Traditional Fishing Competition to Return at Pilikula Lake Garden

Traditional Fishing Competition to Return at Pilikula Lake Garden

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 25, 2026: The traditional fish angling competition will be reintroduced at the Lake Garden in Pilikula Nisargadhama to attract tourists, Arun Kumar Shetty, in-charge commissioner of the Pilikula Development Authority, said on Sunday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual ‘Matsya Mela’ at Pilikula, he said the fishing competition had previously drawn thousands of visitors and would be revived to boost tourism.

The annual event showcases the coastal region’s fishing heritage and offers visitors an opportunity to watch fishing and purchase fresh fish. Skilled fishermen from Shivamogga were engaged to harvest fish stocked in the lake last year.

A total of 1,600 kg of freshwater fish, including rohu, katla and tilapia, was harvested on Sunday, of which 950 kg was sold to the public. The remaining catch was sold to the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC). Some fish weighed seven to eight kg and were sold live at ₹160 per kg. Last year, 1,200 kg of fish was harvested.

Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian inaugurated the event by releasing fish fingerlings into the pond and participating in the fishing activity.

He said 20,000 fingerlings released last year had grown and were harvested for sale. In view of the strong demand last year, fish sales were managed through a token system, with a limit of 5 kg per customer to ensure wider access.

The event also featured a food festival offering freshly prepared fish dishes and a mobile canteen operated by the KFDC.