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The moment my family decided to go on a vacation to Kerala, I tried to brainwash 'em into heading towards the greener pastures (for hobbyists) of Waynad. A lot of firm no's and some rather rude language later, Cochin and Kumarakom were chosen as the locations. Still sounded good as I hadn't been to these two places in around 6 years but I was also banned from carrying any nets as we were staying in some 'hoity toity aren't we grand' kinda hotels.

I was able to join in only half way as Metallica and Biffy Clyro were performing in Bangalore. This was the Four Horsemen Tour as well. Didn't wanna miss seeing 'em play songs from the first four albums.

A fairly good concert and a back ache inducing train journey later, I reached Kerala. We stayed on the shores of the Vembanad Lake so I went angling (if you can call it that).





The Vembanad Lake.



A houseboat on the lake.






Close to sunset.



The alleged rod.




The alleged bait.

The catch.





Etroplus suratensis. Commonly known as the 'Karimeen' in Kerala. Found in abundance here and is the official fish of the state of Kerala.





. The first catfish I have caught with the rod.

Some large fish then tore the line off. Quite an embarrassing moment I should say. Looking at the water holding a piece of bamboo in my hand and a look of surprise on my face. Repaired the rod and resumed duties again.






Etroplus maculatus




Puntius filamentosus. I didn't expect to catch any decent sized fish so I stole a small photography tank from a friend. Unfortunately for this poor Puntius, the tank was too small. Hence it seems to pose like a Headstander.


There was an abandoned canoe nearby. A close inspection revealed there were some fish inside it. I forced myself to not look at the hammock outside the room as this was the closest I could get to a net. Had to make do with a bucket.



Puntius chola



Puntius filamentosus (top) and P.chola (bottom).




There were a lot of birds around. I could ID only the Cormorants and this Greater Coucal.






The Chinese fishing nets.

That was 'bout it. Great food,good weather and a Horabgarus. The perfect recipe for a vacation.

You did pretty well without the use of a net, I'd say. We could at least use some of the pics of the lake for the Horabagrus Cat-eLog entry.

Thanks HH. Added a picture of the lake to the entry.

Very cool; I've never really been attracted to the Etroplus species, but that E. suratensis looks incredible.

I expected nothing less of you, Balaji: perfect little story... even good as is for a children's short story book - excellent pics, humor, values lesson (though somewhat objectionable when it comes for the rest of your family... from a fish geek point of view), intrigue, suspense, enigma (unsolved, unfortunately - big fish/snake/turtle?), music, and an education in aquatic life. Per-r-rfect.

Thanks Viktor. I would say big fish. There were some 10-11" TL E.suratensis around. Either these or maybe or although these are just wild guesses. It was quite a powerful jerk.


Ps : What values lesson??? Only fish and food.

Lesson #1: Kids, be passionate.
Lesson #2: Kids, don't put yourselves first - submit to your family demands. Humility is >>>> than passion.
Lesson #3: Be inventive and resourceful. Something about lemonade... When life takes away your nets, make home-grown angling rods.

omg ! You went for Metallica ? :O Next time theres a concert in blore, lets meet up and do a fishing trip How far is this lake from blore ?

Vembanad Lake is around 600 kms from Bangalore. I doubt if I will be travelling anywhere near that side for the next two years as I will be in Delhi during this period.