Pike fishing on ruegen is very popular with us anglers, as the island offers numerous bodies of water and good fishing opportunities. Here is some information and tips for pike fishing on ruegen:
On ruegen there are some lakes, the coastal waters and our Bodden waters where pike occur. The best known include the Great Jasmunder Bodden, the Small Jasmunder Bodden, the Schmachter sea, the Strelasund, the Selliner See and the ruegische Bodden. These waters offer the best conditions for pike fishing. Both from the shore and from the water, you are spoiled for choice when looking for spots around the island.
Spring and autumn are generally the best times for pike fishing on ruegen. At these times of the year the pike are active and easier to catch. In the spring, when the water gets warmer, the pike are hungry and look for food. In the fall, they gorge themselves for the winter.
The pike in MV has a minimum size of 45cm in inland waters and 50cm in coastal waters. The closed season for pike begins on March 1st of each year and ends on April 30th. However, this closed season is only limited to the coastal waters. In inland waters, those authorized to fish can set their own closed seasons or waive them. My personal withdrawal window for pike is 60cm to 90cm. Anything below or above that, without exception, goes back into the water for species conservation.
A wide variety of fishing methods are used for pike fishing on ruegen. Spin fishing and thus fishing with wobblers, rubber fish or spoons are popular. Towing with a boat can also be effective. It's worth trying different baits to find out what the pike prefer that day. In the winter months I have fished most successfully with bait fish for pike. Either directly on the ground or floating on the float assembly.
Pike like to stay in shallow areas with vegetation, near shore, in bays and near underwater structures such as herb beds or submerged trees. These areas provide shelter and also serve as a hunting ground for pike.
In the kitchen you can use the pike in many ways.
Fried Pike: One popular method is to fry the pike. The fish is filleted, seasoned with salt and pepper and fried in a pan with a little oil until golden brown. You can also use flour, egg and breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust
Steamed pike: A gentle method of preparing the pike is steaming. The pike fillets are seasoned with spices such as lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper and cooked in a closed pan with a little liquid (e.g. water, wine or fish stock) until they are infused.
Pike in the oven: Another option is to cook the pike in the oven. To do this, the fillets are rubbed with spices and possibly a marinade to taste and baked in a casserole dish in the preheated oven at medium heat until cooked.
Pike soup: An alternative preparation method is to use the pike for a soup. The fish is cooked with vegetables such as carrots, celery and onions. The cooked broth can then be seasoned with spices and herbs to create a delicious soup.
Hechtfrikadelle: One of my favorite pike dishes is the Fischfrikadelle. It is a delicious alternative to the classic meatball.
Here is an easy recipe to make fish cakes:
Ingredients:
500 g firm fish (e.g. cod, saithe, salmon), boned and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 egg
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, dill), finely chopped
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Preparation:
In a bowl, combine the chopped fish, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
Let the mixture sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up and make it easier to form into patties.
Form the fish mixture into small balls and gently flatten them to form meatballs.
Heat enough oil in a pan and fry the fish cakes on both sides until golden brown. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the meatballs don't stick to the bottom.
Drain the finished fish cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
The fish cakes can be served warm or cold. They go well with various side dishes such as potato salad, mixed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Bon appetit
