From high-net-worth enthusiasts to modest wage-earners, anglers treat this hobby like an irresistible addiction.
Hyderabad: Monsoon rain has filled Hyderabad’s lakes to the brim, delighting the city’s anglers who are gearing up for their “big-game” season once the downpours cease. Fishing is one of Hyderabad’s oldest passions, and on weekends or holidays many water bodies are dotted with groups patiently waiting for a catch.
From high-net-worth enthusiasts to modest wage-earners, anglers treat this hobby like an irresistible addiction. A mere rumour of a plentiful spot spreads like wildfire. More of them are joining the community.
At the backwaters of Hussainsagar and Himayatsagar, teenagers often begin with nothing more than a long stick, a nylon line, a sharp hook, and an earthworm for bait. As their skills grow, so does their equipment.
John Victor Paul, an angler for more than four decades, recalls: “I started as a kid at Hussainsagar and have since fished nearly every lake around Hyderabad. My biggest catch was a 7-kg murrel in the Manjeera, and recently a trout in Kodaikanal.”
Victor often heads out with fellow enthusiasts Jaffrey Khan, Bharat Reddy, Junaid Farooki, and Mark Campus. “Most of our gear, Shimano and Abu Garcia reels, used to be available only in the US, but international sports stores in Hyderabad now stock them,” he said.
Telangana once boasted more than 7,000 lakes, and Hyderabad was famous for them. Anglers still reminisce about pristine Hussainsagar, as well as Himayatsagar, Osmansagar, Foxsagar, the lakes at Edulabad, Peerzadiguda, Rampally, Shamirpet, Devarayamjal, Tumkunta, and Narsingi. Some lakes are leased to fishing cooperatives and officially off-limits; seasoned anglers admit that quiet negotiations, sometimes a tip or a small inducement can secure access.
Recognising angling’s tourism potential, the fisheries department has launched a pilot project at Shamirpet lake. Fisheries department chairperson Mettu Saikumar tells Deccan Chronicle: “Fishing has been overlooked for years, but we see great potential. We’re spending about ₹2 crore to develop Shamirpet so families can enjoy the hobby. Other lakes will follow.”
Among the oldest in the group must be ninety-three-year-old Mohammed Nizamuddin of Ameerpet last fished on August 5.
“My father arranged fishing outings for the Nizam of Hyderabad and other royals. My biggest catch was a 37-kg Calcutta rohu in Gandipet.” He has chronicled decades of memories in a book awaiting publication.
Lin D’Silva of Secunderabad, who took up fishing after marriage, says: “Forty years on, it’s still my first choice for weekends. Techniques vary with each species, season, and location, and experience only deepens the joy.”
Although many urban lakes have been lost, broad new roads now connect Hyderabad to major rivers and reservoirs within an hour’s drive. Anglers hire boats between Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar or even paddle tiny coracles for the perfect spot. Increasingly, NRIs fly in just to fish.
In the words of one veteran: “Angling teaches concentration, patience, and pure joy amid nature. Hyderabad may change, but as long as the waters hold fish, we’ll keep casting our lines.”
