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The shemaya (semaya, shamayka) is considered a highly prized fish due to its excellent, tasty meat, which possesses a unique delicacy. In ancient Persia, it, like the sterlet in Russia, was called "royal specialty," and catching one even today is a real stroke of luck for an angler.
This semi-anadromous fish, found in many saltwater and freshwater bodies, unfortunately doesn't like cold weather. Therefore, fishing for it isn't possible during trophy fishing trips to the Putorana Plateau. What else explains the shamayka's popularity, its characteristics, and fishing methods?
What does a shemaya look like?
A relative of carp and crucian carp, this fish lives in schools. Fishing is always exciting and challenging. In appearance, the fish looks like this:
· The head is small in comparison to the body, on which are located silvery eyes with large black spots.
The body is covered with a large number of small, silvery scales. On the upper parts of the specimen, these scales can be dark blue or green.
· The fins are transparent, colored at the base in bright (pink, orange) tones, and located on the back, slightly shifted towards the tail.
· There is a dark edge at the end of the tail.
· The lower jaw protrudes forward, which significantly distinguishes individuals from similar bleaks or chubs.
· The maximum weight of shemaya can reach 700 grams, and the length ranges from 20 to 30 cm.
Habitat
Shamaika are divided into two species. The former choose not-so-salty seas as their permanent habitat, while the latter prefer freshwater rivers and lakes. However, both species migrate to the freshwater of nearby bodies of water to spawn.
Shemaikas live in the Black, Azov, Aral, and Caspian Seas. They spawn in the Dnieper, Kuban, Dniester, Don, and Northern Donets rivers. Individuals from the Caspian Sea spawn in the Kura and Terek rivers. Rarely, they migrate to the Volga. Shamaikas prefer fast-flowing waters and are often caught in the turbulent mountain rivers of the Caucasus.
What are the methods for catching shamayka?
Hunting for this kingfish can be done using a variety of gear. This usually depends on spawning time. Shemaya can be fished in both winter and summer. When ice fishing, anglers equip their rods with bite alarms and use vertical jigging.
In spring, regular fishing rods equipped with a float are ideal. As the weather warms, the fish move closer to the shore, where they can find food much more easily.
In summer and autumn, you can catch the crappie's relative, the shamayka, using a spinning rod rigged with a small, miniature lure. It's best if the angler has a boat.
In the fall, landing substantial trophies is possible using bottom tackle. Large specimens tend to hang out closer to the bottom, so bottom fishing can be especially rewarding.
Instead of an epilogue
Some shemaya are listed in the Red Book, and their fishing is prohibited. These are the species found in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. If caught, as with taimen during rafting trips on the Putorana Plateau, the fish must be released. In other areas, shemaya fishing is legal.
To catch a large number of trophies, you need to bait the area. A school of shamayka can hook you, even with their entire family. The key is to use the right bait. It's best to choose bait based on the zooplankton present in the pond, but maggots and worms are also excellent options.
