Ancient fishing methods are being revived in the Braslav district

Since time immemorial, people have settled on the banks of rivers and lakes for easier fishing. Our ancestors invented various fishing tools made from readily available natural materials. For example, they used hemp and nettle fibers to weave traps, nets, and other fishing gear.

In the early 20th century, artificial materials such as synthetic and polymer ones replaced natural materials. The widespread use of such devices began to disrupt the ecological balance, and products made from net materials were banned. Currently, as the state pays much attention to reviving traditions and preserving national culture, certain provisions of the current fishing rules have been revised. In particular, in water bodies where paid amateur fishing is provided, permission may be granted for the use of homemade fishing gear made from natural materials (twigs, wood chips, bark, bast, wood, flax, cotton yarn).

Such devices are divided into portable stationary traps and mobile net devices. The former include:

- buсh, kosh, korobka, versha, set, koryzina with dimensions not exceeding 150x100x100 cm and an inlet opening diameter not exceeding 70 cm;

- nastavka up to 100 cm in height and up to 70 cm in diameter;

- venter and merezha single-chamber traps not exceeding 150x100x100 cm with an inlet opening diameter not exceeding 70 cm and wings up to 2 m long.

Net devices:

- marta and toptukha with a capture width not exceeding 2 m and a mesh size of at least 10 mm;

- podsak with a diameter not exceeding 0.5 m and a mesh size of at least 10 mm;

- pauk (pod"emnik, khapun) with a single net panel not exceeding 2x2 m and a mesh size not exceeding 30 mm.

The procedure and location for using homemade fishing gear are specified in the paid fishing regime. An amateur is allowed to use only one of the listed devices, which is determined by the lessee or user.

It is forbidden to designate areas of water bodies for such fishing within 50 m of river mouths, at the sources of rivers, streams, canals, and from the boundaries of locks, dams, bridges, and pumping stations. Devices and locations are indicated in the permits.

Currently, this method of paid recreational fishing is permitted on the lakes Plutinok, Tsnó, Albenovskoye, Ostravita, Zólovo, and the Druyka River. Permits are sold by the Braslav Lakes National Park.