If you are in Russia during the winter months, you had better be ready for the cold. Even if it is freezing outside, it doesn’t mean you can’t get out and go after a few fish.

Ice Fishing in Russia

Living in Russia for a year was an amazing time. It was also a time of discovery on a scale you can’t imagine. As with many cultures, there were vastly different aspects and slight different ones that made it all well worth the time. I enjoy getting out to the lake for a bit of fishing and so do the Russians. This is true even if it is winter.

If it is winter in Russia, we have to be talking about ice fishing. If the Russian winter stopped Hitler in his tracks, you know it is going to be an interesting time out on the lake. Fortunately, the Russians have developed a way of staying warm while sitting on the ice after years and years of study and development.

What is the magic? You guessed it – Vodka! There is saying in Russia when it comes to drinking vodka – warm on the inside and cold on the outside. Vodka is offered up as more or less radiator fluid for your body. I have to admit it works very, very well.

Once you head out to the lake, it is a pretty simple process. Find an area that looks less thick and break out a long, stiff saw. You then start trying to saw, pound and hack a hole in the ice. Yelling helps and is generally encouraged. Vodka is as well. Once the hole is opened, it is time to find some small stools, bait your line and have a seat. Down goes the line and up goes the vodka. Frankly, the fish are pretty safe.

When ice fishing in Russia, the prospect of catching something depends on a number of factors. First and foremost, the type of fish is entirely dependent on the lake you are on. The second issue, however, is more important. How long can you stand to sit there? It is cold like you can’t imagine. At 30 degrees below zero, even vodka is not going to keep you warm for long. You can dress with so many layers that you look like the Michelin Man and it still is not going to be a long session.

Do I recommend going ice fishing in Russia? Sure. Once and only once! Then you can say you did it while you are hunting for some aspirin.

Russia is an immensely huge and diverse country. Following are 10 things you should know about this immense country.

10 Things To Know About Russia

The largest country in the world, Russia is a conundrum wrapped up in an enigma, which has been shaken, twisted and stirred over the centuries. There are so many contradictions in the country, that it is often hard to say anything is absolute in Russia. Still, here are a few things that you should know and might just surprise you.

1. Each year, the President of Russia has a press conference with journalist held for two hours on live television. No other leader in the world is required to do this nor does.

2. Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was dominated for over 200 years by the Mongols.

3. Under Peter the Great, 1682 to 1725, Russia was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire.

4. In 1917, The Communists under Vladimir Lenin seized power and formed the USSR.

5. Following the death of Lenin, Iosef Stalin became the supreme ruler of Russia. He killed more of his own citizens than the Nazis terminated in World War II.

6. General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev tried to put severe limits on the amount of vodka sold in the country, but gave up after Russians started brewing their own.

7. Russians beer contains varying degrees of vodka.

8. Russia has massive naturally resources including oil, diamonds, natural gas, coal, gold and timber.

9. The population of Russia was estimated in 2005 to be 143,420,309. The population is stagnating and the government now offers financial incentives to couples that have children.

10. There are approximately 10 million more woman than men in Russia.

Two really understand Russia, one need only look at the flag of the country. It is adorned with a two headed eagle, with one head looking to the west and one to the east. Practically speaking, this is demonstrative of Russia’s geography. Being so very large, the country is really many in one. The areas found in the west such as Moscow and St. Petersburg look to and are influenced by Europe. The areas in the Far East such as Vladivostok have a much more Asian feel.

Anyway you slice it, Russia is an amazing country. If the opportunity presents itself to take a trip to the country, you should snap it up.