Five exciting sport fishing destinations in India
Visitors get addicted to these fishing hotspots
Ravi with a huge dogtooth tuna that he caught while jigging in Andaman (Photo: Chandrasekar Ravi)
Although fishing or sport fishing is still a niche, it is gaining ground in India. However, the country offers a multitude of options for those looking for sport fishing spots. These fishing destinations in India offer angling enthusiasts stimulating opportunities to enjoy either salt or freshwater fishing in a serene, scenic landscape where monster fish are waiting to be caught.
The Andaman Islands
The Andaman Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal is one of the best and most convenient places for sport fishing in India. The rich reef ecosystem, fascinating landscape, abundance of fish and the chance to conquer the catch of your life attract anglers from all over the world every year. Chandrasekar Ravi, a regular visitor and angler who documents some of his live catches on YouTube, raves about the islands’ virtues.
“I make it a point to go on at least two trips a year to hunt down monster fish. I personally fish on a charter called Andaman Angler; They ensure that each of my trips will be unforgettable and that I will continue to visit them, no matter what part of the world I live in, ”he told the Media India Group.
He adds that the company has experienced guides and fantastic charterers who can help tailor the trip exactly how anglers want, from a budget to 5 star experiences. Due to its remote location, the unique advantage of these fishing grounds is the lack of large-scale commercial fishing, which means that there is an abundance of marine life. A fishing shop is nearby to make it easier for tourists to get supplies and there are several good dining options in the Port Blair area, where the company is located.
Kali River, Uttarakhand
The Kali River is famous as the natural border between India and Nepal and home to the formidable and impressive Golden Mahseer (aka “the Tiger of the Himalayan Rivers”). As this is an endangered species of fish, it is important to release the fish back into the water after catching it and the iconic festive shot. The best place to fish is here in Pancheshwar, where you can try fly fishing or spinner fishing to catch other species of Mahseer such as the copper Mahseer or the rare redfin Mahseer.
The fishing opportunities are complemented by the beautiful views to be experienced such as the charming villages of Kumaon on the drive to the river and the surrounding sandbars which are perfect for taking a break from fishing and enjoying a family picnic and friends. In addition to freshwater fishing, the class 4 rapids are a great spot for white water rafting, which is popular with any adrenaline junkie.
Kovalam Beach and Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai
Ravi with the giant tevally fish on an excursion with Poseidon Sport Fishing (Photo: Chandrasekar Ravi)
The pristine, crystal clear waters near these beaches make Chennai a prime place for fishing, especially for amateur anglers looking for a good time away from the noise and hustle and bustle of the capital.
“Although the fish density is not as great as in the Andaman Islands, it has brought me and other anglers some unforgettable catches,” says Ravi.
He explains that having access to a boat makes it a lot easier for sport anglers to catch and catch the spectacular species like yellowfin tuna, king mackerel and barracuda. Some of the best charter boats in the area include Poseidon Sport Fishing, South Fin, and Super Marine.
“For people who want to fish from the bank, they can always turn to Super Marine, who will teach them everything from the basics and show them deep-sea fishing spots!” Ravi adds. Dolphins can also swim along the boats, especially during the migration months of July to August and February to March. Anglers who have enjoyed salt fishing with Poseidon Sport Fishing praise the company’s safety precautions, particularly the Poseidon boat, an 8 meter European hull with features like a twin 75 hp mercury engine for easy travel. an aquarium for live bait and fish storage boxes, a marine bluetooth audio system and a center console canopy that provide shade for a leisurely ride.
Jia Bhoroli River, Assam
Assam is a well known sanctuary in India for nature and water sports lovers. The Jia Bhoroli River flows through the rocky valleys of Arunachal Pradesh and passes the Nameri Forest Reserve, forming rapids and crevasses when it joins the Brahmaputra, providing the perfect conditions for river rafting and boating. In addition to the home of the wild game fish, Golden Mahseer, anglers can try to catch the smaller species such as korang, boka and hall fish. This river has been a famous fishing destination since the British Raj and has hosted an angling competition every November since 1981 by the Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association, which offers an exciting challenge for sport anglers. One of the largest Golden Mahseers was caught here and is believed to weigh over 36 kg. The vibrant green surroundings of the forest provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful fishing excursion, and if visitors are looking for another active hobby, they can enjoy adventure trekking in the woods by animals such as deer, wild bison, and elephants.
Lakshadweep Islands
A sailing boat in Lakshadweep Islands (Photo: Lakshadweep Tourism Board)
These picturesque islands off the coast of Kerala have one of the most distinctive features on this list as they have the only coral atolls in India. Due to its isolated and dispersed location, it takes a few hours to get to the best spots, but sailing in the lagoons among the beautiful tropical reefs will take any angler away from the trip. The surrounding turquoise sea is rich in marine fauna, the best of which is the variety and abundance of the tuna fishery, caught using the unique pole and line fishing method. Adventurous water sports activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, parasailing, and diving are also available to tourists, and the scenic night cruises on the ocean are not to be missed.
Fishing enthusiasts in India have an abundance of spots to try their luck, and beginners can take advantage of the expert charter offers to learn as much as possible. A true angler can always remember his first big catch, which started it all, and Ravi is no different.
“I have several memorable catches and I find it difficult to pick one out because no two catch are alike. We work equally hard for every fish, whether small or large. But when I have to choose one, my first big dog-tooth tuna that I hooked and landed while jigging in the Andaman is my choice! “He says.
