Magadan hosted the third Cool Kolyma festival
For the third time the Cool Kolyma festival took place in Magadan. Despite the frost, 220 fishermen and 18 teams, each with 5 people, came to try their luck in the individual competition. The venue for the ice fishing competition was Nagaev Bay. After registration, there was a grand opening of the fishing competition at the starting area. The Governor of the Magadan region Sergey Nosov wished good luck to the participants.
"A fisherman is not afraid of harsh weather conditions. In a couple of hours, the sun will come up, it will get warmer, and the competition will begin. I would like to congratulate you all on the opening of the competition and wish you, above all, to have fun. Cool Kolyma festival is not just a fishing contest. It's a real holiday, because Kolyma residents have a love for fishing in their blood," said Sergey Nosov.
The start of mass fishing was given at 10.00 and at 10.16 Alexander Silenko, a resident of Magadan, caught the first fish of the competition.
"Luck is extremely important, but skill is also essential. However, the main thing is to catch fish, and the rest will follow. The mood is great, the weather is warm, and the organization is excellent," said Alexander Silenko.
Fishing in the individual competition lasted 2 hours without a break. Then it was time for the team competition. They were given one hour to fish. According to the competition rules, teams were set up by the companies' personnel.
"We are participating for the first time. We are optimistic, We hope to win. We like everything. We sometimes go fishing together, we have a great, experienced team," told Vitaly Bubenets, Rostelecom's team lead.
Another newcomer is the team of the Regional Ministry of Roads and Transport team led by Aleksey Siorpas.
"We realized we hadn't gone out with the team for a long time and, taking this chance, we collected the very best members for the competition. Our competitors are strong. Everybody wants to win, and those who strive for a victory will win, if they are a bit lucky", explained Aleksey Siorpas.
After the allotted time, the jury weighed the catch and determined the winner. The results were announced on the stage of the Mayak Park.
"It's a beautiful, sunny, spring day. And if gold miners have good fortune, fishermen must have luck. And there was luck today, so we can determine the winners. We weighed and counted the results long, but correctly. The winners will get interesting prizes. And we will continue to develop this beautiful festival, "- said the Governor of the Magadan region Sergey Nosov.
Andrei Shardakov was announced the "Best Fisherman" for the maximum weight catch of smelt and navaga. He received the grand prize from the Governor of the Magadan region - a Stels Capitan (Captain) S-150 snowmobile.
"I'm a little confused. "I want to say thank you to everyone, wish you a good bite and success in everything," said the winner.
Vladimir Bokalov took the second place, and Aleksandr Yanke took the third.
Svetlana Sayfutdinova was recognized as the most experienced fisherwoman. Yegor Vyatkin was the youngest fisherman.
Alexander Silenko was honored for the first fish caught in these competitions.
The "Pirates of the Sea of Okhotsk" became the best fishing team for the largest catch of fish for all participants.
Matroskiny won in the nomination "Brightest Team".
In the midst of the competition between fishermen, a cultural and entertainment program for the guests of the Cool Kolyma festival began in the Mayak Park. Kolyma residents were pleased with the concert, street fun, games, quizzes, souvenir exhibition and sale, bus tour, photo zones, gastronomic area with free delicious fish soup called ukha, sale of local delicacies from meat and seafood, and much more.
"I like the fact that there are many national groups in the concert program. Their costumes are beautiful. And they perform on the beach, which looks very colorful. It's great that such a festival was invented. This is another reason to go out with your grandchildren," said Raisa Kulykova, a guest of the festival.