It has been more than ten years since I first set out with my friends to fish for seatrout in the icy waters of the Baltic. It seems like it was yesterday when a friend lent me a successful spoon after much persuasion and I burned it with the first throw saying "it can't be snatched here". (I still have it on my plate to this day). Fyn, Bornholm, Als, we have experienced dozens of unforgettable moments everywhere, which makes us come back here again and again. In the following lines, we will talk about how, when and with what to go seatrout.
At first glance, seatrout fishing looks like a terribly simple thing. You put on your waders, get into the water somewhere, throw the spoon and pull it back with lightning speed. Yes, I approached it exactly the same way for the first expedition. Of course, you can also catch fish this way. Over time you'll find (it's much easier today thanks to youtube) that what separates random hunting from targeted hunting are the little things that many of us wave our hands over. A few days spent with one of the best seatrout angler on the island of Bornholm, Bjark Borup, helped me a lot in this. It was only here that I understood how important the size, color or shape of the lure is. Pressure, tides, water temperature (when even 1-2 degrees warmer water in one place can ensure the presence of fish in contrast to a place with colder water), structure of the bottom, speed of the lure, wind strength and direction, etc. There are dozens of factors. if not hundreds. With each trip I get a little smarter and thanks to that I look forward to every next trip more and more. Excellent Danish beer, sweet nougat and a great group of friends also play a role in this, of course.
So what to focus on
Season
Fish can be caught all year round, but each part of it has its own specifics. I ride in the spring from March to April and then in the fall at the turn of October and November. I was a couple of times in May and September.
In the spring, expect more fish, but rather smaller pieces. At that time, the fish are post-spawning, hungrier and easier to catch. The later you go, the more active they will be. On the other hand, there is a big risk that you will arrive late, the fish will have "restocked" or you will already hit the garfish. And believe me, getting through the garfish to the trout is often an impossible task. Last May, I experienced a huge "raid" of garfish, when there were about 100 of them on one trout caught. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience (when else are you lucky enough to pull fish literally on a throw), but if you want to catch trout, this is simply not it. In spring, you can also expect colder weather, colder seas, icy winds, snow and rain showers. Nothing for the faint of heart.
I see May to September as the ideal time for a family vacation with an occasional trip to the water. Most of the time you only fish in a sweatshirt. In summer, it is light until midnight. When the trout aren't coming, you can catch garfish and overall the weather is more pleasant for family walks around the water. Night hunting often comes into play here.
Autumn, i.e. the period from the end of September to the end of November, is the time when there is a chance for "big mom". But it's also the part of the year when there aren't that many shots. And besides, few of us go trout fishing in Denmark at the peak of the predator season. Even so, autumn is, in my opinion, the most interesting and pleasant season for hunting Danish terns. Last November, we even fished in only sweatshirts, which cannot be compared to hunting in the spring, when you often wonder if you want to leave the cabin at all.
Water temperature
As I already mentioned, especially in the spring, the water temperature has a huge influence. Therefore, it is good to focus on shallower places, ideally with a darker bottom, where the water warms up much faster during sunny days.
Bottom structure
Grass, stone islands and even the smallest breaks in the bottom. All these can be called promising places. Here I recommend using google maps and preparing properly.
Water level
Definitely a high water level for me. A time when even large cautious fish come to the shore to feast on shrimps, sand worms and other aquatic small things.
Weather
Definitely the wind. Of course, one that can still be caught. It is ideal to follow the forecast and go to the place where the wind blew the day before. This is where the water will be slightly cloudy and full of food.
Time of day
It is ideal in the morning and evening. With higher cloud cover, calm all day.
If you are going to Denmark for a week, it is quite logical that you will try to use every minute and not only go to the water in ideal conditions. But it's a huge shame to sleep through the best time, or waste it when moving to another place.
And what to wear to the water?
Clothes
A waterproof jacket, waders with a sturdy shoe, the warmest thermal underwear, hat, gloves. I certainly wouldn't skimp here. There's nothing worse than leaving the water at the best time with an unbearable cold. And believe me, I've experienced it before when a friend took old waders that leaked. On the day we finally found the fish, we had to leave early for the lodge because it was frozen to the bone. Do not forget to pack polarized glasses.
Equipment
Rod, reel, line, landing net. 270-300cm no special is needed, just avoid zander x-fasts. The fish would fall to you unnecessarily. Moderate-fast action is ideal. Thrower 20-30g. I use two. One 270 in 28g and one 270 in 18g for days when the weather is sunny and I want to soften a bit. Reel 2500-4000, depending on what suits you. I recommend rinsing it under fresh water every night. Braid 0.10-0.12 mm and at the end a leader made of fluorocarbon 0.30 mm. A big racketeer. First of all, you will catch fish more easily than with a classic racket in Czech waters, and secondly, you will be "Cool" like a good wind-swept Danish hunter.
And the most important thing – lures
You can fish with rubbers, spinners, wobblers and who knows what else. After all, it's still "just" trout. However, I, like 99% of other friends and sea trout hunters throughout Europe, fish with special spoon. White or pink are never missing from my box. I always start with it and often end up with it. If these colors don't work, I choose silver or blue, and finally natural shades come next. Above all, those that imitate sandeels a popular trout delicacy. I always have them with me and put them in clear water when the sun is shining or the fish are wary. Savage Gear Line Thru Sandeel or Zerling, Westin Sandy and Salty Inline or F360, Hansen Hotshot, Pilgrim or Striper and of course Blue Fox Moresilda. These are all spoons that you will find in my box.
Maybe you'll fall in love with seatrout fishing like I did and come back year after year. Maybe you'll fall in love with Denmark, its people and culture so much that every time you plan a family vacation, you'll think about the next part of the country to explore. Or not. Anyway, I recommend that you at least think about Denmark. The incredible comfort in contrast with the harsh Danish climate has something in it. As one of my friends once said: "You will either fall in love with Denmark or you will never come here again".
