Fish angling competition to be re-introduced to draw tourists to Pilikula, says Pilikula Development Authority Commissioner

The traditional fish angling competition will be re-introduced at the Lake Garden in Pilikula Nisargadhama soon to attract tourists, according to the Commissioner (in charge) of Pilikula Development Authority, Arun Kumar Shetty.

Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of ‘Matsya Mela’ organised by the authority at Pilikula on Sunday, he said that in the past the Lake Garden at Pilikula Nisargadhama attracted thousands of tourists through the traditional fishing competition, which will be introduced again.

He said the annual ‘Matsya Mela’ aims to introduce people to the coastal region’s culture and fishing heritage and encourage more tourists to visit Pilikula. Since fishing is a primary occupation in the coastal region, the event offers visitors an opportunity to watch fishing and buy live fish. Skilled fishermen from Shivamogga were brought in to catch fish released into the lake last year. By 10 a.m. on Sunday, about 1,000 kg of freshwater fish, including rohu, katla and tilapia, had been caught, he said.

Dr. Shetty said that a total of 1,600 kg of fish was caught that day, of which 950 kg was sold to the public. The remaining fish was sold to the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC). Some of the fish weighed between seven and eight kg and were sold live at ₹160 per kg. He noted that 1,200 kg of fish had been harvested last year.

Umanath Kotian, MLA, Moodbidri, inaugurated the event by releasing fish fingerlings into the Pilikula pond and subsequently catching fish using a net, placing the catch into a basket.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said that last year, 20,000 fingerlings were released into the pond; they have since grown and were caught to sell fresh fish to customers.

“These fish are pure and free from any adulteration. Given the high demand from the people last year, this time the sale of fish was managed through a token system. Arrangements were made to ensure availability for everyone, with a limit of 5 kg of fish per customer,” the MLA said.

This year’s event also featured a special food fest where fish dishes were prepared and served on site for visitors, alongside a mobile canteen service organised by the KFDC.