Becoming story

Welcome to Humala Kalabaas / Humala Fishing Base

A Fishing Spot and Boat Rental by the Emajõgi River, Southern Estonia

The vision for Humala Kalabaas began in the owner’s late twenties: “One day, when I’m an old man, I want to live by a river. I’ll have my own little house, a patch of forest, a bridge to fish from, and a small boat to explore the river. The river was essential because it takes you somewhere—unlike a lake, where you just go around in circles.”

Years later, fate presented the opportunity to purchase a piece of overgrown land, a hidden gem that had everything needed to bring this dream to life. After the first visit to what would become my future home, I knew it was love at first sight. "Humala" in Sava village, Luunja municipality, was "THE" place. I could feel the connection and energy of the land with my body, mind, and soul.

Having already explored the picturesque Emajõgi River and the Emajõgi Suursoo wetlands by boat, I continued to discover these beautiful places throughout every season. While working abroad as a professional security contractor, I shared photos of my adventures on social media, humorously calling my new home "Humala Kalabaas" (Kalabaas = "Kala" for Fish + "Baas" for Base, so "Fishing Base"). Friends and acquaintances thought I was running a fishing guesthouse and asked about prices and services. Since there were no services at that time, I jokingly invited them to come fish, with their symbolic fee covering the cost of the lawnmower’s fuel.

As time passed, I wanted to make the fishing spot on the riverbank more comfortable, especially as a parent. I wanted to be able to fish without one hand constantly taking care of my child. I also envisioned creating a place where my child could join me on the river at any time, regardless of the weather. As my passion for the river grew, I began outfitting boats to make fishing and river exploration even more enjoyable.

With no standard solutions available, I crafted and continuously improved the fishing boats and facilities to ensure the perfect experience for myself and visitors. To respect the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighborhood, Humala Kalabaas established a strict code of conduct: no littering, no loud noises, and no trespassing on neighboring land. This respect for nature and privacy is appreciated by visitors who come to enjoy the tranquility of the Emajõgi River, the company of friends, and peaceful solitude.

Today, Humala Kalabaas has grown into a well-loved ecotourism destination in Estonia, offering a unique nature tourism experience. Visitors can enjoy fishing tours in Southern Estonia, boat trips on the Emajõgi River, and overnight stays in nature in the beautiful Emajõgi Suursoo wetlands. Thanks to my exploration of the river, I’m able to guide visitors to the best spots for catching various fish species, boating through hidden waterways, or simply meditating in a secluded spot, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Humala Kalabaas has become a popular and highly recommended family-friendly fishing destination along the Emajõgi River. Many guests return year after year or come based on recommendations from friends, making it a top choice for fishing holidays in Estonia.

To give back to the local community, Humala Kalabaas offers fishing guidance as part of the "Fishing Hobby Group for the Whole Family," an initiative provided by the local municipality. 

Thanks to this initiative we have the experience to allow families to experience fishing with kids in Estonia, creating lasting memories while learning about the river's ecosystem.