Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Northern Breakwater will host the fourth edition of the International Saltwater Catch & Release Angling Competition on Nov 14 and 15.Organised by Gifted India, the two-day event is expected to attract more than 150 domestic and international anglers for a top prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 for the runner-up. In addition, the angler recording the highest number of catches will receive Rs 15,000. The runner-up will be richer by 10,000.The first 100 registered participants will also receive gift bags containing premium angling gear. A total of Rs 5 lakh worth of goodies and trophies will be distributed during the event.Gifted India co-founder Anup Kanchan told TOI: “When we organised the event for the first time in 2017, 48 participants were in the fray. While 148 anglers participated in the event in 2018, last year’s event saw 115 anglers in action.”He added that due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the event could not be organised for a few years. “This year, we expect participants from foreign countries as well,” kanchan said.Competitions will be conducted on a catch-and-release basis. A 12 kg queenfish was the highest weighing catch in 2018, he further said.Hand fishing and use of meat or live baits will not be allowed, Kanchan said, adding that participants should use plastic fish as lure and use of angling rod is mandatory.Anglers seek govt support“For many years, we have been trying to procure funds from the govt to promote angling competitions, which attract large number of tourists to coastal Karnataka. However, so far, our request has not been met. Since participants come from all over India and even from abroad, it has a great potential to boost tourism,” Kanchan added.END
