Kazakh Fising Trip

When asked if I wanted to go on a Kazakh Fishing Trip, I was a little hesitant because I have heard all the stories about vodka drinking at 5 in the morning, but I said yes anyway. I am trying to say, "Yes" to more opportunities and I always have a great experience. Isn't that what life is about - experiences?

Well the trip had no vodka, but it did have a pre-5 am wake up call to meet Yerganat (Stacey's co-worker) and Nurlan (his experienced fisherman friend). We drove in a Russian Lada about 30 minutes outside of town. Along the way I was able to see the sky change colors which was cool. We went right next to Nazarbayev 's (President of Kazakhstan) compound. The fishing spot is just big enough for one car and perfect. No one else was around and I did not see a boat or a person for the entire day.

For the fishing, we used live worms and dead shrimp. Instead of corks, the Kazakhs use a bell that is clipped on to the end of the rod once the line is in the water. They also prop up the pole with broken off sticks and place them in the ground. I liked this because you didn't have to keep watching the water every second, but you did have to listen. The fish (called Sazan) were everywhere jumping out of the water and seemed to say, "Look at me." It took us 4 hours to catch one fish. Then two got away at the net. I then reeled in my own fish. When the bell sounds you grab the pole and rip it good. Since we had lost two fish already I was determined to get him to shore and pulled him right on. The guys with me would take off their pants (see picture below) and enter the water in their underwear to make sure the net was in the right place. The fish did not put up much of a fight until after it hits land and then it seems to stay alive for hours flopping in the dirt.

I enjoyed the quiet time, the unique sandwiches, bread with stuffed beef, and lots of tea. The guys would heat the tea up with a tea pot on a small fire. After we fished for about 7 hours I didn't know how we were going to get the fish back. I am used to ice chests full of ice and plenty of room, but when in Kazakhstan do as the Kazakhs do. We caught 5 fish and put a few in the only plastic grocery store bags we had and the rest in on the floor in the back of Nurlan’s car. When we started the ride home I could hear the fish flopping around. That fish knew his life was over.

I showed the boys the fish and since our village clubhouse kitchen was open I asked them to clean and cook my two fish.  I just wanted a little and gave them the rest. They did it without a problem and were a little surprised that I had I caught them myself.  Unfortunately, they didn't take out the bones so it was hard to eat around them, but it was still great to eat something I caught myself.   Next time I want to take the boys.



Nurlan and I



Fish is called Sazan