Ville-Matti Blomqvist is a fishing guide based in Raasepori, western Uusimaa — one of Finland’s best-known pike-fishing regions. In this interview Ville-Matti explains why Finland’s southern coast is so sought-after internationally, when the truly big pike come on to feed, what foreign guests remember beyond the catch itself, and why responsible fishing is the foundation of Finnish fishing tourism.
Fishing in Raasepori and the southern coast
Why does Finland’s southern coast draw anglers from around the world?
The Raasepori archipelago is one of the best fishing destinations in Finland. Clean waters, a wide range of species, and real quietness draw anglers from all over Europe every year. Our pike fishing in particular has built an international reputation — there is a genuine chance of chasing truly large fish in a beautiful archipelago setting.
What makes the Raasepori archipelago a special place to fish?
The area offers a rare combination: sheltered bays for big pike, wide archipelago waters for perch and pikeperch, clear-water spots for fly anglers, and year-round opportunities. All of that in the same region.
Does the region’s accessibility matter?
Yes, more than most people realise. You can reach Raasepori from Helsinki quickly, which makes the area an ideal destination for both Finnish and international fishing travellers. A lot of visitors are surprised that such varied archipelago waters sit so close to the capital.
Trophy pike fishing on the southern coast
Why does trophy pike bring so many international anglers to Finland?
For many international guests, trophy pike is the main reason to travel to Finland. The shallow bays, dense reeds, and wide archipelago of the southern coast offer perfect habitat for very large pike. Fish over a metre are no rarity here, and at their best moments anglers can meet a true giant.
When are the best months for trophy pike?
March opens the spring season and gives a genuine chance at very large individuals. Summer and early autumn bring pleasant weather and the archipelago at its most beautiful. Many guides — myself included — see October as the single best month of the year for trophy pike.
How often do you actually see really big pike?
Pike over a metre are a familiar sight when you fish the right times and the right places. Even so, a large fish is never something to take for granted — that’s exactly what makes every big pike unforgettable.
Ismete and traditional winter fishing
What is Ismete and why is it such a distinctive experience?
Ismete is a traditional Finnish method of ice fishing for pike. You fish with a dead baitfish, and when the flag goes up you run to the hole to fight the fish by hand. It ties together traditional Finnish fishing culture, the winter landscape, and pure adrenaline in a way that stays with you for a very long time.
Who is Ismete for?
Almost anyone who wants to experience Finnish winter at its most authentic. No previous experience is needed, and children are always thrilled when the flag springs up and the hole explodes into life.
Fly fishing for pike
What is the appeal of fly fishing for pike?
In clear archipelago water you can often watch the fish react at sight distance, which makes the fishing exceptionally vivid. Watching a pike track the fly and then commit is on a different level to the waiting most anglers know from other kinds of fishing.
Can a complete beginner take up fly fishing for pike?
Absolutely. The style has grown in popularity precisely because the basics are quick to learn with a skilled guide alongside. A couple of hours is often enough to get you genuinely started.
The guided fishing trip
Is a guided fishing trip in Finland worth it?
The short answer is yes. A local guide knows the best spots for each season, the behaviour of the fish, the safe routes through the archipelago, and the practices of responsible fishing. In a single day you can learn more than you would in weeks of doing it alone.
Who is a guided trip best suited to?
Beginners, families, corporate groups, experienced anglers, international travellers — the trip is always tailored to the client’s skill level and wishes, and that’s the whole point of guiding.
What do clients actually learn in one day?
Many clients are surprised how much they take home in a single day about Finnish nature, the archipelago, and fishing itself. It isn’t only about techniques — it’s about how fish behave in different conditions and where it makes sense to look for them.
Foreign guests and the Finnish nature experience
What do foreign anglers remember about Finland beyond the catch?
Beyond the catch itself, one thing comes up again and again: the quiet. For many international guests the Finnish archipelago is the first place they’ve been able to fish for hours without boat traffic or background noise.
Why is the Finnish archipelago such a distinctive experience?
Clean water, nature that feels untouched, and high-quality guiding services combine into something rare. When the day winds down and the engine goes quiet, there’s just the archipelago and the angler.
“Beyond the catch itself, one thing comes up again and again — the quiet.”
Responsible fishing and the future
What are the core principles of responsible fishing?
Moderation in what you keep, protection of large breeding fish, correct handling of every fish, safeguarding spawning areas, and respect for nature. The sea is not an unlimited resource — responsible fishing is the foundation of the entire Finnish fishing-tourism sector.
Why is Finland one of Europe’s best fishing destinations?
Finland offers a rare combination: clean waters, a quiet and safe natural environment, high-quality fishing services, a genuine chance at large fish, and a unique archipelago. It’s exactly those things that keep bringing anglers back to Finland — and to Raasepori — year after year.
What single piece of advice would you give a first-timer?
Find a local fishing guide and get out on the water. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced angler, the Raasepori archipelago offers experiences that stay with you for years.