The fisherman, the sea and we
Fishing – the fishermen at the Costa Brava have a difficult job: they drive almost every day in wind and weather fishing boats out to sea. In the late afternoon, the catch will be auctioned off in the port. On some days you catch almost nothing – on other days the nets and linen are fully stocked. So a little luck is part of it! If you’re out with the fishermen for a few hours, you’ll learn a lot about their hard lives. However, you have to get it up early, just like you.
Roses 6 a.m. It’s still pitch dark. The sea calm. Otherwise we shouldn’t go with you. A trip with the fisherman is always a spontaneous appointment. Only the evening before you find out whether the fishing will work and the weather will also play along. We like to be spontaneous and determined to risk seafaring at any time. In August it finally worked out with an appointment on board and we embark on the adventure “Fishing Fish”.
Joan Piris is our captain, teacher and storyteller today
the fisherman from Sant Pere Pescador awaits us with his little fishing cutter in the Port of Roses. Joan only took up the profession of his ancestors a few years ago and bought a small fishing boat. As an independent fisherman, only those who inherit or buy a fishing license can start. Places are limited and rarely available. Life as a fisherman means a struggle for survival coupled with a feeling of freedom. The myth of adventure, freedom and strength can be deceptive. The bank wants the rate for the boat every month and the family must be able to live on the income all year round. Diesel is expensive and the sea moody, the work hard and the fisherman as a man on his own in the universe – revealed to the elements of storm, sun and waves.
We trust Joan Piris, his boat and the universe for a few hours. Let’s go out to sea. The sun slowly rises out of the water and breaks through morning fog veils and clouds. Getting up early for this spectacle alone was worth it. Wind in the hair, freedom in the heart and romance in view – feelings of happiness and pure adrenaline!
The hard work of a fisherman
A little time to chat is as it slowly gets brighter. When the first buoy is reached with the linens laid out the night before, concentration is required and bone work begins: Fish And pulling sea creatures out of the water takes strength. According to old tradition, Joan Piris fishes with a leege rod – the Palangre. The “Peix de Palangre” – the fish from the Legeangel – is considered particularly tasty and is very popular in the restaurants in the region. Joan specializes in sea bream. Today a particularly large specimen swam on the hook. Unfortunately, the monster probably put off the colleagues. The catch overall is not very lavish. This has happened many times before. Therefore, tourists should bring in a small additional bread on the fishing boat as the second main leg.
More and more local fishing associations are taking onlookers with them to fish on the boats in order to be able to ensure the survival of the fishermen. Joan Piris has also decided to do so from time to time in company and fish. If the weather cooperates, you can accompany him alone or in pairs for a morning in his adventurous work.
Escorted by screaming seagulls: Krah! Kraah! Scream! – You involuntarily think of scenes Alfred Hitchcock’s Movie The Birds – we end up back in the port of Roses around noon. We would have liked to take fresh fish home with us. Unfortunately, this is not possible because the entire catch must be given to the auction according to the regulations. The adventure made you hungry and it’s time for a hearty breakfast on the beach – without fish!
A day fishing on the fishing boat
1. The life and work of Fisherman of Roses get to know:
A day trip on a large trawl fishing boat: from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., experience the daily working day of a fisherman on the Costa Brava and share the typical food of the fishermen on board.
2. Experience fishing on a smaller boat: from
6 a.m. to 1 p.m. A more personal way to get to know the daily work of fishermen along the coast.
3. The fisherman, me and the sea – excursion alone or in pairs with a single fisherman in his traditional fishing boat: from 07.00 to 11.00
Information and reservations:
650 27 24 27 / info@enroses.com,
per person from 140 euros. Excursion until September 30th possible.
