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When taking fishing tours on the Putorana Plateau, you can learn not only how to catch various noble predators but also encounter rare species. For example, when catching burbot in Siberia, Siberian lampreys are often used as bait, although they have more modest names.
In Russia, this foreign name has long been replaced by a more acceptable, simpler, and more understandable one. That's why we call the lamprey "semedryka," but some young anglers call it "vyun," although this name is far from correct.
What are the differences between the seven-hole and the loach?
It's sometimes said that Siberian lampreys are loaches, which resemble lampreys in their shape, but this isn't true. They differ in the following ways:
- It's worth noting that the loach is a fish belonging to the family of the same name. It is not related to the oceanic representatives, i.e., lampreys.
- The semidyrka is a relative of the Neva river lamprey, but to hook it as bait, you'll have to dig through the muddy bottom. Burbot love this creature and will happily attack the bait. However, for humans, other than being an excellent bait, it holds no interest at all. This species is related to the Pacific lamprey, as it comes from the same family.
Characteristics of the Siberian lamprey
It's worth noting that lampreys are considered an endangered species. Fewer than 40 species remain today. The main characteristics of this species are as follows:
- A jawless, non-parasitic chordate that no one can confuse with any other representative of the underwater world.
- Individuals have 7 breathing holes, which is why it is called the seven-hole.
- The body is long and covered with mucus, similar to that of a tench or ruff.
- The Siberian lamprey has large eyes and no teeth, attaching like a leech. Its tongue and palate, however, possess numerous teeth, which it uses to feed.
- Lifespan lasts until the spawning period.
When considering what Siberian lampreys eat, it's worth noting that they don't eat at all as adults. They survive on accumulated fat deposits, which were formed during their larval stage.
What is the value of these specimens in trophy fishing?
Although Siberian lampreys are not commercially important, they play an important role in catching various predatory fish. Incidentally, burbot aren't the only fish you can catch with this bait. Siberian lampreys are also preyed upon by taimen, perch, and pike, making them quite popular as bait.
Conclusion
Semidyrki, or Siberian lampreys, are unique and incredibly valuable for catching large predatory fish. Hooked, these specimens are excellent at attracting a wide variety of Siberian species, from burbot to taimen. These lures make fishing more successful and yield trophy catches. The process itself, first catching a Siberian semidyrki, and then using them to catch pike or taimen, is quite interesting and exciting.
Fishermen who have experienced trophy fishing in the protected Turukhansk region will confirm my words about the many advantages and benefits of rafting. And the predatory trophies they catch constantly excite their hearts for years to come. And everyone longs to return to the Putorana Plateau to experience these unforgettable emotions again.
