Mangaluru: In a significant boost to coastal tourism and recreational fishing in Karnataka, the third edition of the Angling Carnival is set to make a comeback in Mangaluru after a gap of nearly seven years. The two-day international angling event will be held from January 24 at the Northern Breakwater of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), drawing anglers from India and abroad.

Organisers said the event is expected to see the participation of around 150 anglers from across the globe, making it one of the biggest saltwater catch-and-release angling championships in the country. The championship will be held in waters known for their rich marine biodiversity and abundant fish availability, offering an ideal setting for competitive angling.

Organised as part of NMPA golden jubilee celebrations

The Angling Carnival is being organised by Gifted India in association with the New Mangalore Port Authority as part of NMPA’s golden jubilee celebrations. Anup Kanchan, one of the organisers, said the event aims to promote Mangaluru and coastal Karnataka as a premier angling and marine tourism destination.

“This is a unique sporting and tourism event that highlights the natural marine wealth of our coastline. Through this carnival, we want to boost tourism, angling activities and international visibility for the region,” Kanchan said.

He noted that the support extended by NMPA this year has played a crucial role in reviving the event after a long hiatus.

Revival after pandemic-induced break

The Angling Carnival was last held in 2018. Since then, organisers were unable to conduct further editions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other logistical challenges.

“The last event we organised was in 2018. After that, the pandemic disrupted everything, and there were other constraints as well. This time, we have once again planned the event, and the response has been encouraging,” Kanchan said.

So far, around 150 anglers have registered for the competition. Participants include both domestic and international anglers, underlining the growing global interest in saltwater angling along the Karnataka coast.

Growing participation over the years

The Angling Carnival has seen steady growth since its inception. The first edition, held in 2017, attracted 48 anglers. The second edition witnessed a sharp increase in participation, with 148 anglers taking part.

“This time, we were expecting over 200 participants. However, several anglers cancelled their travel plans due to issues related to IndiGo air carrier services,” Kanchan explained.

Despite these cancellations, organisers remain optimistic about the turnout and the overall success of the event, citing strong interest from both seasoned anglers and newcomers.

Limited government support a concern

While the carnival aims to boost tourism and place coastal Karnataka firmly on the global angling map, organisers expressed disappointment over the limited support from government stakeholders.

“After conducting two successful editions, one of the reasons we could not continue the event, apart from Covid, was the lack of support from the state government and district administration. There was no positive response from the authorities at that time,” Kanchan said.

He added that the revival of the Angling Carnival this year has been possible largely due to the backing of NMPA, which has extended support as part of its golden jubilee celebrations.

Tourism stakeholders have often pointed out that events like the Angling Carnival can significantly contribute to the local economy by attracting high-spending tourists, promoting hotels, homestays, restaurants and local transport services.

International-standard catch-and-release format

One of the highlights of the Angling Carnival is its strict adherence to the catch-and-release format, which aligns with international conservation practices. Fish caught during the competition are measured, weighed and safely released back into the sea, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.

Organisers said this approach helps raise awareness about sustainable fishing practices while allowing anglers to compete at a high level.

The event will feature two main competition categories. One category will be based on the highest weight of the catch, while the other will be judged on the number of catches made during the competition period.

“The winners in both categories will receive cash rewards,” Kanchan said, adding that safety measures and clear guidelines will be in place to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

Boost to coastal tourism and local economy

With participants arriving from different parts of India and overseas, the Angling Carnival is expected to provide a boost to Mangaluru’s tourism sector. Hotels, eateries and local service providers are likely to benefit from the influx of visitors during the two-day event.

Tourism experts believe that if supported consistently, such niche events can help diversify Karnataka’s tourism offerings beyond traditional destinations and seasons.

Conclusion

The return of the Angling Carnival after seven years marks an important milestone for coastal tourism in Mangaluru. With international participation, a strong conservation focus and growing popularity among anglers, the event has the potential to establish coastal Karnataka as a recognised global angling destination. Organisers hope that sustained institutional support in the future will allow the carnival to grow further and become a regular feature on the international angling calendar.