The key facts
- A permit for a stocked pond costs 2–8 thousand rubles, with a catch limit of 3.5 kg per person
- According to anglers, roughly one trout in four or five is caught with roe
- At Vladivostok markets, caviar prices have risen to 17–20 thousand rubles per kilogram
An alternative to expensive caviar
Russian anglers have found an unusual way to stock up on red caviar for the New Year table: they head to paid fishing ponds in search of trout, which may contain the delicacy inside. It is impossible to know in advance which fish will turn out to have roe. This is reported by SHOT citing Life.ru.
How it works and how much it costs
According to fishing enthusiasts, the most successful period begins in late October: some claim that one out of every four or five trout caught turns out to have roe, although no one can guarantee such a result. The chance to try one's luck costs between two and eight thousand rubles — that is the price of a permit for a specially stocked pond with an established catch limit. If the catch exceeds 3.5 kilograms per person, an additional fee of about 1,500 rubles per kilogram may be charged for the extra fish.
Is it worth it
A caviar-hunting trip does not always pay off: even several large trout may come without the coveted bonus, while the cost of the fishing trip remains unchanged. Those who are lucky manage to gather a supply of caviar for the holiday over several outings. Anglers say they keep the delicacy for themselves and their loved ones rather than selling it. The harvested roe is salted at home using salt, sugar and vegetable oil.
Experts' warning
Food safety specialists warn that home salting without proper processing does not guarantee the destruction of dangerous microorganisms and parasites.
Price context
Interest in fishing at paid trout ponds has grown against the backdrop of a sharp rise in red caviar prices in the Far East: as Life.ru previously reported, the price of the delicacy at Vladivostok markets has reached 17–20 thousand rubles per kilogram. Against this backdrop, a permit costing 2–8 thousand rubles looks like a more predictable expense for anglers, although the outcome — whether the caught fish contains roe — remains a matter of chance.
