Fishing in Kadamakudy

Life by the Net and Tide

In Kadamakudy, fishing isn’t just an occupation—it’s a way of life that flows through the veins of its interconnected islands. Set in the tranquil backwaters of Kochi, these islands are surrounded by tidal canals, mangroves, and seasonal farming ponds that make fishing both a daily livelihood and a cultural identity.

A Tradition Rooted in Nature

For generations, the people of Kadamakudy have lived in rhythm with the tides. Early mornings see fishermen heading out in wooden canoes or country boats, casting handmade nets into the brackish waters. Here, knowledge of lunar cycles, water salinity, and wind direction is passed down through families—not from textbooks, but from experience.

Types of Fishing in Kadamakudy

Fishing in Kadamakudy is as diverse as the tides that shape its waterways. Here are seven traditional methods still practiced by locals:

• Cast Net Fishing (Veeshu Vala): A circular net expertly thrown into shallow waters by hand, requiring precise technique and timing.
• Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala): Large, shore-operated nets suspended on bamboo and teak frames, lowered into the water and lifted by a counterweight system.
• Crab and Shrimp Traps: Bamboo baskets or mesh cages left overnight in tidal creeks to catch crustaceans.
• Prawn Farming Ponds: Seasonal ponds flooded post-monsoon, where shrimp are raised naturally without chemical feed.
• Pole and Line Fishing: Simple bamboo rods with baited lines, used by both children and seasoned locals for catching small fish.
• Gill Nets (Thattukaval): Fixed nets placed in water channels to catch fish swimming with the tide.
• Hand Picking and Spearing: In shallow mangrove edges, locals wade through water with spears or use their hands to catch fish hidden in roots or sediment. (Veeshu Vala)**: A skillful throw of the circular net into shallow waters, requiring timing and technique.

A Community Effort

Fishing here isn’t industrial—it’s local, sustainable, and collaborative. Women help in sorting, drying, and processing the catch. Children learn by watching and doing. And fish markets often take place right at the edge of canals, under thatched roofs or open skies.

Try It Yourself

Visitors to Kadamakudy can participate in fishing experiences led by local hosts. Whether it’s learning to cast a net, setting up a crab trap, or joining in a sunrise paddle, it’s an unforgettable way to connect with the islands and their people.

Fishing in Kadamakudy isn’t just about the catch—it’s about connection. Connection to water, to tradition, and to a slower, more thoughtful way of life. It’s a reminder that the best things are often found not in speed, but in patience and presence.