning, waist-deep water with seagrass beds or sandy bottoms offer ideal fishing spots.
The Greifswalder Bodden is one of the traditional spawning and fishing grounds. Herring shreds are the most popular bait. The only disadvantage of this green-grilled delicacy: It has an above-average number of bones.
Alongside the German fishing stronghold of Fehmarn, where the focus is on flatfish and sea trout, Rügen is a mecca for large pike. In the western and northern Bodden waters of the island, there are plenty of forage fish for the voracious predators.
What to look out for in different areas
Deep-sea fishing on the North Sea
In the North Sea, flatfish, mackerel and cod are among the most sought-after edible fish. In contrast to the Baltic Sea, the latter can also be caught. Naturally, the hotspots far from the coast are ideal for fishing from a boat - which is also where the full fishing boats go.
Provided you have sea legs, the rough North Sea is an excellent area for successful mackerel fishing from ten miles off the coasts of the Netherlands and Germany. There is a good chance of catching large cod or whiting on the wrecks - but with the risk of a hook getting caught.
One of the absolute top spots is the Yellow Reef off the coast of North Jutland. This is a high plateau that lies on the edge of the 700 metre deep Norwegian Gully. It is around 80 nautical miles long and 11 nautical miles wide, with water depths of 20 to 150 metres.
Due to the numerous wrecks, stones and corals, most fishing trawlers avoid the area to protect their nets. Huge cod and anglerfish can therefore be found there all year round. Coalfish, pollack, ling and many other fish can also be caught.
Despite the high chances of success, the area is only suitable for beginners to a limited extent and requires good preparation in terms of weather, equipment and bait. Due to the strong currents on the Yellow Reef and the higher weights of the fish, more robust fishing tackle is required than in the Baltic Sea.
Fishing in the Mediterranean
One advantage of the Mediterranean is the mostly clear water. This makes it possible to explore fishing grounds in advance with a snorkel. Edges, rocks and seagrass beds are far more promising than monotonous sandy bottoms.
With a little luck, target fish such as the two-banded bream can be spotted. With its silver body colour and two black vertical stripes, it is easy to spot. The "Raor" cutterfish enjoys cult status on Mallorca and is the most expensive edible fish there. The best bait for it is considered to be the spray worm, which is available in local fishing shops.
On the other hand, caution is advised with the golden stripe. This fish with its characteristic yellow stripes also feeds on a type of poisonous green algae known as "killer algae". Its poison is transferred to the fish flesh and can cause motor disorders and hallucinations in humans after consumption, similar to a severe intoxication.
Many fish that can be found in the Atlantic can also be caught trolling in the Mare Mediterraneum. While fast hunters such as tuna or marlin can be attracted at six to ten knots, a maximum speed of three to four knots is suitable for fish such as sea bass or mahi mahi.
However, in many Mediterranean countries you also need a fishing licence, which you should find out about in advance.
The freedom of the oceans
The best thing first: there are no regulations or licences on the vastness of the world's oceans, nor do you need expensive equipment. As a rule, a simple reel, bait and fishing line, which should be at least one millimetre thick and 100 metres long, are all you need for a good catch. When fishing, the line can be tied to a stern cleat while travelling.
One trolling lure that many blue water anglers swear by is the reusable imitation squid. Such lures can be bought in all colours, but you can also make your own with the simplest of means: a head with large eyes and colourful rubber fibres behind it, under which the hook is hidden. The bigger the bait, the bigger the fish.
The rule of thumb is to add ten metres of line per knot of speed. It is also advisable to run the fishing line over an elasticated line that acts as a shock absorber. This protects the line when biting and is also a visual indicator of a fish hanging on the hook. The shock absorber can also be fitted with a jingling object to provide an acoustic signal.
One of the fish that bites most frequently is the aforementioned mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish. It is also a symbol of ocean fishing due to its exotic appearance with its protruding jaw, high forehead and bright colours. It also tastes good, its meat is very tender and juicy.
The bonito, often confused with the bluefin tuna, is also frequently fished. It tastes good, but its meat is of a lower quality than that of its coveted relatives. No wonder bonito is often sold as tinned tuna.
Humane slaughtering
If a fish is hooked, the animal must be prevented from suffering. It is therefore immediately stunned with a powerful blow to the head. A sharp knife is then used to either pierce the belly directly into the heart between the pectoral fins or to make a gill incision. In both cases, the fish bleeds out and dies.
As it can be problematic to tame a panicked, wriggling fish, the tools should be ready to hand and shoes and work gloves should be worn - as cuts and bites can lead to serious infections. The fresh catch should be gutted and processed quickly, especially at high temperatures. The fish waste can be thrown overboard without hesitation.
Apnoea and harpoon
In some coastal waters, such as the Caribbean islands, spearfishing is also an option. A fascinating hunting sport with addictive potential, but one that requires good physical condition and stamina.
A mechanical harpoon is used to dive without compressed air. However, in hunting and diving fever, apnoea divers can quickly overestimate their abilities, which in turn can lead to fatal accidents.
Otherwise, spearfishing is considered to be resource-friendly, as it is hunted specifically and without bycatch. Nevertheless, this special type of fishing is subject to restrictions in most countries, such as minimum sizes or bans on shooting individual species.
In some countries, such as France, a licence is required for spearfishing, while in others, such as here in Germany, there is even a general ban.
Care of the equipment
Modern fishing tackle can usually cope well with salt water, and there is often little difference between salt and fresh water tackle. However, a little care can do no harm to ensure longevity. It is best to rinse the rod and reel with fresh water after fishing and leave to dry. After the trip, grease the reel and thoroughly wash out and dry the hooks and artificial bait.
Tasted blood? Then there's not much standing in the way of your next sailing and fishing trip. And yes, even if there are regions where a certified fishing licence is not required, it is still advisable to obtain one. The course teaches you a lot about fishing techniques, bait and fish knowledge. Good luck!
Fish poisoning Ciguatera
Ciguatera is caused by the toxin ciguatoxin. Algae found on coral reefs can produce this toxin. Small fish consume these algae and are in turn eaten by larger predatory fish. The larger and older the animal, the higher the concentration. The toxins do not harm the fish themselves and are both tasteless and heat-resistant. It is estimated that at least 50,000 cases of this poisoning occur worldwide every year.
For humans, ciguatoxin is a strong toxin that primarily attacks the nervous system. Within 48 hours of eating the contaminated fish, symptoms such as reddening of the skin, numbness of the lips and oral mucosa, nausea and diarrhoea can occur. However, the poison is rarely fatal. Long-term symptoms such as dizziness, tingling sensations, visual disturbances, muscle cramps and a burning sensation when exposed to cold can last for months.
The poisoning mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical marine areas between 35° north and 35° south latitude - regions with coral reefs are particularly affected. It is therefore safer to consume fish from the open sea.
Book tip: Easy fishing from aboard
Practical guide for beginners and advanced anglers on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Marcus Krall, Delius Klasing, 19.90 euros.
