I Fell in Love with the Sport of Fishing at the Age of 10

You will never get bored in life if you're a fisherman in Macedonia. On one hand, you'll be in constant action and adventure, while on the other, you can fill your free time at home by watching educational shows related to fish.

Фото: Endri Killo

Macedonia is a paradise for fishermen. Although it doesn’t have a coastline, it boasts fast rivers, vast lakes, and artificial dams, all offering a challenge for any fishing enthusiast. There are many passionate fishermen in Macedonia. If you follow the flow of the Vardar River, from north to south, you will meet many people who will share their life stories and how they fell in love with the sport. 

People who have chosen this sport are placed in a special category. They are individuals who have decided to surrender themselves to tranquility, spending most of their lives in search of peace and silence.

In the central part of Macedonia, lives Lazar Ribarski. Lazar resides and works in Gradsko. If you visit here, you’ll realize that almost all the residents know him. A positive person who spends his free time fishing rather than on social media. Lazar says that this is how he finds peace. This sport helps him escape the daily hustle and enjoy his time by the Vardar River.

He shares that he fell in love with fishing at the age of 10. For him, it was love at first sight. He started learning the sport from his father and with the fishing rod of his uncle, as he didn’t have his own at that time.

Today, he is an experienced fisherman. He is dedicated to studying fish and their way of life. Lazar says that this is an expensive sport. It requires equipment, a legal permit, adherence to rules, and many other things.

Фото Жарко Трајаноски

He says he loves to challenge predator fish, which is why he fishes with a spinning rod. His favorite river is the Vardar, and he wouldn't trade it for any other. When the water levels are high, he heads to Lake Dojran, which is abundant with redfin and carp. He loves Tikveš Lake for its carp and chub, and also mentions that the River Drim is quite rich in fish. He appreciates the western part of Macedonia for its stunning nature.

His largest catch weighed 32 kilograms. The fish he catches are prepared in his restaurant in Gradsko, named 'Kaj Laki.' The restaurant is located in the heart of the town, where you can taste his specialties made according to traditional recipes.