Well, dearest reader, my excitement from the previous post was over-blown. I did receive a fishing license, but it was given to me (whether as a mean joke or as a gesture of kindness) with the limitation of one month. And during that month, guess what type of fishing was off limits? That's right, trout fishing. Just to get the license I was actually asked to write a semi-lengthy explanation as to why I want to fly fish in Germany, the main reason being to catch trout. So, they knew and, well, probably laughed all the way to the bank... ok, it was only 9 Euros, but still...
With that said, faithful followers, I received an extension to stay over here until April and another fellowship to be in Tueringen next fall. With those two blessings falling into my lap, I couldn't help but take the opportunity to get rid of all possibilities of red-tape-troubles and take the fishing course (Fischerlehrgang) for Hessen, the region bordering Rhineland Pfalz. The course is preparatory for the fishing test. My brilliant idea: take the course, take the test, and silence the mouths of the German bureaucracy. I've been told I should be able to use this course and the qualifying tests in any region/state. That means every time I come over here for research, I could take a little fishing trip on the side.
Today was the first day of the course. It will end up being three weekends of five 6-hour sessions. Yes, three weekends made up of five 6-hour sessions! So, the question might be asked (and understandably so): Why the heck do the Germans require such a belaboring thing from the common fisherman?
I have two answers:
- The nice answer: To educate the masses as to propriety in the fishing environment.
- The bitter, frustrated answer: To allow some old guy to stand in front of a bunch of people and tell them fish stories.
Today we were lectured on understanding water quality, variations of bodies of water, and aquatic vegetation and animals. Good. I'm ok with that. But most of the time was spent listening to this gentleman's tales of fishing in Norway and his tips as to how we can best fillet our catch. Oh man. But, I do want this to be a bit informative for anyone out there looking to get a license in Germany, so I will be keeping track of the process for those of you who might wander to my posts while searching on the web.
First, go back and read my previous posts on getting a license in Germany. Then come back to this series of the fishing course.
Course tips:
- Head over to the city/town Ordnungsamt (local government building) and inquire about the course offerings. In Mainz, they offer a course twice a year, once in late spring and once in early winter. But, that might vary according to area. The courses will (most likely) be offered through a fishing club (Verein) in the area.
- First, don't worry. Although... you are going to need a semi-decent grasp of the language. I am finding myself dazing off like I would with any English lecture, but it's a lot harder to catch back up... so try to take notes just to keep your mind focused.
- I say don't worry because the 15 Euro manual (the price seems standard between states) for each state provides not only the questions on the exam but also the answers.
- Therefore, I highly recommend writing out all the questions and answers on a separate sheet(s) of paper, but make sure to leave out the wrong options. If you write only the questions and their appropriate answers, you'll be using all (or most) of your senses to memorize the answers.
- The course does not have "homework" nor does it have any form of essay writing.
- The exam will be (for me) 60 question of which I will need to answer 45 correct to pass.
- IT COSTS A BUTT-LOAD OF CASH. The course = 120; the manual = 15, the state exam = 30. That means to get a "life-long" red tape cutting piece of paper, I will be spending 165 Euros. Yikes. Thank goodness the German government is paying for mine ;).
10 comments:
We are moving to Germany (nurnburg area) for two-four years and I need to fly fish to be happy. This is very interesting stuff, I just stated reading it today (4/6/10 by the way this is under my wifes account) my name is james. I live and fish in Oregon right now. I'll keep in touch and pick your brain more, if that is ok?
james
Absolutely, James! I'd love to be of help. I'll be moving to the region just above you (Thueringen) for the fall of 2010, so I'd be more than happy to assist. Are you moving as military or in some other function?
Non Military, actually with adidas. I have a couple 5 wts and a 4 and a 3wt along with a spey rod and acouple 8 and 9 wts. Any Salmon runs you know about within a days ride or so in that area?
well, this might peak your interest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huchen
As for equipment. The trout are relatively larger over here... a 5 weight would do; although I tend to enjoy dry fly fishing with a 3 weight. I brought a four-piece 5 weight along, and haven't taken it out yet.
Ok, back to the Nuernburg area: you are in Franconia which is bordered by what feels like the Smoky mountains [albeit, not as big or AS pretty], and the trout fishing is great. how's your german?
I have the rosetta Stone Level 1 - German. We will get lessons when we arrive provided by the company. So right now - not very good but working on it.
Maybe we can hook up and fish once we get settled and figure out how to get on the internet.
Have you ever thought about fishing the Pyrannes (sp?) in Spain?
I'd love to get together and do some fishing. I am more than willing to play the role of interpreter until you've mastered the German language.
Never been to Spain... the budget of a graduate student hasn't allowed me to visit the fly fishing destinations (like eastern europe) in close proximity to Germany.
Do you tie Fly's?
I can and have, but all my tying equipment is back in the states. And I am prone to walk into a store, chat with the owner about the waters, and buys some of his wears.
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