This year I had the pleasure of taking part in the “Golden Grayling” competition, held on the magnificent Pliva River in Bosnia. I arrived a day early to get some training in and feel the mood of the river. Even during practice, the fishing proved challenging — the fish were unbelievably picky, as if each one had graduated from university. But nothing compares to the thrill of fooling a big grayling on such clear, beautiful water.
From the very first casts it was obvious that this would be a demanding event. The fish were there, but they were smart, cautious, and punished every mistake without hesitation — true professors of the river.
The competition consisted of three sessions, each lasting three hours: two on the first day and one on the second.
In the first session I managed to catch several fish, including an impressive 45 cm grayling that held the lead for the biggest fish of the event for quite a while. In the final session, however, an angler from Slovenia had the luck and skill to take the “Golden Grayling” with a beautiful 47 cm fish.
The second session went exceptionally well for me — the fishing clicked, and I finished first in my group. I take this as a real achievement because beating the locals is never easy, especially the ones who were in my group.
The third session turned out to be the toughest. The fish were few and extremely wary. Unfortunately, I lost two fish, which cost me valuable points and a better overall result.
The competition was won for the third consecutive year by the Šipovo team, whose three anglers once again occupied the top three positions. After all, this is their home water. I finished in an honorable 11th place. It’s nothing extraordinary, but I learned a lot, and I know for sure: next year I’m coming back stronger and better prepared.
I had a fantastic weekend on the Pliva, and I truly hope next year I won’t be the only Bulgarian standing on those beautiful banks!
