Fishing Guides’ Catch Recommendations

The Finnish Fishing Guide Guild recommends the following individual catch limits and maximum sizes for guided fishing trips:

In addition to these recommendations, catch limits must naturally also adhere to the minimum sizes and closed seasons in force in the fishing area, as well as the condition of the catch. For example, in trout fishing, so-called winter-run and non-fin-clipped trout should always be released, while fish injured during capture should be taken if possible.

Why do fishing guides have catch recommendations?

Our waters and the fish stocks they sustain are in a constant state of change. Eutrophication of waterways, construction, seals, and cormorants, as well as fishing, all put pressure on our fish populations.

Fishing has a much greater impact on fish stocks than is generally believed. The Fishing Act and regulations limit catches primarily through minimum sizes and closed seasons. The law also allows for the possibility of setting maximum sizes and daily catch limits for different fish species, but these measures have been underutilized, despite their necessity in many waters to improve the age structure and spawning population of fish stocks.

Healthy and thriving fish stocks are essential for the livelihood of fishing guides. For this reason, the Finnish Fishing Guide Guild supports selective fishing and has issued recommendations for the catch that should be taken on guided fishing trips.

Fish stock conditions vary by area, and therefore the Guild’s catch recommendations should be regarded as guidelines. Fortunately, we still have waters where, for example, healthy zander stocks can withstand fishing pressure greater than the Guild’s recommendations. Fishing guides know their local waters best and are able to apply the Guild’s catch recommendations in a way that supports the well-being of local fish populations.

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