{"id":24220,"date":"2023-07-23T10:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-23T08:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fromplacetoplace.travel\/?p=24220"},"modified":"2023-07-23T10:22:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-23T08:22:07","slug":"fishing-in-kalamata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fromplacetoplace.travel\/greece\/peloponnese\/fishing-in-kalamata\/","title":{"rendered":"Traditional fishing in Kalamata – out to sea by boat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The sun has already risen, but it did not really want to warm when we arrived at the port of Kalamata. The wind was blowing moderately and so we hoped that the sea would remain calm. It went out by boat to learn about traditional fishing in Kalamata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Angeln<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fishing and angling in Kalamata is part of the life of the Greeks. Whether in the sea or in the river, fish are caught everywhere and you don’t even need a fishing license! If this is not a reason to take a fishing trip by boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The port of Kalamata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kalamata was an important trading port in the past. Today ferries still leave here and the area for private pleasure boats is quite well developed. Some fishing boats still sail daily from the port to the bay of Kalamata. There, in the Messinian Gulf, they then go fishing and sell their goods to the restaurants or at the daily market of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hafen<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sailing ship was waiting for us to go out to sea today. About 20 passengers can join the daily tours. Below deck there are also cabins and so it is possible to book multi-day trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Segelschiff<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a short check if everything is on board, it was time to cast off and from now on enjoy the view of Kalamata from the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Schifffahrt\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sailing on the Messinian Gulf evokes visions of deep blue skies, clear azure waters and breathtaking landscapes. Unfortunately, the sun kept waiting for almost the whole day and so the visibility was often slightly clouded. But still the impressions were breathtaking and again and again we discovered something new: interesting coastlines from rocky cliffs to small hidden bathing bays, crystal clear water and now and then a fish swimming by. Wonderful, relaxing and pure recreation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Peloponnes<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After we had reached a quiet place the anchor was laid and now fishing was on the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing with lines: the traditional way to fish in Kalamata<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Greece also has a rich tradition in the field of fishing. Already in ancient Greece fishing played a central role in food and economy, and this tradition has continued to the present day. One of the traditional methods of fishing in Greece is fishing with lines or also called “hand fishing”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fishing with lines, also known as fishing the “old way”, is a simple yet effective method. Minimal equipment and a good amount of patience is required. The basic idea of this method is to catch the fish with a line and bait, without the need for a fishing rod or similar equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Angelk\u00f6der\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Greek method of fishing with lines requires only a strong line, hook, bait, and perhaps a simple lead or rock swivel to get the bait deep enough into the water. Typical bait could consist of small fish, worms, or shells, depending on the target fish species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike more modern fishing methods where anglers target specific fish species, traditional Greek line fishing is a more opportunistic method. Anglers cast their lines and hope that a hungry fish will swim by and bite. This method is very versatile and can be used from land, from a boat, or even while wading in shallow water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Angeln<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although this method seems quite simple, it requires a lot of skill and experience. The angler must choose the right bait, bring the line to the right depth, and then wait patiently for a fish to bite. Once the fish bites, the angler must reel in the line with just the right speed and force. In doing so, he must not lose the fish. Fortunately, the fishing principle was explained to us in great detail, and soon we were sitting lined up at the railing, hoping for a fish that was eager to eat our bait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this was only a hope. Not one fish wanted to bite and so it remained with the attempt to catch the lunch. So that we did not have to starve on board, the crew prepared an excellent meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n