VILNIUS - True fishermen would no doubt accuse me of heresy for what I'm about to write; That is, how I was delighted to learn that I could count on a fresh fish dinner without having to sit for hours waiting for a bite. No, I'm not talking about a quick stop to the supermarket, there's a better solution 's a recreational fish farm.
For those of us who love the sport of fishing but lack the patience or time, and for those who despise the ever-present possibility of going home empty-handed after spending hours sitting behind a pole, the Zveju Namai fish farm holds the key.
Dreaming of my delicious dinner-to-be, I figured the 30-kilometer drive from Vilnius to Zveju Namai would be well worth it. So I trudge out the door, leaving my tackle behind.
The first thing I notice about Zveju Namai is a clutter of small wooden houses in a quiet field. Looking down into the little valley, I see the ponds where my dinner awaits me. I know that true fishermen would say Zveju Namai is "hardly fishing," and I suppose it is more like dipping into a puddle for your dinner, but the advantages far outweigh any criticisms if - like me 's you're pressed for time and value convenience. Let me list off the benefits: first, the farm provides all needed tackle, you catch a bite in minutes and'shere's the best part'syou don't even have to clean the fish. It's all done for you. You simply decide how you want your fish: cleaned only (to take home fresh), charbroiled or smoked; the rest is up to the professionals.
Curious where this plethora of fish comes from, I inquire with an employee. The man tells me that the fish are bought "elsewhere" and released into Zveju Namai ponds. He also instructs me that, unless I want to get slapped with a 30 lita (8.6 euro) fine, I'd best not release a fish after catching it. The logic behind this rule: the fish could not live if released. However, my mistrustful nature tells me this regulation is more about the farm losing profits then the survival of its released fish.
After receiving my short instructions, I take my basket, fishing rod and some corn (the bait for the trout) and begin fishing. After a few unsuccessful attempts at casting, my watchful Zveju Namai professional comes to the rescue and, with a little help, my hook is soon in the water. On my third attempt I hit the jackpot. A trout swallows the bait. After a short fight, the fish is on land and then (here's the gross part) the "fish killer" comes and knocks the fish out. For sensitive folks, this sight (and sound) could ruin all dinner plans.
After the fish is weighed, all I have to do is decide whether I want to take my catch home or eat it in the restaurant'sboth for the same price: 34 litas per kilogram, no matter how the fish is prepared.
(By the way, don't forget to bring cash. No credit cards are accepted at Zveju Namai and the nearest town with a bank machine is about five kilometers away.)
However, if you choose to have your fish smoked, you will need to return in 12 hours to pick it up. Otherwise, within a half an hour your fresh and tasty dinner is ready. Now that's what I call fishing.
"Zveju Namai"
Phone: +370 528 26008
