Besides, the inland resources are very rich in Turkey. This fishery potential will increase with the completion of the Atatürk Dam in the Southeastern Anatolian Region of Turkey and will create more areas to be used for fishery purposes. The species obtained from the inland fisheries are mainly Common carp, Grey mullet, Mullet, Pike perch, Trout, Eel etc. On a geographical basis, the greatest fish activity has traditionally been located along the East Black Sea Coast of Turkey, including fisheries for a variety of shellfish.

In response to recognition of strong household demand, the growing requirements of the tourist industry and strong demand for certain species on export markets, production from the Aegean Sea has increased considerably.

Since the natural structure is very suitable for aquaculture, it seems that Turkey will achieve great developments in this area. The farms are particularly located in the Central Anatolian, Aegean and Western Blacksea Regions and their numbers have increased in the past years, leading to production surplus that cause rise in the exports of Turkish fishery products. The species of the products produced in these regions are trout, sea bream, sea bass and salmon.

Fresh water fishing in Turkey evidently offers even greater potential for both fish and shellfish. Substantial export oriented business has developed and Turkey became a supplier to European countries, USA and Middle East countries.

The export of fishery products valued at 99 million US$ in 1999 and the major export markets of these products are the European Union, USA, Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and Middle East Countries.

Fishing in Adrasan

 It is possible to find each kind of fish in Adrasan waters. Some of the delicious fishes found in Adrasan are: Leer fish, amberjack, greater amberjack, sea bream, sword fish, red gumard, chub mackerel, grouper, red porgy, little tunny, atlantic bonito, skipjack tuna, baraccuda, brushteeth lizardfish, garfish and sea breams. Besides, grida fish, special to Mediterrian is also very delicious. At the points where rivers meet the sea, seabass and chub can be found especially in winters.

Which kinds of fishes can be found in Adrasan? The fishes you will like caching according to seasons are: leer fish, amberjack, dogtooth grouper, sea breams, albacore, atlantic bonito, skipjack tuna, baraccuda (brushteeth lizardfish), seabass and garfish. Leer fish, amberjack and dogteeth grouper will carry you away.

What is the method of fishing? We set off for fishing early in the morning. First we catch atlantic bonito, horse mackerel or garfish with the rapalas you have or we give you. And in the meantime we have our breakfast accompanied by the unique landscape of Adrasan and drink our coffees or tees. We cath fishes with backpulling method until we find the suitable crib fishes. We go on like this until 9 o’clock. When we find the suitable crib fishes, without paying attention to what time it is we start to catch leerfish and amberjack with our big fishing lines using these crib fishes as alive baits.

On the basis of our past experiences, we wait for the excellent moment when the fishes meet with our fishing lines in the right hunting areas. If you are lucky and there is plenty of leerfish on that day, it is impossible to desribe the joy and excitement you will have. Your struggle at the moment will remain as one of the unforgettable memories you have. Of course this is not the only method for fishing, we have other methods depending on the season, day, kinds of fish and region especially to cath barracuda and sea bream. The main goal of our fishing tours is to catch big fishes as leerfishes and amberjacks.

We go fishing tours with our small fibre boat and the boat of Deepfishing as a team. If the number is higher than normal, we rent a bigger boat in addition to ours. The owner of the hotel Mustafa Abi, who is a master of and addicted to fishing and Menderes from

 Deepfishing will make your moments unforgettable thanks to their experiences. Maybe you will cath the biggest fish in your life in these waters.

Let’s go fishing, let’s live the unforgettable moments..

Tourism

The buildings at Adrasan, which was incorporated as a township in 1996, have been withdrawn 100 m from the shore in keeping with a new zoning ordinance. The 2-km strip of beach lined with hotels, pensions and restaurants is

permeated with fascinating natural beauty. With its silhouette like a kneeling camel, Elig Tepesi, a hill which is an extension of Musa Dagi to the east, adds an unusual aspect to the beach. The view of the bay is spectacular from the top of the hill, an hour’s walk away. And from the old mine on the hill, which is covered with pine trees on the west, you can get an unmatched panoramic view encompassing both Elig Tepesi and Tahtali Dagi. Two tiny streams empty into the sea at points on either side of the bay. Early risers will catch an unforgettable view of the sun suddenly bursting out of the sea like a big orange tree. While walking on the beach at sunrise, you can collect the brownish yellow screw shells that are unique to Adrasan. The crystalline sea, visible to a depth of 25 m, offers optimal conditions for diving and underwater photography. And surfing, water skiing, paddle boats and canoeing are also available. But the most popular part of Adrasan is the stream of the same name, which is lined with pensions reached by small wooden suspension bridges reminiscent of the bridges over the Bosphorus at Istanbul.

These authentically furnished ‘pavilions’ on the water, which is peopled by perpetually ravenous ducks, offer an unusual atmosphere. Acting like a natural air conditioner, a special current over the stream disperses the humidity and provides a cool breeze even in the sweltering heat of summer.

Blue Cruise

The boats swaying gracefully along the shore offer holiday-makers two equally magnificent routes for a ‘blue cruise’. On the first, the boats head for an island off Cape Gelidonya, Suluada, which is known for its natural springs that can cure kidney ailments. The island also boasts a beach the color of bottle glass with tiny white pebbles, which is a refuge for the Mediterranean seal. Boats proceeding parallel to Suluada are in for a big surprise. The last stop on this cruise, which passes through a narrow tunnel wide enough for only small boats, is Kelleci Bay, where natural spring water seeps down from the rocks and the beach has coarse-grain sand. The second route includes Gemleyik, an interesting fjord, as well as a phosphorescent blue cave and the bays of Ceneviz and

Sazak on either side of the peninsula. This cruise ends with Çirali Bay and a tour of the ancient city of Olympos. The walking paths around Adrasan Bay, where the pine trees grow down to the sea, provide another alternative for those seeking escape from the sun. The dirt road on the left goes to Sazak Bay, two hours from Adrasan. The hill behind this bay, which is one of the frequent routes of yachts setting out on a ‘blue cruise’, provides a matchless view of both Sazak and Ceneviz Bays. The road to the right of Adrasan Bay will take you first to a tiny cove where boats moor in winter and then to the tiny Adrasan lighthouse at the point. A pleasant two and a half hour hike along the ‘Lycian Way’ trekking route, which is indicated by red and white signs, will bring you to the ancient city of Olympos at the summit of Musa Dagi, where you can breathe the air of the ancient city as you stroll amidst the ruins.

SECLUDED BEAUTY

But you can’t come to Adrasan without seeing Cape Gelidonya. A day trip will let you enjoy the Mediterranean’s endless beauty from early morning to dusk. The first stop on this trip is Cape Gelidonya (Kirlangiç), which constitutes the eastern tip of the Bay of Antalya. An approximately 25-minute walk will bring travelers with a passion for discovery to a fairytale realm -Gelidonya Lighthouse, a narrow strip of land piercing the heart of the Mediterranean, and the Besadalar islands that surround it. On the return you can take a break for a swim at tiny, secluded Korsan Bay, where the ruins of the ancient city of Melanippe are located. The landing at Papaz Iskelesi is ideal for cooling off. After Gelidonya peninsula and countless bays with views of the Besadalar, you will come to the summer houses at Mavikent, adorned with colorful flower boxes and built on wooden stilts with wheels against the threat of flooding.

And don’t forget to bid the Mediterranean blue a final farewell from the hill with the ruins. Pleasantly exhausted, you’re ready now to begin your return … until the beauty here, of which you can never get enough, calls you back once again.

Text and Photo: ERSIN DEMIREL