Puri, being a coastal town in Odisha, offers diverse fishing opportunities, ranging from sea fishing in the Bay of Bengal to freshwater and brackish water fishing in rivers and lakes nearby. It’s a great activity for both seasoned anglers and those looking for a relaxing day out.

Fishing in and Around Puri

Fishing in Puri is largely done by local fishermen as a livelihood. However, for tourists, it’s more about recreational angling, often facilitated by local boat operators.

Who is Providing Fishing Experiences & Rentals:

Unlike surfing or kayaking, there aren’t many dedicated “sport fishing” companies in Puri specifically catering to recreational anglers with high-end gear or guided tours. Most fishing experiences for tourists will be facilitated by:

• Local Boat Operators: Especially in areas like Satapada (Chilika Lake) and on Puri Beach itself. They primarily offer boat rides for sightseeing, but some might be willing to include a basic fishing experience (using traditional lines or nets) if you request it and pay extra.
• Fishermen: You might be able to negotiate directly with local fishermen on Puri Beach or in fishing villages for a chance to join them on their traditional boats for a few hours. This would offer a very authentic experience but might lack formal safety measures or high-end equipment.
• Hotels/Tour Operators: Some larger hotels or tour operators in Puri might have tie-ups with local fishermen or boat owners to arrange basic fishing trips for their guests. It’s worth inquiring at your accommodation.

Types of Fishing Experiences:

• Shore Fishing (Puri Beach): You can simply cast a line from the beach. This is the most informal and cheapest option. You’ll need your own basic fishing rod and bait.
• Boat Fishing (Sea): This involves going out into the Bay of Bengal on a local fishing boat. It’s usually a short trip for a few hours. Catches might include smaller marine fish.
• Lake Fishing (Chilika Lake): Chilika Lake, being a brackish water lagoon, offers a unique fishing environment. While commercial fishing is dominant, some boat tours might allow you to try your hand at basic line fishing for species found in the lake.
• River Fishing: While less structured for tourists, rivers near Puri, like some tributaries of the Mahanadi, offer freshwater fishing. This would require more specialized arrangements and local knowledge.

Cost of Fishing:

The cost is highly variable depending on the duration, type of fishing, and whether equipment is provided:

• Shore Fishing: Minimal cost, just for bait and perhaps a rented rod (if available locally, usually not from organized providers).
• Basic Boat Fishing (Sea or Lake): If arranged with a local boat operator as part of a general boat ride, it might be an additional ₹500 – ₹1,500 on top of the boat rental cost for a few hours, possibly including very basic gear. Dedicated fishing trips would be more.
• Full-day/Specialized Fishing Trips: If you find an operator providing more dedicated trips with better gear (which are rare for tourists in Puri specifically), expect costs to be in the range of ₹3,000 – ₹8,000+ for a half to full day, depending on the boat, equipment, and guide.

Distance from Puri for Fishing Spots:

• Puri Beach (Sea Fishing/Shore Fishing): Right at your doorstep.
• Chilika Lake (Brackish Water Lake Fishing):
  • Satapada: ~50 km from Puri (1.5-2 hours drive).
  • Rambha/Barkul: ~100-110 km from Puri (2.5-3 hours drive).
• Rivers (e.g., Mahanadi tributaries): These spots can be anywhere from 30 km to 70+ km inland from Puri, requiring dedicated transport. For instance, areas near Cuttack (around 60 km from Puri) on the Mahanadi River are known for angling.

Preferred Month for Fishing:

• October to March: This is generally the best time for fishing in Odisha. The weather is pleasant, and the sea is calmer.
• Monsoon (June to September): Marine fishing is often restricted or dangerous due to rough seas, strong currents, and a fishing ban implemented by the government (typically April 15th to June 15th on the East Coast) to allow fish to breed. River and lake fishing might be possible, but water levels and currents can be high.

What to Keep in Mind for Safe Fishing:

• Licensing/Regulations: While recreational fishing might not always require explicit licenses for tourists using basic methods, it’s crucial to be aware of any local regulations, especially regarding protected areas (like within Nalbana Bird Sanctuary in Chilika) or specific fishing bans (e.g., monsoon marine fishing ban). The Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981, governs fishing activities.
• Life Jackets (PFDs): Absolutely essential, especially when fishing from a boat. Ensure everyone on board has a properly fitting PFD.
• Boat Safety: If hiring a boat, ensure it’s in good condition, has all necessary safety equipment (oars, first-aid kit, communication device), and the operator is experienced and licensed.
• Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before heading out, particularly for sea fishing. Sudden changes in weather can make conditions dangerous.
• Sun Protection: Wear a hat, sunglasses (polarized are great for spotting fish), and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally. Long-sleeved shirts can also help.
• Hydration: Carry plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• First Aid Kit: A basic kit for minor cuts, hooks, or other injuries is always a good idea.
• Hooks and Lures: Handle hooks carefully to avoid accidental injury to yourself or others. Consider barbless hooks, especially if fishing with children, as they are easier to remove.
• Fish Handling: Learn how to safely handle and unhook fish, especially if you plan to practice catch-and-release. Avoid touching gills or eyes.
• Inform Someone: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Respect Environment and Wildlife: Do not litter. Do not overfish. Follow catch limits if any.

Multiple Fishing Spots In and Around Puri:

1. Sea Fishing (Bay of Bengal):

• Puri Beach: Ideal for shore fishing with a rod and reel. You can find various small fish species.
• Puri Coastline (Offshore): For boat fishing, venturing a few kilometers offshore can yield species like pomfrets, mackerel, groupers, and sometimes even smaller tuna or barracuda, depending on the season and luck. Areas slightly away from the main tourist beach, towards Konark or the more secluded stretches, might offer better opportunities.
• Astaranga Beach (approx. 60 km from Puri): While famous for its fishing villages and as a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, it’s also a significant point for local marine fishing. You might find opportunities to observe or even participate in traditional fishing here.

2. River Fishing:

• Mahanadi River System (e.g., near Cuttack/Jagatpur, approx. 60 km from Puri): The Mahanadi and its tributaries offer excellent freshwater fishing. You can find varieties of carp (rohu, catla, mrigal), catfish, Chital, and Murrel. Some specialized tour operators (like “Sublime Tours” based in Bhubaneswar) might offer angling trips here. The “upstream waters near the Cuttack-Choudwar Barrage, where the Mahanadi releases its tributary called Birupa” are mentioned as prominent spots.
• Local Tributaries and Estuaries: Smaller rivers and estuaries that flow into the Bay of Bengal around Puri might also hold fish, but these are usually known only to local communities.

3. Lake Fishing (Chilika Lake):

• Chilika Lake (various points like Satapada, Rambha, Barkul): This vast brackish water lagoon is famous for its diverse fish species. While commercial fishing is widespread, recreational fishing for species like Bhetki (Barramundi), mullets, prawns, and crabs is possible.
  • Near Fishing Villages: Explore areas near the numerous small fishing villages dotted around the lake for local insights.
  • Deepwater Sections: The deeper sections of the lake away from the main tourist routes might offer better catches.
  • Nalbana Island (surrounding areas): While Nalbana itself is a bird sanctuary, the surrounding waters are rich in fish, attracting both birds and local fishermen. Your boat tour might take you through these areas.

Important Note on Commercial vs. Recreational Fishing:

It’s important to remember that fishing is a primary livelihood for many communities in and around Puri. When exploring fishing, be respectful of local practices and regulations. Most “fishing tours” for tourists are more about the experience and less about a serious angling expedition with large catches. If you’re a serious angler, you might need to bring your own specialized gear or contact dedicated angling clubs in Odisha (if they exist) for more professional trips.