Sustainable angling, as opposed to intensive fishing, benefits conservation
of prized fishes like mahseer. Angling is allowed in certain areas in the
buffer region of Corbett after taking permits from the Forest Department.
One of the fascinating narration's of Jim Corbett in his book "Man
Eaters of Kumaon" is about his fishing holidays for Mahseer (barbus
tour), in a river that flowed through a beautiful wooded valley. When
Corbett was fishing, the air was filled with the fragrance of flora and
songs of a multitude of birds. Corbett opined that angling in such an
atmosphere is a sport fit for kings. After catching a 50 lb. mahseer, he
concluded that the sublime surroundings in which he had caught the fish will
not be forgotten, and will draw him back to this valley, which to date still
unspoiled by the hand of man. His descriptions fit well with the Ramganga
valley.
The Mahseer is a fresh water scaly fish, which can attain a huge size, and
shows more sport for its size than a Salmon and therefore is considered the
best sport fish in the world. Mahseer quite avidly takes to bait such as
spoon, plug, fly and live fish, are omnivorous in feeding habits - eating
snails, crabs and weeds like algae, etc. Etymology of Mahseer suggests the
word could mean a fish with "lion's gameness" and "fish par
excellence".
Experts have identified about six species in India, but no detailed
information on the present status and distribution of these species is
available. Though fisherman consider consider the Golden or Himalayan
Mahseer (tor putitora) as the main species available on the Ramganga / Kosi
rivers, besides the Silver and Black Mahseer. Goonch (bagaraus bagarius), a
fresh water scavenger is also another species that thrives in these rivers.
The challenge and thrill of an encounter with the Mahseer attracts anglers
from all over the world. It offers a holiday with a fish, which not only
rules the Indian waters like the tiger does the jungle, but also fights the
way, no one can.
Best Time
October /November & April - June is the best season to venture out for
fishing in the Himalayan region. However, there is ample scope for angling
that can be enjoyed even throughout the year in India.
The Process
The time to angle the big Mahseer is when they return after breeding to
chase the shoals of minnows. Angling the Mahseer is a virtual battle of
strength, tact and speed. On overcast days the fish tend not to bite in the
regular places, therefore try out new places. Use 'hing' in your bait made
of paste. Let the bait lie in a deep pool next to a big rapid and remember,
patience is the virtue of the angler when fishing with ground bait. With fly
you can land upto 50 pounds fly fish in the calmer areas around the rapids.
Remember there is more oxygen in rapids and the big ones are in and around
these. Don't try and stop the first run, hold the line tight let the fish
complete its first run. Remember the fish can see you, therefore make sure
you avoid its eye. Do not disturb the water where you intend to fish, as the
fish can hear any disturbances on the surface. Patiently sit it out and try
for other fish.
In a snag the line remains constantly in one place but if a big fish is on
the line then the line will keep moving on water and will not stay in one
place. If the line is snagged don't pull or you will snap your line but if
the fish is on the line and is not snagged then try to wear it out, before
it tires you into making a mistake. Keep fighting and reeling in, never let
the fish rest. Learn the importance of pumping your rod and keep your reel
properly oiled. Also try and discard a shredded line.
Click
Here for Customised Fishing Safari
