European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 6, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The equivalent of fishing in american by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer if americans have a sport that could be called a National pastime it is probably fishing not baseball one out of every four americans is a Fisherman. The sport fishing Institute in Washington d.c., reported recently that in 1985 58.6 million americans went fishing. They fished a total of 983.1 million fishing Days. Unfortunately Many american sportsmen new to Europe Are under the mistaken impression that they have to put their Hobby on hold White they Are stationed overseas. The most common misconception among americans is that the rules. Are so complicated and the language differences so insurmountable that Quot it s too hard  the truth is that Europe has Many wonderful t fishing opportunities. One avid american sportsman chaplain maj Berris samples of Giessen West Germany says fishing in Europe is Quot easily the equivalent of fishing in America in terms of size and numbers Quot from the wild Salmon Rivers of Norway to the Reed lined Pike lakes of the Netherlands from the Trout streams of the Spanish pyrenees to the codfish Banks of the North sea there is fishing in Europe for virtually every Angler. In Spain fishing licenses Are valid for whole provinces. As in the United states most of the Waters Are open to the Public and anglers can pick where they want to fish. In places the wild rugged Countryside is reminiscent of Montana or Colorado. The Mountain Trout Are Tough and wily. And thanks to stocking by americans in the 1950s, Lake Caspe near Zaragoza a provides top notch Bass fishing. In Germany where the majority of american service members Are stationed the Best Way to get started is by going to a local Rod and gun club or one of the american Fly fishing clubs. Both can provide information advice and instruction. A few Rod and gun clubs lease fishing Waters for the use of their members. Most of the German states require the completion of a Brief classroom course before they will Issue a National fishing License. These courses _ Are regularly Given at Rod and gun dubs. The basis for the course is the usareur/u5afe Booklet guide to Freshwater fishing in Germany. Only the mate of Hessen still allows the Purchase of a License without the completion of a fishing course. In addition to the National License anglers in Germany need a permit for the specific body of water they intend to fish. Certain Waters a for example the Rhine River from Ger Sherm to Mainz a Are state controlled permits for this stretch of River Are available at local tackle shops. Many of the Best Waters Are privately controlled and anglers must obtain permits from the holders of the fishing rights. Information on the holders of the fishing rights is usually available from the local tourist office. Do not be intimidated if you do not speak German. Virtually every German tourist office has English speaking personnel on its staff. Permits for private Waters May be obtained at hotels local tourist offices Angling associations or fishing tackle shops on the Economy some of the Best Trout fishing in Europe is in Austria. The Waters Are very carefully managed and in Rivers such As the Traun 5-Pound fish Are common. The austrian tourist office or local tourist agencies can provide information on fishing opportunities in different areas and in some cases prices Scotland has Many Rivers where anglers can above an Irish Fisherman tries his Luck from a Bridge Over the River Shannon at Limerick Ireland. Right a group of american anglers from Zaragoxa a Spain gets an Early Start on the Day at Lake Caspe. Pursue the King of Gam fish Atlantic Salmon. The Mountain streams of Yugoslavia have Long attracted some of the world s Best fishermen including legendary american outdoor writer Joe Brooks. The Marble Trout Are found nowhere else in the world. Greece has a wide variety of fishing opportunities both Salt arid fresh water. Anglers can pursue Trout in the streams of Macedonia As Well As Mackerel swordfish and tuna in the Aegean. Denmark also offers a wide selection of Angling opportunities from surf fishing for flounder and cod to sneaking up on wary Trout in its smooth flowing Rivers. There is also excellent Lake fishing for Pike and  the opening of the East bloc anglers have a whole new world to explore. Because of pollution and mismanagement however opportunities Are mixed Romania has some. Wonderful unspoiled Rivers. But Many of the East German Waters Are biologically dead. In addition to the More exotic fishing opportunities there Are Many Little put and take Ponds throughout Germany and Europe where the kids will have a Good Chance of catching something. In this special Issue of stripes Magazine we have tried to give american service members an overview and a Brief introduction to fishing in Europe. As in the past we will continue to provide other information of interest As it becomes available. The main key if your Are a sportsman or woman is to get out there and do it. Whatever kind of fishing is your favorite you can probably find it Here. A amps Gus Sci Mottor Juty 6, 1990 stripes Magazine 3 p