Living in Russia for a year was an amazing time. It was also a time of discovery on a scale you can't imagine. As with many cultures, there were vastly different aspects and slight different ones that made it all well worth the time. I enjoy getting out to the lake for a bit of fishing and so do the Russians. This is true even if it is winter.
If it is winter in Russia, we have to be talking about ice fishing. If the Russian winter stopped Hitler in his tracks, you know it is going to be an interesting time out on the lake. Fortunately, the Russians have developed a way of staying warm while sitting on the ice after years and years of study and development.
What is the magic? You guessed it ? Vodka! There is saying in Russia when it comes to drinking vodka ? warm on the inside and cold on the outside. Vodka is offered up as more or less radiator fluid for your body. I have to admit it works very, very well.
Once you head out to the lake, it is a pretty simple process. Find an area that looks less thick and break out a long, stiff saw. You then start trying to saw, pound and hack a hole in the ice. Yelling helps and is generally encouraged. Vodka is as well. Once the hole is opened, it is time to find some small stools, bait your line and have a seat. Down goes the line and up goes the vodka. Frankly, the fish are pretty safe.
When ice fishing in Russia, the prospect of catching something depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, the type of fish is entirely dependant on the lake you are on. The second issue, however, is more important. How long can you stand to sit there? It is cold like you can't imagine. At 30 degrees below zero, even vodka is not going to keep you warm for long. You can dress with so many layers that you look like the Michelin Man and it still is not going to be a long session.
Do I recommend going ice fishing in Russia? Sure. Once and only once! Then you can say you did it while you are hunting for some aspirin.
