Fishing on Ice

So this weekend I found myself standing on Lake Peipsi, the largest lake in Estonia (client), attempting to catch a fish for my lunch.

No I've not become Jesus and developed the power to walk on water, but I have developed the ability to walk on ice. During the winter season the Baltic country becomes a snowy wonderland and rivers, lakes and even the sea freeze over. In fact the ice is so thick that you can drive on specially designated ice roads from the mainland to some of the surrounding islands - don't worry everything is regularly checked before anyone goes on the ice.

So why was I standing on the ice? Well I was taking part in a spot of ice fishing naturally. There was only one slight problem...... I've never in my life been fishing. I've seen fishing on TV, viewed clips on YouTube and even worked with someone who once caught a huge fish which he appeared with in a national newspaper. Despite what appears to be a good grounding in the subject I've never hooked a maggot on to a fishing rod in all my 27 years of existence. Yet my inexperience, and often craziness to try out something different, only spurred me on to ensure I caught something before we left the ice.

Well as you'll see below, I managed to win the "Catch of the Day" competition - I affectionately named him Bob. Whilst most of the group decided to give their fish a second go at life I decided to give my prize to the local fisherman. Well it is their livelihood.

The fishing session was accompanied by a delicious soup made from white fish, carrots, onions and even red berries. Yes we cooked the soup with a fire on the ice half a km from the main land. It was quite an experience. For those feeling the pinch of the cold a shot of vodka was the best remedy to warm the soul and at 60% it definitely hit the mark in the freezing temperatures.

If there's one thing I've learnt about Estonia, it is its ability to always surprise me. I've been a few times and each visit throws up a new and often unique experience.

For more information about Estonia and the different activities you can do visit www.visitestonia.com.