Srnagar September 17 (KNS): In a bid to promote the sport of fly fishing the J&K department of tourism in collaboration Kashmir Anglers Federation and in association with Department of fisheries, Government of J&K and had organised a fly fishing competition at Pahalgam, on the waters of lidder river, where the veterans of the sport including the young anglers participated in the event. The Competition was held on 16th & 17th September 2022. The Director tourism Kashmir, MR. Faz lul Haseeb who was cheif guest for the occasion said that fly fishing has a great potential and will attract adventure lovers to the valley. He said that the sport of fly fishing will also attract global fishing enthusiasts as our stream are par excellence and are of the level of international standards.
Sameer Baktoo convener KASHMIR Anglers Federation thanked department of tourism for organising the said event and department of fishries government of J&K for extending their support for the successful conduct of the event.He said that such events will surely attract adventure tourism to the valley, especially the angling enthusiast globally, who travel different countries every year to participate in such competitions and to enjoy the sport of fly fishing. He also said that Sport of fly fishing has a great potential considering the topography of our streams and high altitude lakes in Kashmir and emphasis needs to be put on making our streams and lake stock sufficient in-addition to making our angling laws / regulations as per international standards.
The competition was purely held on catch and release basis and Mr.Aslam Ahmad Baktoo secured 1st position MR. Masood Ahmad Goroo secured 2nd and MR. Manzoor Ahmad Pakthoon 3rd Position in biggest catching category. Mr. Manveer Singh won the quickest catch category , Mr Nahoo won the maximum catch category and Mr. Unis Ameen Nagoo won the longest cast category.
Among the special invitees were Mr Mussarat CEO Pahalgam Dev authority and Mr Tak JD Fisheries Dept.(KNS)