With over 7,000 km of coast and thousands of rivers, estuaries, and lakes, fishing in India is wild, diverse, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler looking for a new challenge, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hook a trophy-size fish and create lasting memories.
Although fishing is strong year-round, target species may vary depending on the season, as well as the region. Offshore charters will take you after Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, Black Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Giant Trevally, and Wahoo, just to name a few. If you join a freshwater guide, you can expect to target invasive species such as African Catfish, Asian Carp, and Alligator Gar – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Fishing charters in India offer a range of trip packages. You can choose between a half day, full day, or multi-day trip, depending on how far you’d like to travel and how much ground you’d like to cover. Shorter trips are recommended for novice anglers, as you’ll most likely be fishing in calmer waters. Longer trips are ideal for more seasoned anglers because you’ll be on the water much longer and be able to target a wider range of species.
The best areas to check out are Port Blair and Havelock, located on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Both spots offer excellent sportfishing opportunities with access to some of India’s best offshore fishing grounds. Another exciting town to check out is Kumarakom, a great spot for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With all these amazing places and many more, you’ve got to put India on your radar for your next adventure!
Rules & Regulations
All anglers must purchase a fishing license before heading out. Each municipality should have a local office belonging to India’s Fisheries Department, and you can purchase your license here. It’s important to read up on local regulations as many species are strictly catch and release and subject to seasonality, as well as size and bag limits.