 |
|
|
|
||||
 
|
|
|
Men’s favorite past-time, including that of a minority of women, has introduced me to a couple of wonderful spots for fishing - where the view is beautiful and the pike’s are greedy. This prime spot happens to be that of Brändö Island, which is located in the archipelago islands in Aland. I have been to Brändö twice and both times were experiences that I will never forget. I was asked to join my husband and a few of his friends on a fishing trip for three days. I was excited about the idea as I would get to be "one of the guys" and get to be part of the ritualistic events that occur on these weekends for many of the boyfriends and husbands who spend their leisure time away from their loved ones. Well, by the end of the weekend I did somewhat discover what these fishing excursions really meant to them, as well as, I had now found a place in which I will definately return to when I have the chance. I am typically a person who is very affected by the nature around me and I found the journey to Brändö (by ferry and vehicle), a view that was pleasant to the eyes. Firstly, I have never been to the archipelago islands and the color of the clear, aqua colored water was a vision in itself. The rocky landscapes and variety of the trees also captured my attention, as I strained to see what type of vegetation inhabited these structures. The "old", handcrafted boat, which dropped us off at our destination at Brändö was beautiful and made me think of historical times when the vikings ruled the seas. It was so nice to feel the sea breeze and splashes of water on my face and I was definately pumped for the fishing excursion to begin.
While unpacking our things at the cabin, the guys were priming me for the seas and telling me how many fish we were all going to catch. I found it a little hard to believe since previous trips had proved to be many hours of fishing and so few fish. However, they re-assured me that this time it would be different and that I would be sick of seeing fish by the end of this trip. How can anyone get tired of catching fish? I thought that would be the main point to coming on a fishing trip, but I soon found out that this is not so. The couple of days on the boat proved to be quite prosperous, as all of us caught dozens of pikes. Many of the inlets surrounded by the islands consisted of plenty of pikes, most of them were smaller 1-3 kilos, but then there were spots where the first three casts all of us caught pikes 5 – 6 kilos. It really was true, I was getting tired of catching fish! The water was so clear that every move of the greedy pikes toward our lures could be seen and even though this sight was exciting, many times I found myself reeling the line in faster to avoid a hit. The guys were also laughing and saying the same thing. It did not matter what lure was on – wobbler-minnow, they appealed to the pikes.
At the end of each day, Tapsa, cooked us these amazing fish dishes by candle light (no electricity) and we all sat around having a couple beers, talking fish, and going to the sauna. Those few nights I realized what these trips really mean to the guys and I loved it! For the first time ever I went on a trip and did not talk about anything else except one topic – no long life contemplations, no venting of frustrations, AND NO SPORTS – just fishing! It was so refreshing to hear a bunch of grown men giggle like boys over a funny looking lures, hand-made lures, fishing triumphs and defeats – like I said, only one subject. After my excursions to Brändö, I really came back with an understanding and appreciation for this relaxing past-time and I am happy to be a part of it. When Sunday rolled around all of us had caught dozens of pikes, perches, however, only a couple of trouts. We were all very tired at the end, but as the boat picked us up from the cabin, the conversation was about the next time we would return. I really enjoyed this place and hope to return to Brändö for another successful trip.
|
||||
 |
 |
||||||
