The close season for zander fishing began on 01.03.2021. We appeal for all fishermen to strictly adhere to the fishing ban until 01.05.2021 when the close fishing season ends.
The zander lays its eggs in the nest, and then it stays there to guard it. Therefore, it is crucial not to disturb the adult individuals that are there to protect the spawns during this period. If the nest is left unattended, the spawns are endangered by other fish species and amphibians that feed on it.
In addition to the close season, when zander fishing is completely stopped, in the remaining part of the fishing season, it would be desirable to also return the unharmed individuals (those not over the minimum prescribed measure of 40 cm – measured from the tip of the fish mouth to the root of the tail fin) into the lake. So, according to the statistical data, sexually mature individuals mostly become mature in their third year of life when they reach a length of about 40 cm. If we “blindly” follow the rules of the minimum prescribed measure and carry away the caught specimens (that are a few centimetres around the stated measure), there is a good chance that we have prevented a given individual from experiencing its first reproductive cycle at all. This directly endangers the sustainability of the fish stock. It means that we significantly reduce our chances of catching it in the future.
The modern approach to sport fishing, as well as the general tendencies of environmental protection, are increasingly leading us not to view our catch as a piece of meat on a plate but as a worthy opponent to whom we give back their lives at the end of the fight. It is hard to imagine that we can instantly switch from the traditional approach (which means that we return home with the catch otherwise as if we did not fish at all) to the modern C&R (Catch and Release). Anyway, I believe that we can always make a compromise after which everyone is satisfied. You simply should not exaggerate, go to extremes and be exclusive.
We currently have the opportunity to witness the growth of the zander population in Lake Palić, the presence of which has an extremely positive effect on biodiversity. Additionally, it certainly contributes to the attractiveness of the lake in terms of fishing. Zander is a natural enemy of overpopulated species such as prussian carp (babushka). It directly affects their reduction in the lake, which leads to an increase in the amount of zooplankton and finally to a decrease in algae, which ultimately directly affects water quality. Simply put, zander feeds on babushkas (mostly smaller specimens), babushkas feed on zooplankton (primarily those smaller babushka specimens), and zooplankton feeds on algae. Eventually, the equation becomes simple.
In the end, let each of us, who fish for zander, return some individuals to the lake instead of eating them. If we do so, we will be well on our way to enjoying tomorrow by giving them a chance to increase their population.
