KATHMANDU, Sept 1: Only a decade ago, large rivers and its tributaries used to flow in and out of many villages in Kathmandu. Spreading life and greenery in hills and foothills of Kathmandu valley, these river systems not only sustained aquatic lives but also homed thousands of fresh river water fishes. However, with gradual urbanization and industrialization, these rivers have narrowed down and polluted to such extent that they lost their inhabitants. This might be the reason, fishing is almost an alien sports for the residents of Kathmandu valley.
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Corresponding to this lack, the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, has been availing fishing services to satiate the desire of fishing lovers since a decade now.
Fishing is a hobby that requires a lot of patience. Among the silent sitters, Raju Thapa Magar of Jawalakhel was high with happiness on Sunday morning. A passionate fishing enthusiast, after hours of wait, he had succeeded to hook two kilograms of Common Carf fish. Trying modesty over excitement, Magar explained he got lucky.
According to Magar, this was his biggest catch in a month. "I am surprised fishes here don't take bates with indictors on. I tried it hundred times and failed. However, today, my own style of deep fishing worked out well," he said while adding on that fishing is an art that needs to be mastered in one's own way. Without wasting any more time, he got back under the shade and sat calmly waiting for the fishing line to move.
But luck doesn't come easy for every one. Kishore Rai, another fishing enthusiast was testing his patience on the bank of the pond. Since morning he had not succeeded in making a single catch though he has been frequenting to the zoo for fishing every Sundays.
"If you don't know the correct methods, fishing is always a tough game to succeed. I had better luck last week. Even though I was able to hook some small ones, I was satisfied," said Rai frowning over the not-so-lucky morning.
The sport is also equally famous among foreigners. Vaidatas Abarvicius from Lithuania who described himself as an avid fishing enthusiast had come for fishing with his two young sons. While instructing his sons for correctly holding the fishing rods and swinging the bait, Abarvicius said that he loved to come there and train his sons the art of fishing.
"Fishing for me is like meditation. It gives me a piece of mind and teaches me to concentrate. I have always fished for fun but never for food and I believe the trend should be respected everywhere in the world," said Abarvicius.
He believes Nepal has high potentials of becoming a major fishing destination in Asia. "I have fished in many countries and I have pleasant experiences in Nepal. I have been to rivers in Bardia and in Lamjung for fishing and I had so much fun there," said Abarvicius.
Zoo authorities said that over 40 kilograms of small fishes were released in the pond. Tek Bahadur Karki, security guard at the Zoo informed that there are varieties of fishes in the pond and some fishes weigh five kilograms. "Fishing is a popular sport and many Nepalese are into it. For this very reason, zoo has been allowing fishing every year," said Karki.
The zoo charges Rs 700 to non-members and Rs 500 to members. Each member is allowed to be accompanied with a partner. In this payment, people are allowed to fish up to five kilograms and they have pay extra if the fishes weigh above this limit.
