This is an ice-fishing tradition that has been recognized as a unique method of ice fishing for smelt in the Curonian Lagoon and designated as an element of intangible cultural heritage.
The essence of this tradition is “bumbinimas.” In winter, when the Curonian Lagoon is covered by thick, solid ice, fishermen would lower a long (about 4 m) spruce or pine plank (or a plank with a branch attached) under the ice, next to their set nets. The end of the plank was left protruding above the ice. Then, using wooden mallets or special hammers, the fishermen would rhythmically strike the end of the plank, accompanying the striking with a rhythmic chant: “Smelt, smelt, smelt, smelt, jump into the net!” A sound (a rumbling, a “thumping”) would travel beneath the ice, scaring away schools of smelt and young smelt, which, fleeing the noise, would swim straight into the nets set by the fishermen.
The “Stintapūkis” festival, celebrated in Neringa and Palanga, originated from this tradition.
