KOCHI: The relationship he shares with sea is both personal and professional. The 28-year-old is a marine engineer by profession, but has been a fishing enthusiast for over a decade and still continues to be so. His passion for sport fishing has taken him around the world to explore its various nuances.
Hansraj, a resident of Fort Kochi, is head-over-heels in love with the sport of fishing. “I never planned on this to happen. I found my passion for fishing by accident. It all began when my brother, mother and I visited Kodangallur, where I first went fishing. Since then, fishing is a craze for me,” says Hansraj.
Hours of research on the web and interacting with fishing enthusiasts all over the world made Hansraj realise that there is no turning back. He pursued his passion in every possible manner which made him love it even more.
“I read a lot of about lures and the various types available, fishing products and also did extensive research on the methods of fishing in other countries. I met a few fishing enthusiasts online who are settled in Germany, Australia and Italy. I spend hours talking to them regarding their latest catch and the techniques they use. Later, I apply the same technique here and also try the equipment they use there. One of my friends in Italy who equally loves the sport, helped me turn my hobby into a passion,” added Hansraj.
That doesn’t end there, his profession takes him across the world which helps him find a new perspective for his hobby. “Japan uses modern fishing equipment and they actually consider it a sport. I have gone fishing in Australia, United States of America and UAE too but my experience in Japan was the best so far. I once caught a Dorado (also known as Mahi Mahi) at Kawasaki in Japan,” shares Hansraj.
Hansraj has interesting thoughts to share on his fishing experience in Kerala and in foreign waters, Hansraj has interesting thoughts to share.
“In Kerala, we still follow the traditional bait fishing or live bait fishing and when I use the lure technique of fishing, people think I am a crazy person who knows nothing about fishing. A lot of people are ignorant about fishing as a sport. We always look out for predatory fishes who feed upon the injured fishes or easy preys. I use a wooden lure for casting which is the kind of technique used abroad,” he adds.
His friends and family call him crazy but Hansraj too agrees that he is when it comes to fishing. Harshraj, Hansraj’s brother, narrates an incident which did confirm the mariner’s madness for the sport. “About six years ago, my friends and I accompanied my brother for fishing in Fort Kochi and there were a lot of others who were fishing at the same spot. We were told that it wasn’t a good day for getting a catch. My brother wanted to give it a shot anyway and in less than five minutes he caught a Grouper weighing two kilograms. From the fishing spot we directly headed to a photo studio to get a picture clicked. Even the photographer thought my brother was out of his mind. I still remember the joy on his face after he caught the fish,” said Harshraj.
The mariner also has a fishing album with snaps of his catches till date. Hansraj has also invested a good amount in equipment like fishing rods, reels, lines lures from Japan, Canada, USA and vintage lures from Italy. Stores like Hobby Drome in Palarivattom and JC & Nirmal in Menaka have a good collection of fishing equipments, according to Hansraj.
He adds, “There is a lot of scope for the sport and it should be encouraged in our country too but we need to have stringent rules and regulations like other countries do. Illegal netting and over fishing should curbed. Moreover it’s a fun hobby to indulge oneself in,” Hansraj signs off.