MANGALURU: Anglers are all set to get hooked, with their fishing rods stretched out over water to grab the prize catch. For, Mangaluru will host its first angling championship on December 24 and 25 at northern breakwater of New Mangalore Port Trust.“Angling, unlike fishing, is not a commercial activity. It is a tactical sport that involves a hook and bait and a long wait,” said Avil, a member of Mangalore Angling Club.
“It is a catch-and-release contest where the fish caught will be weighed, measured and sent right back into the water,” said advocate Kiran Rao, who is also the founder of Mangalore Angling Club.
The organisers believe that the contest, which is a part of a larger carnival - Angling Carnival India - will promote coastal tourism. The carnival includes digital ludo competition, street dance contest and a fish fest at Panambur Beach, which will be held simultaneously. A musical performance on the last day will also be part of the jamboree.
Though angling demands a lot of patience, looks like the game hasn’t lost its charm. About 70 people have registered, half of whom have already confirmed their participation, said Avil.A growing sport in the city, as much as in the globe, Mangaluru has more than 300 anglers, adds Kiran.
The community, which interacts via social media, has only fewer places for the sport. “We used to visit Bengre, but now the fish have reduced due to pollution. We do not find fish there because of chemicals,” says Kiran. After the 26/11 Mumbai attack, security has been tightened at NMPT breakwater, he recalls.
The competition will fetch a cash prize of `50,000 for the heaviest catch and `10,000 for the catch with the greatest height, said Panambur Beach Authority CEO Yatish Baikampady.