Species Fishing – Learn and Get Inspired by All Fish Species
Species fishing is gaining popularity among sport anglers. It's no longer just about the weight of the catch – it's about discovering, identifying, and catching as many different fish species as possible!
Species fishing, also known as "species hunting," took its first steps in Finland 2001 when the first national Kalamaraton® was held in Helsinki. In this new type of competition, the goal was no longer to achieve the heaviest catch, but for teams to catch as many different species as possible within 24 hours using sport fishing gear and present them to the judges.
In the first Kalamaraton, the winning team caught 18 species. At that time, even undersized fish were accepted, provided they were released back. Excluding those undersized trout and grayling, the comparative score to current competitions would be 16.
In 2011, the Kalamaraton was won with a result of 27 species, showing that teams have become very proficient in species fishing. In recent years, more and more anglers have started to chase species for their own lists outside of competitions.
Even a small stream can surprise...
Educational and Beneficial
Species fishing is not only great fun but also beneficial. Let's first review the ecological and research-based principles: fishing pressure is no longer focused on certain so-called valuable species, some of which – particularly migratory fish – are endangered.
From a research perspective, species fishing provides valuable information about the habitats and abundance of various fish species. Fisheries research institutes eagerly utilize this data and welcome species samples for study.
In 2009, the Kalamaraton caused a minor sensation when two round gobies were caught in Helsinki. It was only the second observation ever in Finland and the first in Helsinki.
Species anglers must study their catch more thoroughly than usual. It's not enough to simply be told about a good perch spot. When targeting, say, a tiny sand goby, anglers must learn to distinguish it from other species, know where it occurs, what it eats, the best times to catch it, and what hook and bait to use.
Especially with cyprinids and gobies, careful attention is required. The more one engages in species fishing, the better one becomes at identifying species. For cyprinids, it can be challenging as some species interbreed and produce hybrids. This is also fascinating information for fisheries researchers.
The Right Gear for the Right Place
Anyone can start species fishing with simple gear – a basic fishing pole, spinning combo, ice fishing rod, or fly rod. The first species can be easily caught this way. As the hobby progresses and more demanding species are targeted, special equipment becomes necessary.
It's particularly important to use a hook of the right size. Small species – of which there are plenty – should be caught with a small hook. Gas station hooks are too large for species like sand gobies, sticklebacks, and minnows. Additionally, the right size and type of bait are crucial. Proper line, floats, and weights are also essential.
One does not need to purchase separate equipment for each species; the same gear can be used to catch many different species.
Text: Jukka Halonen
