Udupi: Mattu Beach is set to come alive with fishing enthusiasts from across India as Udupi Anglers hosts the Angling Competition 2026 on August 23. Around 70 teams are expected to participate in the competition, which will offer prizes worth lakhs of rupees.

The event follows the strong response to last year’s competition, which attracted 60 three-member teams, including four teams of non-resident Indians from Dubai.

Anglers from across India to compete

Udupi Anglers convener Ganesh Poojary said participants from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Bihar, along with anglers from different parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Chitradurga, are expected this year.

The organisers have limited participation to around 70 teams because of the available space along the shoreline.

Poojary said the stretch between Mattu and Padukere, where boulders have been placed along the coast to prevent sea erosion, provides suitable space for the competition. Anglers will be able to stand on the boulders and cast their lines into the sea.

Mattu offers rich fishing grounds

According to Poojary, Mattu Beach is home to several fish species, including Barramundi, Grouper, Snapper, Barracuda, Giant Trevally and Ladyfish. During the spawning season, several species move closer to the shore, making the location particularly suitable for angling.

The competition was first held at Mattu Beach on August 24, 2025.

Prizes worth lakhs up for grabs

Winners will be decided based on the total weight of fish caught. The first, second and third-place teams will receive ₹33,000, ₹22,000 and ₹11,000 respectively.

A separate ‘Big Catch’ prize of ₹5,000 will be awarded for the single largest fish. Fishing gear companies are also sponsoring gifts worth more than ₹2 lakh.

The event will not follow a catch-and-release format. The fish will be weighed before being returned to the participants. Last year, the biggest recorded catch was an 8-kg stingray.

With anglers travelling from several States, Mattu Beach is expected to witness another lively celebration of coastal fishing and angling.