A thick pin, don’t say anything: eel fishing in Zoutkamp

About this experience

• Boat tour
• 3 hrs
• Group size 4-8
• €47.14 p.p.

‘A thick pin, don’t say anything but I can already see by the muzzle if it is a good,fat one!’ Visit Gaele Postma in Zoutkamp, a picturesque old fishing village near the National Park ‘Het Lauwersmeer’ and join him on his boat to learn more about a Fisherman’s life and fishing for eels.

Experience description

Long ago, ‘gerookte paling’ (smoked eel) was a staple food in the Netherlands. Due to scarcity and price it is now a sought-after delicacy. It is often served on a cracker or a bun as a cocktail snack.

During this 3 hrs boat tour, you will meander through the unique and beautiful landscape of the National Park ‘Het Lauwersmeer’. You will see how and where the eel is caught and hear all about the Fisherman’s life. You will then visit the smoke house where the eels are prepared for smoking, to develop its distinctive flavor. The boat tour begins and ends at Gaele’s fish shop in Zoutkamp.

About Gaele

Gaele is the fifth generation of eel fishermen. What he enjoys most is to go out fishing early in the morning and checking what is in the traps.
“l prefer eating eel stewed in butter, nutmeg, salt, vinegar, and bay leaf. I don’t add water because the fish has enough of its own moisture!”

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