Max’s guide to fishing

Interested in trying fishing during your vacation? Here are some tips from Max Lösche, who lives in Kalmar and works as a fishing guide.
– I spend a lot of time by the water all year round, both with and without customers.

Max started fishing in the summer of 1997, at a small lake in Småland. On his very first outing, he managed to catch both a perch and a pike – and after that, he was hooked.

– It’s been nearly 30 years since those first catches, and to this day I still find it just as exciting to get a bite. I fish for pike, perch, sea trout, ide, tench, and bream. It’s really the diversity of species here in Kalmar that keeps me coming back, he says.

What kind of fishing do you prefer?

– Spin fishing has become very popular in recent years, but I go against the grain and say that coarse fishing is the best. Except when it comes to sea trout – then I actually prefer a spinning rod.

Where in Kalmar do you like to fish most?

– My home waters are Hossmoån, a bit south of Kalmar. It’s known for its big perch, pike, and tench. I also fish a lot in Kalmarsund, including spots like Rafshagen.

How does fishing change throughout the seasons?

– I truly fish all year, and every season has its own charm and challenges. It’s important to adapt your gear, bait, and fishing method to the current weather and wind – and above all, to the water temperature. If it’s too cold in autumn and winter, fishing can get tricky, and the same goes if the water gets too warm in summer. Regardless of season, I prefer cloudy and mild weather with a bit of south or southwest wind – that always brings bites. Moderation is best!

What equipment is good to have?

– You’ll get far with a few light spinning rods. With these you can both spin, float and bottom fish. Add a couple of small spinning reels, nylon or braided line, some floats, sinkers, and hooks – and you’re set! For bait, you can use both lures (like spinners, wobblers, or jigs) and natural baits such as worms, maggots, bread, or corn.

Max’s top tips for beginners

1. Don’t buy too much equipment at first. Invest in a basic setup you can trust and learn the basics with that.
2. Look for spots without too much vegetation. It’s usually easier to find fish there, and you also avoid getting grass or algae on your hook after every cast.
   
3. Be patient – it isn’t always easy to get a bite. But it pays off to wait!