Angling: Sea Fishing
Sea
fishing as a sport has not bet been well developed in India. But there is
a good variety of game fish off the coasts of India like Baracuda, Mullet,
Perch, Tuna, Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sail Fish and Sear. So the enterprising
angler can put together a rewarding and memorable trip in some very exotic
regions of India.
GOA AND THE KERALA COAST:
The
region extends from the well-known beach resort of Goa down to Trivandrum
along the south west coast, with some large ports as well as numerous
fishing villages. It is at these fishing harbors that one can charter a
sea going mechanized boat. These may have only basic facilities but if
given time, can prepare for a good trip out to sea. The local fishermen
are a well-experienced lot and will be able to Provide information on the
best fishing areas. The main ports on this part of the coast are Goa,
Mangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.
As these are all
well-established tourist centres, one can stay in comfortable and
conveniently located hotels to suit all pockets. Angling permits must be
obtained from the local Fisheries office. Best time of the year would be
from October to March each year. Weather forecasting facilities and charts
are available as well as radio communication.
LAKSHADWEEP
ISLANDS:
Off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep
Islands have been recently opened to restricted tourism. The islands are
small but have some of the cleanest, most unspoiled beaches found anywhere
in the world. Only a few sea going mechanized boats of about 20 ft. length
are available, as local resources are limited. The region is rich in game
fish, which includes Sharks, Baiacuda, Blue Marlin, Sear, Kulvel, Gruppers
etc. Angling within the lagoon area is. Allowed but killing to Turtles is
prohibited. The Bangaram Island has a resort hotel and other
accommodation. The best time of the year for angling in this region is
November-April. The islands are connected by regular sailings as well as
by Vayudoot flights from Cochin.
ORISSA :
The
state of Orissa on India's east coast has some interesting possibilities
for game fishing. A narrow opening to the Bay of Bengal connects one of
the largest brackish water lakes, the Chilka Lake. The lake has an area of
1000 sq. kms. But, interestingly, has an average depth of only 2 metres.
The lake is one of the richest areas for Tiger Prawn, which is a major
export product of this region.
Sport angling is possible where
the lake opens to the sea. Here, one could fish for Tuna and several other
fish. Sharks are very rare. Some Dolphins can also be seen in this region.
Chilka Lake abounds in migratory bird life and is well known to
ornithologists. A few boat charters are available through the assistance
of the state tourism authorities. The lake is ringed with some good
tourist lodges called Panthnivases. It is also possible to stay at one of
the hotels at Puri, which is a beach resort. No equipment is available
locally. The best time of the year is between November and March each
year.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS:
The string of islands called
the Andaman and Nicobar group stretches 725 kms from the north to soutn in
the Bay of Bengal. Though there are 293 islands in all, only a few are
open to tourism. Some of these are tiny while others are large and covered
with virgin dense evergreen deciduous and natural tropical rain forest.
Good coral and marine life exists around most of these islands making it a
paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Some of these islands
are inhabited by tribes, which are still hostile to outsiders. The islands
open to tourists are Port Blair (South Andaman Island), Jolly Buoy, Red
Skin, Conquer, Neil and Havelock Islands. The angler can reap rich rewards
if he ventures off the coast of south Andaman's. Local boat charters are
available. Angling equipment, limited to a small choice, is available with
one of the local resorts in Port Blair. The suggested methods of fishing
are by rolling lane or polar lane methods for pelagic Fish (column or
surface living) and by hand lanes for domicile fish (rocky bottom living).
Port Blair has all facilities for tourists including good hotels 'and
transportation.
EQUIPMENT:
Since equipment for sea
fishing is not locally available in India, all sportsmen are advised to
bring it themselves. Most of the species mentioned are internationally
known, hence the equipment should be the same as used in other parts of
the world. Spares and stand-by equipment must also be brought along if an
extended trip is planned.
CLOTHING :
The coastal
region of India has higher temperatures as the climate is predominantly
tropical. Temperatures range between 15degree and 32 C during the fishing
season. Rainfall is low during this period, though humidity of 75% or
above is experienced. Clothing requirements must be catered for
accordingly. The sun can be hot during the mid-afternoon, hence
over-exposure of the skin can lead to sunburns or rashes. Creams and
lotions must be carried on these trips.
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