Alok Prakash 
Angling or Sport Fishing is one of the oldest sports enjoyed by many and is really catching on in India. For some, it is the solitary nature of fishing that makes fishing more alluring and for others, it is the tug of war and the sight of the struggle that a fish puts up when it’s intelligence is being outwitted gives them a high!
Whatever the reason maybe, we know that the world we live in is not getting any slower and many enthusiasts believe that sport fishing or ‘angling’ is like a balm for the soul, a relaxing tonic for the mind and body. It gets you involved with nature and the thrill is what has many, including professionals and businessmen, hooked on to it!
Angler’s paradise – India
The country has an estimated 50,000 km of waters- rivers, streams, and lakes included- and an additional 3,000 km of coastline! In addition, what makes angling or sport fishing easy in India is that most major cities lie along rivers, as a result of which getting to a suitable fishing spot is generally not a problem.
Major rivers like the Ganga and its tributaries, the Yamuna, the Brahmaputra, the Mahanadi, the Krishna and the Kaveri are home to a wide spectrum of fish, including the great Mahseer (meaning: big mouth), that tops the wish list of enthusiastic anglers. Rohu, Katli, and trout are some other exotic varieties of freshwater fish and the coastal waters of peninsular India harbor marine sportfish such as mackerel, marlin and sea bass.
There are some areas where fishing licences are mandatory. So, anglers are well-advised to acquire the necessary permission before finding themselves fishing in troubled waters or getting penalised.
Finders keepers?
Well, not always. Like with all endangered animals, one has to take care of rules and guidelines around endangered species of fish like the Golden Mahseer and some species of trout. Thus expert anglers approach sport fishing ethically and use the ‘Catch-and-Release’ option where once they’ve caught they’re trophy, they capture their moment of glory and release the fish back to where it belongs.
When to go fishing
The best part about angling or sport fishing in India is that it can be done on Indian rivers almost throughout the year. Although, regional variations in climate cause hindrances. For eg: most state authorities forbid angling during the monsoon months, when fish are breeding and most of the Himalayas are too cold to allow any angling during the winter months.
On the whole, October to November and mid-February to mid-May are the best times to go sport fishing in India.
Gear up but don’t forget the gear
All kinds of fishing rods, reels, lines, lures, tackles and tools are available in India (online as well as in stores). You also get these on rent and in many cases, your angling expert will lend his equipment to you also.
What you also need apart from equipment is a lot of patience. Anglers are at it for hours and hours without any luck but many say they enjoy every bit of it, including the wait!
Soon after I embraced the sport of angling I became convinced that I should never be able to enjoy it if I had to rely on the cooperation of the fish. ~ Sparse Grey Hackle
Those interested in the sport can take up a day trip or even a week long fishing expedition to one of these spectacular locations. It is also a great way to combine your family vacation with a fishing trip as you get time alone and with family, away from the fast paced life of the city.
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Andaman islands
The tropical islands of Andamans with its rainforest, mangroves and deep drop offs, makes an ideal location for any form of saltwater angling. Known as the last undiscovered angling paradise, Andamans is known to house exotic fish like Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Dorado.
Pancheshwar | Uttarakhand
Pancheshwar is on India Nepal border and the river Mahakali, a torrential snow fed river, makes for a great angling spot for the mighty Mahaseer. Angling enthusiasts can also opt for an extremely thrilling night fishing session in moonlight during the winter season!
Ranikor | Meghalaya
Famous for its winter beach festival, Ranikor is a beautiful village situated on the border of India and Bangladesh. Ranikor is more popularly known as a fishing destination among local anglers for fish spieces like the Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Catfish etc. It is fascinating to see local tribals use traditional as well as modern techniques for angling.
Goa
Angling is a relaxed activity here and adds to the ‘de-stressing’ charm of this beach haven. One can go fishing at the beaches, tidal rivers and even go boat fishing by hiring a boat. Some of the most popular catches are rockfish, salmon, mullet, snapper, etc. You can also catch stingrays and groupers if you’re lucky!
Beas Ghat | Uttarakhand
A 60lbs Mahseer has been the best catch so far at this popularly known fishing spot for the Mahseer. Beas Ghat is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas with its natural beauty, fantastic beats and spotless beaches it becomes the ideal vacation for a thrilling yet relaxing angling getaway!
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