Rivers without fish are considered by anglers to be dead and unfriendly. Due to this a group of salmonids and clean Podhale rivers enthusiasts founded in 1993 the Cracow Club “Głowatka”.
The founding members were: Zdzisław Adamczyk, Waldemar Bolerowski, Wojciech Krasnopolski, Wiesław Dębicki, who were soon joined by: Tadeusz Ćwik, Janusz Palonek, Stanisław Kowalski, Wojciech Obydziński, Marian Godzic, Andrzej Pierzchała, Marek Wójcik and the others.
Wojciech Krasnopolski was elected to be the first chairman of the Club. Under the threat of a complete elimination of the huchen (Danube salmon) stock in the Fish Stocking Centre of the Polish Angling Association in Łopuszna, the club members decided to take necessary measures to protect the huchen population in the Polish rivers.
Referring to the best traditions of the Polish pre-war angling, whose main purpose was to protect and to stock Polish waters, a specially designed competition was organized. Its main purpose was to estimate the reaction of the angling community to the problems concerning huchen protection.
46 competitors took part in the First “Głowatka” Cup which was held in October 1994. Thanks to the engagement of the Club members the “Głowatka” Cup has quickly become an important event in the annual calendar of angling events, not only in Poland but also in Europe.
Exchange of opinions and experiences accompanied by joint fishing – this is a special atmosphere of the “Głowatka Cup” that is so much enjoyed by the participating anglers.
The purchase of a fry has been always the key point of the Cup. The fry of huchen and other fish species for the total amount of 150 000 PLN has been introduced into the river within the last 16 years (the fry was bought in the Fish Stocking Centre of the Polish Angling Association in Łopuszna).
All the fish stockings have been always held in agreement with ichthyologists managing the Dunajec river. The money has come from individual anglers’ donations, sponsors and gifts-in-kind sold by auction.
The engagement of the Cracow Club “Głowatka” members results in the ongoing presence of huchen in the Polish waters.
