HEDONISM ON THE LINE: FLY FISHING AS A WAY OF LIFE

Fly fishing is far more than a simple hobby. For those who truly devote themselves to it, it becomes a way of life - an inner rhythm and a form of personal hedonism measured not by luxury, but by silence, knowledge, and respect for the water.

PHOTO: Hedonist magazin

PHOTO: Hedonist magazin

PHOTO: Hedonist magazin

We came to understand this through a conversation with Srđan Bošković Cicka, journalist, enthusiast, and fishing guide, as well as the founder of one of the largest fly-fishing forums and the website musicarenje.net.

Although fly fishing has existed since time immemorial and, according to certain written and visual records, originated in the area of present-day North Macedonia, England and its aristocracy are considered the cradle of modern fly fishing.

A Royal Sport Without an Audience

“In the late 17th century, Izaak Walton published the first well-known book on fly fishing, The Compleat Angler, which features dozens of artificial flies used for trout fishing. After that, thousands of books on the same subject followed - His Majesty, fly fishing,” Bošković tells Hedonist magazine.

From our region alone have emerged several world-renowned fly tiers, including Dr. Božidar Voljc, Jovan Petrović, Savo Martinović, Andrija Urban, and Goran Grubić, as well as many other well-known and lesser-known fly fishers.

Knowledge, Silence, and Water

“Perhaps with a moderate dose of subjectivity - but not incorrectly - fly fishing is often called the ‘royal sport.’ It belongs to the realm of intelligent skills, as it requires a person’s full intellectual potential and a broad understanding of sciences such as entomology, ichthyology, meteorology, and more. No other discipline offers such a direct connection between man and nature as fly fishing does,” Bošković explains, describing why it represents true hedonism.

Simply put, a true fly fisher today embodies the conscience and awareness of their surroundings, precisely because they are the ones most deeply attuned to nature.

Between Tradition and Modern Life

“Fly fishing traditionally targets salmonid species in mountain streams and rivers, but so-called warmwater fly fishing - on still and lowland waters with non-salmonid species - is becoming increasingly popular. Equipment plays a crucial role: without a proper fly rod, it’s impossible to achieve even the basic elements, let alone the ultimate goal of any fishing - catching a fish,” says Bošković.

Photography is merely an extension of the need to preserve the story of nature, the angler, and the fish - a visual record of the moment where man, water, and silence converge.

Paradise Destinations for Fly Fishing

The Prokletije mountains - a range of seemingly harsh yet noble peaks - are defined by alpine summits from which glacial lakes, crystal-clear rivers, springs, and streams are born.

“At the foot of the Prokletije rises the Ljuča River, flowing through the Plav–Gusinje basin into Lake Plav. It has the characteristics of a chalkstream river, with meanders and both shallow and deep sections. Even in summer, the Ljuča is exceptionally cold, with temperatures rarely exceeding 8°C. Depth ranges from 0.5 to 3 meters, averaging around one meter. In places, the banks are steep, sandy, or overgrown with branches. The dominant fish species are grayling, brown trout, and huchen,” Bošković explains.

Fly fishing does not seek an audience, applause, or speed-it demands knowledge, patience, and respect for the water.

A special curiosity is that the Ljuča is the southernmost European river inhabited by grayling. Further south - in Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece - this species does not exist. Unofficially, it is said that nearly twenty years ago, a grayling weighing almost three kilograms was caught here. Fishing on the Ljuča is considered demanding, as the river is clear and calm, requiring great knowledge and skill.

Rivers That Stay With You

“The icy queen, the Ljuča, must be experienced personally. There are not enough words to describe the angler’s sense of fulfillment - not only because of the fishing itself, but due to the entire setting and the feeling of body and soul. From Lake Plav emerges the Lim River, a river of memories, which in its first kilometers offers a true fly-fishing attraction. Plav is a destination with fantastic offerings, surrounded by salmonid waters and the largest glacial lake in Montenegro. The European Fly Fishing Championship was held here in 2019,” Bošković recalls.

Fishing Tourism as a Missed Opportunity

Thanks to its natural beauty and abundant water resources, Montenegro represents an exceptional fishing destination.

Despite issues such as poaching and organizational shortcomings, Montenegro has an excellent foundation for the development of fly fishing, spinning, and marine game fishing. However, to attract foreign guests, high-quality offerings and modern marketing are essential,” Bošković emphasizes.

Sport fishing подразumijeva humane treatment of fish, the catch and release principle, care for nature, education, and the organization of competitions. In developed countries, fishing has evolved into a serious tourism industry.

In a world of noise and screens, the fly fisher chooses silence as a luxury and the river as the only true measure of time.

Fishing tourists don’t just buy permits - they hire guides, stay in accommodations, dine in restaurants, purchase equipment, and souvenirs. Everyone benefits: guides, hospitality workers, fly makers, taxi drivers, and the local community.

Unfortunately, visitors often notice poor environmental protection, littered riverbanks, and a lack of accompanying services. In our region, fishing is still frequently viewed as a “waste of time,” despite being an elite sport and hobby for serious travelers today.

A Philosophy of Responsibility

Through its philosophy and relationship with water, fly fishing represents one of the purest forms of river conservation. The Catch & Release regime turns parts of rivers into natural spawning grounds; a healthy river satisfies the guest, and a satisfied guest is the best advertisement.

Globally, fishing tourism continues to generate increasing profits, and Montenegro should devote far more attention to this segment. Investments would quickly repay themselves many times over - for the benefit of fishing clubs, local communities, and the state.

Today, fly fishing unites tradition, romance, and a contemporary way of life. Whether technology distances us from the mystery of fishing depends on each individual. This text is an attempt to bring the world of fly fishing in Montenegro - especially Plav - closer to readers and to ease the first step for those who feel the river is already calling them.