The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with Kashmir Anglers Federation and Department of fisheries, Govt. of J&K organised a fly-fishing competition on 16th & 17th September 2022 at the Lidded River, Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Fly fishing being a segment of adventure tourism has a great potential in India, specially in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh and can attract huge number of adventure loving tourist from around the globe.
Apart from organisers, the event saw the participation of young enthusiastic angles, sports veteran and tourism players of the Kashmir. Director of Tourism, Kashmir who was also present in the event said that Kashmir has a great potential for adventure tourism and fly fishing attracts huge number of tourists every year globally. He said there will be more such events organised on a bigger level which will attract global anglers to the valley.
Sameer Baktoo, Convenor, Kashmir Anglers Federation, said: “In addition of being an outdoor recreation activity for residents in each state, fly fishing can also be considered a form of tourism product when anglers cross state lines & countries. Efforts should be made to promote fly fishing as tourism product as it was in early 80’s in Kashmir.”
Sportfishing is more than just a personal hobby that scales up to become a multi-billion-dollar industry in many developed countries such as Australia, the United States and New Zealand.
A study by Recfishwest Australia in 2019 found that recreational anglers in Western Australia spent a staggering AUD$2.4 billion per year on fishing related activities such as fishing trips and travel, fishing gear, as well as other expenses associated with their sport.
Baktoo thanked the Department of Tourism, Kashmir and the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of J&K for making the sad event a success.
