Kumarakom

Fishing with Nets

When fishing in shallow waters, the fishermen set up artificial reefs or bushes on the muddy bottom of the lake and canals and keep fish food (flour or tapioca balls) on them. When the fish bite, the bushes tremble and the waiting fisherman can throw the net for a good catch. 

This type of fishing is now a rarity in Kumarakom, However, catching fish by throwing food (grated tapioca) into the water and then trapping the fish with nets or bamboo traps is common. The three main types of nets used in the area are the koruvala (trawl net), the veesuvala (casting net) and the cheenavala (Chinese net).

Fishing Using Bow and Arrow

Fishing with Bamboo Traps