Wellness month and hobbies – how do our experience creators spend their free time? Fishing
2024-10-08T08:43:30
October and November mark the wellness months at Tallink, a time when we place a special focus on promoting the balance between work and leisure among our cherished colleagues. Maintaining this equilibrium is vital for both mental and physical health. Engaging in positive activities during free time helps alleviate stress, boosts work motivation, and keeps the mind sharp. To highlight this, we have created an eight-part news series showcasing how our employees relax and sustain this balance through various hobbies, enabling them to remain energetic at work and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.
Fishing is the perfect pastime for many, allowing them to reconnect with nature and find serenity. The combination of water, fresh air, and patience offers an excellent antidote to the frenetic pace of modern life. Fishing enables our colleagues to take a few hours or even a whole day for themselves, escaping the urban clamour and immersing themselves in nature’s tranquillity.
Our most seasoned anglers include Kārlis Rūdolfs Aiše, the Head Chef at Ristorante Flavore, Anatolijs Pimanovs, Head Chef at City Grill House, and Jüri Jasska, Hotel Director. Read on to discover how these men found their way to this passion and the advice they have for those looking to start fishing.
Anatolijs Pimanovs, Head Chef at City Grill House, Tallink City Hotel
What is your hobby?
My hobby is fishing. I have been doing it for over 30 years, 15 of which were at a professional level. For the last 10 years, I have been part of a competitive team.
How did you get into fishing?
I found my way to fishing at a very young age. I cannot recall the exact moment, but I have always loved it for the sense of personal achievement it brings. Every time I go out to sea, my goal is to catch more and bigger fish than the previous trip. My favourite type of fishing is going out to sea to catch predatory fish.
What makes fishing enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
Fishing helps me unwind and clear my mind after a long weekend. It allows me to spend hours away from the city’s hustle and bustle, sharing quality time with my son, who has also caught the fishing bug. One of my main goals is to win the Latvian Cup fishing competition with my team.
What is your most memorable fishing experience?
I was part of the Neste competition team (Neste was our main sponsor in Latvia) and won several prestigious awards with my teammate Mikhail. Our greatest victory was taking first place at the Latvian Cup in 2020, right before I joined City Grill House.
Jüri Jasska, Hotel Director, Tallink City, Tallink Spa & Conference, and Tallink Express Hotels
What is your hobby?
I have several hobbies – such as football and bowling – but the one I have stuck with the longest is probably fishing.
How did you get into fishing?
I cannot remember exactly; it was so long ago, but I think the interest started through my father. He used to bring home fresh catches, and when I was big enough, he took me along. I remember the spring roach fishing on the Kasari River, where there were so many anglers that you had to arrive at dawn to secure a spot. Later, I spent summers fishing in local lakes and rivers with neighbourhood boys. There was a period when I took a break from it, but over the last five years, fishing has become more prominent again. Now that my son has caught the same passion, it has become a more regular and enjoyable family activity.
What makes fishing enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
Fishing is enjoyable for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in nature, providing a sense of peace and relaxation. For me, it is the best way to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and feel in tune with nature.
Fishing often involves a good amount of physical exertion, whether it’s trekking through woods and thickets to reach a fishing spot or rowing a boat to the perfect location.
Let’s not overlook the social aspect – it is a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family. With the pace of modern life, it is easy to fall into routines, and social interactions with friends can diminish. But when we spend weekends fishing, grilling in the evenings, and enjoying a sauna, we catch up on everything.
What is your most memorable fishing experience?
There have been so many experiences that ranking them would be impossible, as each holds its own sentimental value: my first fish, my earliest memories of fishing with my father, the biggest catch, my first fishing competition, or my son’s first fish. Each one is special in its own way. I’m sure there are plenty more memories to be made.
Kārlis Rūdolfs Aiše, Head Chef at Ristorante Flavore
What is your hobby?
My hobby is fishing.
How did you get into fishing?
I discovered fishing relatively recently, thanks to a friend who’s an experienced angler and invited me to join him. I immediately realised I enjoyed it, and today it has become my passion. For me, fishing is like a form of meditation, teaching patience when a fish swims off with the bait or when hours pass without a bite.
What makes fishing enjoyable for you, and what value does it add to your life?
At the moment, my favourite experiences are early mornings, when I can bask in the beauty and stillness of nature. The fresh morning air and the sheer tranquillity bring me a sense of harmony every time, even now as I think about it.
What is your most memorable fishing experience?
My most memorable experience was a trip to the Åland Islands with family and friends – the stunning landscape, the delightful company, and friendly fishing competitions. Freshly grilled fish, a steaming sauna, and a night-time swim in the Baltic Sea – that’s the good life!
What would you recommend to someone who wants to start fishing but is hesitant to take the first step?
For those wishing to take up fishing but feeling unsure, I would recommend starting with small steps. First and foremost, remember that fishing is a brilliant way to connect with nature and soothe the mind – it’s not just about catching fish. Choose a calm spot where fishing is permitted and begin with simple equipment, such as a basic rod. To start off, it’s advisable to fish with an experienced angler or join a beginner’s fishing course, where you can gain valuable knowledge and practical tips. And keep in mind that learning takes time, so approach it patiently and enjoy the whole experience, not just the catch!