Catching Christmas carp in the Czech Republic (34 photos)

It is hard to imagine rozhdstvensky holiday table without carp in the Czech Republic (Vánoční kapr). This tradition emerged in South Bohemia since the time of Cyril and Methodius - Franciscan monks were the first to raise carp in ponds and put out on the table baked. It just so happened that this fish is available all at the price became a symbol of the Christmas table. However, across the country, this tradition has spread not so long ago - since the beginning of the XIX century.

Soon there will be in the center of Prague large jugs of water in which to dabble hefty carp before Christmas and the Old Town Square will put a large pot of fish soup and the Mayor will pour it all comers.



Gorusitsky pond large area - more than 60 square kilometers And quite deep - up to 6 meters. This is one of several ponds in which the company producing fish breeds carp, pike, carp and others. The process of dilution is stretched in time - from the breeding of fry to the "harvest" is held for two years. Today was the first of three days of work the farm, where, together with staff involved and civilian workers. This is a great event which gathers even spectators.

01. Before you catch the water from the pond drained into the river, leaving only a small patch, which is going to fish. At first a few people put the fence from the grid, the fish catch has remained in place. It takes about an hour, the rest of the fishermen at this time standing on the edge of the forest, so as not to scare the fish. Then, when everything is over, a large group of tough guys wearing boots to belts, rubber raincoat and hat goes out to the water and begins to establish a large network.









Before you start all took off their hats and shouted "Wish us luck, St. Peter" (as the patron saint of fishermen). Foreman had a short briefing, he warned "that no booze", assign responsibilities and wished me luck. In the hands of the foreman symbol of his power - the so-called ferule. This is a symbolic ax of St. Peter's in conjunction with a tip to be hung on the scales while sorting fish.






The descent of water in the pond - a feast for local birds in the mud you can always find the remaining fish. People here just do not have - from seagulls to storks.




The technology is quite uncomplicated fishing - on the dried leaves of the bottom of the tractor, tied a rope to it and it is a large network with the fishermen in the boats pull it into the water, factory, and then to conclude in the ring network.




In the background - the gateway through which the water drained from the pond.


When the network is set, the fishermen start beating poles on the water, driving the fish in center of the plant.


Cable, on which hangs a net with one hand holding the tractor, the other fishermen who are on the beach, setting the stage for a network range.


This is the most time-consuming part of the job - all pulling together a huge network, which already beats several tons of fish.


Fishermen in boats also tighten the net, resting on the bottom of the wooden poles.






As a result of artisanal boats working with the network to form a circle, they are fixed to each other and pull on the cable to a concrete pier, where the sorting line is set to loading.




Please choose the nets largest fish, especially pike and send it in a separate jug of water.




Sort


Then include the sorting line and begin to pull the fish from the net a small crane with a basket. From the basket of fish enters the sortirovchnuyu camera, there are two or three throws carp fishermen for loading, and the rest in the trough with water, where the rest of the fish are sorted other members of the cooperative.












Sorted from other carp immediately loaded into tanker trucks with fresh water. The carp caught the market just does not come - from carp meat smell swamp and he is still a month to be swimming in special tanks with fresh little water and eat something useful.






Here on the coast already standing trailer with braziers and beer, you can eat freshly caught and cooked fish. It also can be bought at a live weight.


It is believed that the baked carp on Christmas table will bring good luck next year. However, in recent years there was another fashion - buy live carp, brought home to let him into the bath and so celebrate Christmas, and the next day the fish are on the Vltava River, and released. Frankly, I would have done so.

drugoi