By Kiran Patil
Pune is an abuzz with abundant activities in its natural vicinity. A less-known but more exciting activity Pune is fond of nowadays is Sport Fishing. At the city’s local water bodies, you will find people angling patiently to catch their favorite fish.
The sport fishing might be unadventurous for people who have already enjoyed it, but for youngsters, who have not tested the sport before, it is most exciting and exhilarating. Places like Bhima River, lakes in Lonavala, Khandala and in the city are haven for the anglers now and are becoming a favorite spot on weekends. Among the variety of fish anglers catch are like mirgul, catfish, catla, and murrel.
What’s more, people are becoming more interested to learn the sport and enjoy the angling. Some folks are also looking fishing as a special weekend hangout activity which enables them to spend their time happily- catching fish and enjoying angling.
Fishing, for some people may seem a game of chance rather than skill, but that is not the case at all. Col Pratap, a veteran angler says “what skills one requires for fishing is handling of the hook and keeping your patience in control. If you have mastered these two things, you can be a good angler.”
The budding anglers may take a long time to brush up their fishing skills of handling rod and reel, but once learned it’s tempting and one can not stop oneself angling.
An angler can easily land a fish of 5 to 6 kgs if he/she is skilled at the handling of reel. As you go on landing a fish, you become even more cautious and full of patience as a fish may play a game with you.
“It’s a very engaging sport,” says Pranav Waghmare, who got addicted to the sport long back. Earlier he would go with his friend, to learn how to lure the fish. Having been trained in the fishing sport, he does not need anybody to teach as he has mastered the angling skills. Angling is not a sport that takes a lot of effort to learn, but what it needs is the knowledge of fishes and their habitat. If you are looking forward to fish in deep waters of the sea, then you must read water first as every location differs, same is the case with angling.
Neil, who has won the all India Salt Water Competition held at Harihareshwar in November, says,
One needs to know the variety of fishes first and then you learn their behavioral skills such as their location, eating habits and location most of the time they stay in
This competition is held every year at the same place where anglers from all over the world participate. I think angling is becoming demanding sport and it should be introduced in all sports clubs all over the country, says Neil.
Well, we can’t say whether angling will be introduced in sports club or not but sport fishing should not be considered lesser important for its a thousand year old profession.
Angling could be a way for all human beings to reconnect and care for nature which is a need of the day today. This will also educate people of the frequently occurring changes.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Hi It was nice to read that there are sport fishing people and sure fishing is the best activity to keep the mind free of all the problems away. I switch off my mobile and just its the fish and me.Last week near Pulgoan caught about 35 fish totally weighing 3.5 kgs.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Hi Eric,
hope alls well.
goog numder of fish you caught there.
where in pulgoan did u fish?
what fish did you catch?
what tackle and bait did you use?
i’m into angling too, lets hit the water for a good fishing trip sometime.
regards,
pranav..
February 17th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Hi, i’ve been trying to find out where i can go angling in pune for quite a while. would it be possible for you to give me the details of the places i could go to and if i would require prior permission from the authorities. I do a lot of spinning at cauvery and have been trying to get in touch with someone who knows their way around this side of the country. would be really thankfull if you could help. thanks.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 pm
hey Siddharth,
hope all well..
Regarding location there are many dams such as khadkwasla,mulshi, varasgaon, panshet etc. etc. and the backwater(far far back…) all these dams are good locactions. many rivers such as pavana, bhima, ghodnadi, Indrayani, kundlika flows near pune you can explore the locations . even abondent ston quarry’s near vishrantwadi, lonavala and other locatintions can be some sort of locations. Even around lonavala there are many locations, so keep fishing and upload photographs and keep writing.
you;re not allowed to fish in any of the dams or lakes.. so go early in the morning..
at khadakwasla.. there is a pump house on the NDA side.. that’s the spot you want to go to – ground baiting a must.. – fish fav. food here is fried pakkoda – belive me.. they love it..
i sudjest you join a forum called indianangler.. asap.. just google..
it’s a great site.. with over 1000 anglers from all over India..
i learnt alot here..
tight lines..
and
happy fishing..
regards,
pranav..
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:28 pm
for salt water angling..
u can try the konkan strip ( THAT’S NOT A STRIP CLUB ) – just kidding..
spinning, trolling etc.. u can try it all..
regards,
pranav..
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:29 am
Hey,
Thank you. yeah i checked mulshi and khadakvasala and a couple of other places out a while ago, but i was put off by the illegality of it. but sounds good
will definitely hit those spots soon then.
I read an article in Pune Times a couple of months ago about angling in pune. unfortunately i lost the article and couldnt get a contact number of it.
anyway will let you know how it goes. thanks a bunch again.
cheers..
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:03 am
hey,
i had read that artical too..
was great..
in fact my name was in it..
i’m the same pranav who is in the above artical..
Col Pratap Nair, Neil, Atul and me had taken part in the salt water competition last nov.. it was good fun..
u must join the mad house called INDIAN ANGLER.. google it and register..
introduce ur self once registered..
look out for the fresh water fishing God – Angler Ali.. he’s a great teacher..
there are some who have fished in the cavery too..
which part of pune do live..
regards,
pranav..
February 27th, 2010 at 12:33 am
Hey,
Oh really? it was a while ago, so i dont really remember, but thats great! Wow i’ve never been salt water fishing, another point on my to do list. It must have been incredible.
I’ve joint indian angler. still waiting for a confirmation email activating my account. yeah i will look him up.
I’m staying in panchwati off pashan road. thanks again
siddharth
June 30th, 2010 at 1:07 am
hey guys,
i m interested in fishing n have tried my luck at Shirval (nira river).
i landed big size fish varying from 0.5 to 4 kgs. earthworm was their fav.
i was alone , but it was fun.
i m staying at aundh.
i’d luv to join u guys.
regards,
mayur
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:38 am
hey ,
im not a regular or experianced person as far as fishing or angling is concerned {frankly im confused between the difference…..} but would really like to start the aport….. so any help and guidance from your side would be really nice….im residing in pune and would like to know any place where i can start to fish??…what would be the right kind of equipment required ??…..n how costly would it be {im atill a student so all has to be self financed u c…..} thanks your prompt reply would be appreciated thanks
rgds
mustafa aziz
July 5th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
hi Mustafa
its good to know about ur interest in fishing/angling.
Actually i too am no ‘professional’ in this sport, but i pursue this
sport for the fun and thrill involved.
if u can spare some time this week we can go together.
it would be nice to have company.
regards
mayur
email: mayur0777@gmail.com
July 8th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Pretty well written, and also your points are very close to my own. Regards.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Nice sport you are getting into as you are learners just go to the spot and watch the experienced guys and as all fisherman are they will guide you and even give you the bait the fish are taking.I started with a bamboo rod with line and hook used some bird feathers as a float.Have patience and you will land the big one.Best of luck guys
July 9th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Hi All
I’m another fish out of the water and love to pursue this as my hobby. I don’t have any experience about hi-tech gadgets but surely and slowly gain the knowledge about them.
I joined the Indian Angler forum and found myself a beginners deal in equipments as one of my colleague was opting for something big and I brought his small stuffs
I’m highly motivated and just want a bend in my rod whatever may it be in the other side
So if anyone is planing for any outings (weekends) count me in.
2vikramsir@gmail.com
July 10th, 2010 at 12:47 am
@ mayur – sure im stayin at NIBM please do get in touch and we can go fishing sometime….
July 11th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Hello Is there some nice rivers to catch some carpclose by here or in the region,all of my fishing buds have been hooking some in stocked lakes however I am looking for fast water that have a good variety,if you have any ideas let us know,Ill be back. thanks
July 11th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Hi all,
Y’day I went to Nira river ( we sat under the river bridge) but unfortunately we couldn’t even get a bite from 9Am to 5PM. That’s very disappointing but the locals said there are really big fishes their, but I guess it was a bad day for us.
So we will next plan for Kharadwasla Dam in coming weekends.
Hope to see some bigies there.
July 12th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Howdy,
I just wanted to let you know that I have been watching for a a couple of days and I would like to sign up for the rss feed. Regrettably, I am not to computer smart so I’ll give it a try but I will need some assistance. This is a good find and I would hate to lose touch, and maybe never find it again.
Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to posting again in the future!
July 12th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Hi All
I just have this thought few hours back – why don’t we all ( whoever interested) go fishing together. It would be fun and we can learn a lot from each other as well as from our experience.
Put your views for the same.
July 12th, 2010 at 8:08 am
sure vikram
but lets meet up in pune itself first so dat we can properly plan a few things ….keep me in the loop though
rgds
mustafa aziz
July 12th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hello Mustafa/All
It feels very good to see that ppl are visiting very frequently here to check out
We will definitely meet first, lets plan it in this coming weekend 17/18 Jul then we can plan further.
Open to suggestion…
July 12th, 2010 at 9:07 am
@ vikram
gr8…..lets do it….17/18 sounds good too…..
July 12th, 2010 at 9:07 am
@ vikram
gr8…..lets do it….17/18 sounds good too…..
rgds
mustafa aziz
July 13th, 2010 at 12:03 am
hey guys,
its a bit surprising that Vikram couldnt hook anything at Nira river. As he admits, may be it just wasnt his day. That spot actually is very good which i’ve exp. in my visits there.Most of the local guys there share my opinion. i’ve visited a lake at Ambegaon, alonside new katrj (tunnel)by-pass, twice this during this week. lots of small ones like Tilapia, and bigger veg’ies like rohu and katla. but the greatest prob. is prawns & crabs. i got irritated.
17/18 sounds ok. I’m in.
time and place to get assembled????
July 14th, 2010 at 12:24 am
Hi All
Sorry for coming up late on this.
So we keep it on 17th, now regarding the place to meet that can be decided on the convenience of each. I live in Karvenagar so where do we can meet ?
Also I would urge everyone to bring anyone who is interested.
My No 9096205461, so give me a call if required.
@ mayur
I know it was surprising but I won’t let it go so easily, will again hit the spot soon
July 14th, 2010 at 5:39 am
i guess camp will be the most apt place to meet
up my number is 9960941222….
lets meet up asap…….
rgdds
mustafa aziz
July 14th, 2010 at 8:17 am
hey guys,
would love to meet up with all who are passionate and love this sport…
if you are new to this sport… don’t worry about asking any Q’s…
kindly let me know the place and time and i’ll try n get a rod, reel, line etc…
for a small demo for beginners…..
regards,
pranav…
July 14th, 2010 at 8:18 am
hey,
KINDLY SMS ME ON 9372424042…
ABOUT THIS MEET…..
REGARDS,
PRANAV…..
July 14th, 2010 at 8:37 am
@Pranav That’s just awesome ….
Just tell me where to land up.. I’d be there ( just one request I’m new to Pune and don’t have a vehicle yet) so it would be nice if the place is not too difficult to find. I’m ok with camp.
July 14th, 2010 at 10:56 am
i say mazorin dats like a landmark pretty easy to find…..but lets act fast…..
rgds
mustafa aziz
July 16th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Hi All
Just came upon this site while searching for fishing locations around Pune.Good to see some good enthu among the group.I would have liked to join the outing this weekend but i would be travelling .Pls let me know how it went ..i am back by month end and will surely join the next one.
reg
Mridul
July 16th, 2010 at 3:07 am
Hi All
So lets meet tomorrow at Burger King @ 2PM (2400 Modikhana, East Street, Camp Cantonment, Pune). I searched and found it to be quite renowned.
I hope it will be fine with everyone, but please do let us know if you have thought anything else.
Plz contact me at 9096205461.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Did you guys meet on 17th? What was finalized?Pls update as i am away from Pune till next week..
Reg
Mridul
July 29th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Hey Guys,
Just found this site, so did you guys meet up? Would like to sign up for any other trips ul might plan.
Reg
Zaki
August 6th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Keep me posted on the next meeting. I need to buy the lines and gear though ….
However would be interested in a good day of fishing !!
August 8th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Hello. Can someone recommend good shops in Pune to buy fishing tackle? Aundh vicinity would be preferable, but other areas are just as fine.
Its great to see the amount of interest in Pune for fishing.
Thanks,
Sujeet
August 21st, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hello to all my friends here,
Great to see you all fishing / angling enthuse in Pune.
I thought it was just me and my friend who is into angling. My friend (Arun Karki) is a pro but I am run of the mill.
Gentleman we are working with Intercontinental Hotel Group which is just opening soon.
I handle the portfolio of Director Marketing and my friend who is new to Pune handles the portfolio Asst. General Manager.
Yester day I went to Khadakwasla did some fishing, though the catch was not big maximum ranging to 400 grams 1 Kg. I think the bait was not correct.
Guys we want hold an angler competition in Pune and join the gang and make it big….
Guys please give me your input. You can follow us on Face book too (Richard Barooah)/ (Arun Karki)
Cheers,
Richard
8805009763