The Hindu : Front Page : Angling catching on in city

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 05, 2005

Front Page

Front Page

Angling catching on in city

M.L. Melly Maitreyi

FUN TIME: A man engrossed in angling on the banks of Durgam Cheruvu. — Photo: K. Ramesh Babu

HYDERABAD: They swear by the line, hook and sinker. Literally. Come weekend or holiday, they head for Durgam Cheruvu with their angling equipment to spend the day fishing. Well, not for fishing in troubled waters but for enjoying the peace and calm the activity bestows on them.

Angling is catching on as a hobby in the city of lakes as a sure way to beat stress. With the bait set, rod and line in place, anglers are a picture of concentration, waiting patiently for fish to fall for the bait. The minute they sense fish near the bait, it's hooked with a jerk. After a short free run for the prey, they net it finally. And assured of a delicious meal, the anglers head home.

Thanks to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation's initiative to promote angling as a leisure-time activity, the 90-acre picturesque Secret Lake has become the favourite spot for angling. Even imported angling equipment is available on hire. Tickets are priced at Rs.50 for five hours and one is allowed to carry home three fish.

However, most regulars procure their equipment from Begum Bazaar and Charminar. The fishing rod or stick made of bullhorn, nylon line, hooks and rice brawn dough for bait and fishing net, comprise the kit, priced at Rs.250.

Biggest catch

Md. Khurshid Ali, an FCI employee and his friend Gulam Khader, vouch that no hobby is more relaxing. "It teaches one patience and optimism and is akin to meditation and when you land with a good catch, there is no greater thrill. Even otherwise you feel rejuvenated." The lake fish are fresh and tasty, they say. Their biggest catch so far is a fish weighing 16 kg.

Deepak Singh, a businessman, who took to angling influenced by his brother, says: "I used to accompany my brother and now am addicted. When you settle down on the bank, setting the rod and line and wait for the catch, one just loses track of time. All worries vanish as you become one with nature."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News Update

Stories in this Section