Opening of the catfish season in March. France 2009.

Here's the translation of the passage:

On Friday, March 20th, at 6 a.m., the doorbell rang. Vadim had arrived.
I drank my tea in two large sips, grabbed the bags with my stuff, and went out of the house. Vadim's car was packed almost to the brim. Somehow, we still managed to squeeze all my stuff in, and then we were off! We arrived quickly and without incidents.

In front of Koen Janssen's house was already Mike's white Audi, who had come from Switzerland to visit Koen.
Koen Janssen has been working as a fishing guide for over 17 years. Hundreds of people owe him their first successes in catfish fishing!
I have known Koen for a few years now. Our fishing trips together have brought me many new insights into catfish fishing! Sometimes, completely immersed in conversations about catfish, their habits, and everything related to modern catfishing, we sometimes forgot the catfish rods that were tied down or the bait fish hanging over the side while we drifted downstream with the boat. Only the large silhouettes on the sonar would snap us out of our conversations and remind us that we were actually supposed to be fishing...

Vadim and I had decided to open the fishing season on March 20th. A little early, but curiosity won.
When Koen found out that I would be fishing, he suggested joining us. He asked me to take a video and capture the fishing moments on camera. I knew I would have little time to fish myself, but I agreed! The success of my friends makes me just as happy as my own.

So, we were five: me, Vadim, Koen, Mike, and Mike's wife.
Koen had previously chosen a suitable spot where we could at least be somewhat protected from the strong northern wind. After we bought the fishing licenses, we drove to a spot where we could launch the boat.

Mike and Koen loaded the boat with our equipment and went to the previously chosen spot. Later, Koen returned to pick me, Vadim, and Mike's wife up. The boat was once again full of rods, tents, loungers, and all kinds of other "fishing gear."

Not only that: Vadim and I also inflated a dinghy, which was also loaded with equipment and then towed behind us on a rope.
With some effort, I squeezed myself into the dinghy, turned on the camera, and started filming.
Later, when we arrived at the fishing spot, we began with the preparations. The tents were set up, a trash bag was hung up. By 4 p.m., six rods were deployed with the help of the boat – along a ledge that separated the main riverbed from a shallow bay.

The bay was also not overlooked. Since the water there warmed up faster, it was expected that the river giants would pay a visit here as well!

Vadim also cast out two carp rods, baited with pellets and boilies.

After all the work, we sat in a circle to quickly grab a bite to eat and celebrate the start of the season with a bottle of cold beer – which didn’t get warm in this season!

The wind was indeed strong and cold. With a speed of 20-25 km/h, it brought icy air from the north.

The meltwater had also raised the river's water level by 1.5 meters and lowered the water temperature! From nine degrees, the temperature had dropped to six.

To sum up: catastrophic conditions. Anything but catfish weather! But we didn’t let that discourage us!

The next day, nothing changed – neither the weather nor our catch.
Vadim had a sluggish bite indication on his carp rod, and that was all...
But we still had time.

After lunch, we went out with the boat to check the catfish's reaction to catfish clonk using the sonar.
Apart from two small catfish, no one reacted to the sound of the clonk.
The boat was heavily carried away by the current and the wind!

We couldn’t last longer than an hour and a half and returned to shore.

Another day and another night passed. Sunday came. In the early morning, I could hardly open my eyes from all the shouting about a big fish!

A catfish had landed on one of the rods! Koen had struck the hook before Mike even crawled out of his sleeping bag and tent! When Koen handed the catfish rod to Mike, he jumped into the boat.
Mike followed, but not as gracefully as Koen! He slipped and fell into the boat from a height of about one and a half meters, landing on his knees! Fortunately, he wasn’t seriously injured and was able to continue the fight with the catfish. After 15 minutes, the whiskered giant was in the boat!

After a quick photoshoot, the unusually thick and muscular catfish was safely released back into its element!
Then, it was time to pack up, load the gear into the boat, and take several boat trips...
After stopping by Koen’s place, we looked at the photos, chatted a bit, and said our heartfelt goodbyes.
We didn’t say goodbye for long! A whole season full of adventures and clothes stained with catfish slime!
All our expectations were met! We forgot about the northern wind that weathered our faces, the cold of the night, and the desire to sleep!
Hooray! The catfish season of 2009 is open!

Vitali Dalke 2009