Angling:
Is a technical term for fishing in leisure. It is rather simple to start with. All it takes is a fishing rod and line, a hook, some bait, an awareness of the basic rules and co-operative fish`, the last, of course, being a problem! In spite of a natural reluctance of fish to bite, people all across the globe spend huge amount of time and money going after them, making angling one of the most popular recreational activities. Angling can be done in both saltwater and fresh water. Freshwater angling starts with hooking small fry at a nearby pond. The greatest threat to angling comes from increasing pollution of rivers and lakes. The modern angling movement is trying to work towards restocking fish and keeping rivers and lakes free from pollution. Before you set out on your angling holiday, ensure that you take some precautions. Risks range from getting bitten by vicious fish to illness from contaminated water. Ensure you are well protected in terms of clothing, medicine and immunization.

Where to Go?
Galibore and Bheemeshwari near Bangalore in Karnataka are the best freshwater fishing spots.

When to Go?
October to April.

What you need to know?
Fishing permits are generally required in most places in India. For some restricted areas, such as in certain north-east areas or some of the outlying islands in Indian coastal waters, you may require government permission. You can even contact some of the resorts in the key angling districts of India to work out an angling holiday package for yourself. For instance, permanent camps run by the Jungle lodges near Bangalore provide well-developed facilities, including guides and different types of accommodation.

What you must carry?
The basic equipment for freshwater fishing consists of three pieces-a rod made of wood, fiberglass or metal, a line made of nylon and a hook, typically made of metal. Angling enthusiasts usually carry their own equipment.

Angling Do’s:
• Ensure that your tour operator has all the necessary permissions from the authorities.
• Watch out for muddy banks that could turn slippery.
Angling Don’ts:
• Don’t go angling during fish breeding season.
• Don’t leave your rod unattended.
• Don’t use barbed hooks.

Duration: Daily.

Cost per person: Fishing charges-Rs 1000. Equipment rentals-Rs 350. Stay-Rs 750-Rs 2000 per person.

Canoeing:
Canoeing or kayaking is the sport of maneuvering a canoe/kayak across river which may be placid or churning. Just be sure that you know swimming and are in good shape before you set out on a kayaking holiday. The canoe is a long, narrow watercraft with sharp ends, while a kayak is an Eskimo canoe with a skin cover on a light framework. Designed to cut through water, canoes and kayaks have tapering ends, which also makes them easy to maneuver. Canoes can fit in two persons, while kayaks can take one or two, depending on size.

Where to Go?
Kali Nadi at Dandeli in Karnataka.

When to Go?
Except during monsoons canoeing and kayaking can be carried out through out the year. November to April is an ideal period for the activity.

What you need to know?
Canoeing and kayaking can be pursued on rivers and in the backwaters. There is sea kayaking too, an adventure sport that is growing in popularity. Most professional operators have the experience, expertise and necessary certifications from appropriate agencies like the Indian Association of Professional Rafting Outfitters (IAPRO) and the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Their guards are trained in first-aid, the routes are well mapped and traveled and the equipment is usually imported. Training is given to participants before embarking on the expedition, which could be single or multi-day. The activity is largely river specific. Operators have packages ranging from those that last a single-day to 18-day expeditions. In South India, the stays offered by jungle lodges are very popular.

What you must carry?
The equipments are provided by the operator and the rent is usually the part of the entire cost. Ensure that your craft has strongly fitted foot, knee and hip braces as well as a firmly fixed seat. Paddles can be made of wood, fiberglass, polythene or aluminum. Also carry a helmet, sprayskirt with shock cords (for the kayaker), life jacket, throwline, maps in waterproof case, signaling devices, flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs, first-aid kits, pocket knife, matches in waterproof container, food, drinking water, protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Permits and IDs.

Canoeing Do’s:
• Wear a life Jacket.
Canoeing Don’ts:
• Don’t leave loose gear in your boat.
• Don’t overload your boat.

Duration: 1 Day.

Cost per person: Rs 1000 per day. (Inclusive of rafting equipment and guides. Food and Stay-Rs 1500 per head.