Fishing in Finland - From necessity to a popular hobby
Significance of fishing to national economy and practice of professional fishing as well have decreased a lot recently in comparison of past. Also private fishing for necessary add to one's food table has came down in numbers. On the other hand fishing has become popular hobby. It's significance to living (as a food) and economical meanings (as selling fish) have been replaced with social and recreational values.
When 100 years a go whole families living were tied in fisheries, now many old fishers may found it twisted when tourists drive 1000 km to catch up one single fish only for releasing.
Finland offers excellent and comprehensive fishing opportunities. If comparing with many else european countries, conditions and chances in Finland are outstanding. For example in Finland private persons can use ways to catch the fish (e.g. nets) that are forbidden or only allowed for professionals in many other countries. Every citizen of Finland is also allowed freely angle and ice-fish almost anywhere in the country.
This fishing section includes descriptions of all major significant fish species of Finland. I have tried to conclude general information, environments, breeding, feeding, moving, wanderings and daily periods - thus all that man planning to catch a fish is interested. Also I have been adding some old stories and beliefs, as well as some special ways to fish and biggest catches in Finland.