Fisherman Nejat Demircan Lands First vonoz of Season off Sinop, Turkey

Nejat Demircan, a fisherman from Ayancık in Turkey’s Sinop province on the Black Sea, caught the first vonoz – a young cod considered the season’s first catch – on 25 July 2026. The catch is regarded by local fishers as a sign of abundance for the upcoming fishing season that starts on 1 September. After landing the fish, Demircan released it back into the sea, hoping it will grow and contribute to future seasons. The event has raised optimism among the fishing community, which views the early vonoz as an omen of a prosperous and bountiful season.

Local anglers expect the season to bring plentiful catches and increased earnings, and they are preparing their vessels and gear in anticipation of the September opening.