Humala Kalabaas has been organizing the "Family Fishing  Hobby  Group" in collaboration with the Luunja Culture and Recreation Center for years, which also takes place in winter and mostly in Luunja Jõesadam. The owner of Humala Kalabaas, a parent himself, understands the challenges of involving children in fishing, especially when fishing may not interest them. (like with his own child). Over time, he has come up with various fun and engaging solutions to get kids excited about joining fishing trips.

As a parent, the owner of Humala Kalabaas has completed several parenting courses, including Gordon's Family School, which teaches conflict-free and supportive communication techniques, as well as The Incredible Years (a program focused on building strong foundations for parent-child relationships). These experiences, combined with years of guiding children's hobby groups, have equipped him with skills that both parents and children highly value during our winter fishing days.

On family fishing days at Humala Kalabaas, we teach the basics of ice fishing, demonstrate the connection between fish behavior and fishing techniques with the help of sonar equipment, and work to synchronize motor skills, cognitive functions, and sensory awareness.

The Family Ice Fishing Day is not comparable to the hardcore fishing trips of seasoned anglers on Lake Peipus, where, braving thick winter clothing, cold, wind, rain, and sleet, they may catch fish by the kilogram. For most, a day on Lake Peipus is not suitable for beginners, inexperienced parents, or anyone lacking proper specialized clothing.

Our fishing days take place at Luunja Jõesadam, which, thanks to its connection to the Emajõgi River, offers pleasant fishing surprises. However, catching 15kg of perch in one day is generally unrealistic. A family fishing day at Humala Kalabaas is perfect for those who want to spend a lovely day outdoors with their children, just 15 minutes by car from the Tartu city center. The best part is you can enjoy a warm space between fishing sessions, possibly catch fish for the first time on the ice, and all of this without stepping too far out of your comfort zone.

It has also happened that a passionate fisherman first brings his children to our family fishing experience, and later returns with colleagues and business partners for a more relaxed fishing trip—avoiding the 8-hour hardcore winter fishing days braving the cold and wind of Lake Peipus.

For family-friendly ice fishing days, we offer the following experiences:

• Basic ice fishing lessons with different fishing tools and techniques, including winter baiting, the principles behind the various components of ice fishing rods, and guidance on how to choose the right components for your needs.

• We help develop motor skills, cognitive functions, and sensory awareness through the use of sonar technology. As a result, beginners will learn how to fish and understand fish reactions, eventually being able to anticipate and understand fish behavior without the need for electronics.

• Safety and risk assessment on frozen waters—how to spot potential dangers before stepping onto the ice, how to assess ice safety, how to move safely on slippery ice without falling, how to dress for cold conditions, and how to stay warm. We also teach how to handle fishing equipment and fish in cold conditions safely, preventing injuries and protecting your health.

• Fish soup (uhhaa) preparation and cooking at the fishing site—learn how to prepare and cook a traditional Estonian fish soup during the ice fishing day.

• A special, exciting, and tasty experience—searching for smelt (Viidikas), tracking their schools, cleaning them (using a 3-blade method), and frying them on-site for a truly fresh catch.

• Overnight stay for up to four people in our heated ice fishing cabin, where you can even fish directly from the bed by dropping the fishing line through the floor.

• Our ice fishing cabin service is available even in warmer winters when the ice is thin and unsafe, and the rescue authorities do not permit access to frozen waters. Since our ice fishing cabin floats, you can still enjoy ice fishing on the water when walking on the ice is unsafe.

• In cooperation with local service providers, we offer catering at Sadama Pub in Luunja Jõesadam, as well as accommodation in four local guesthouses or other regional lodging facilities, should you need a place to stay after your ice fishing experience.

"Augupill" Travel Boat - Your Family-Friendly Nature Retreat on the Emajõgi River

The "Augupill" is a spacious 6.2x2 meter steel travel boat with a flat, rectangular hull and a cozy cabin, primarily designed for fishing with bottom rigs attached to medium to heavy fishing rods. This boat is perfect for family-friendly fishing holidays in Estonia, offering a unique nature retreat experience for those seeking tranquility and adventure on the Emajõgi River and Emajõgi Suursoo wetlands.

Inside the heated cabin, a 1.6x2 meter soft bed is created from mattresses, providing a comfortable space for relaxation. The bed is surrounded by a mosquito net in the summer, ensuring that bugs won’t disturb your sleep or bother your child during their nap. The boat is equipped with both a stove with a kettle and, if desired, a charcoal grill for a cozy meal.

An exciting feature of the "Augupill" is the ladder at the stern, allowing you to enjoy wild swimming at any location along the river. It’s particularly refreshing to swim before bed or wake up to the peaceful surroundings of nature. Whether you want to swim in nature or enjoy a leisurely boat trip, the Emajõgi River offers an ideal setting.

The boat is equipped with a handmade lighting system designed for comfort, security and versatility, making it easy to use in various conditions. The fishing area is illuminated with multiple lights that brighten both the fishing rods and the boat’s floor, ensuring visibility for those enjoying Emajõgi River fishing at any time of day or night. Inside the cabin, you’ll find ambient lighting for relaxation, romantic lighting for cozy evenings, and a soft nightlight for children’s sleep.

For added convenience, you can swich in a separate light in the cabin without entering, allowing you to check on your sleeping child or quietly grab something from the table without disturbing others. The boat also includes special navigation lights for use in total darkness or fog, ensuring safety during late-night or early-morning trips.

All labels on the boat are made from reflective materials to increase visibility and safety during night trips. At the stern of the boat, there is a separate light for signaling your presence when the boat is docked for overnight fishing or when another boat approaches too closely along the river.

Children love steering the boat using the old non-functional wheel, which adds a fun touch to their adventure. This family-friendly travel boat rental is perfect for nature lovers looking for an overnight stay in nature or a longer exploration of the Emajõgi Suursoo wetlands. It’s ideal for fishing trips with kids, wild swimming, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

The "Augupill" boat is designed for excursions along the Emajõgi River, where you can explore the natural beauty, enjoy fishing with kids, or immerse yourself in the peaceful wilderness. Whether you are planning a quiet day fishing or embarking on a boat trip on the Emajõgi River, this boat is the perfect base for your adventure.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly fishing destination or winter fishing experiences, Humala Kalabaas offers unique opportunities for all nature enthusiasts. Our boat trips and fishing holidays in Estonia are designed to provide a memorable and peaceful experience in the heart of nature.