The major difference between going for fishing in Pakistan and other countries is that kids head out with their families, fishing rods in tow, to enjoy a day of freshly grilled seafood amidst beautiful surroundings. Sadly, we rarely see the same happening in Pakistan, primarily because recreational fishing isn’t enjoyed here. Most of the time, people are unaware of where to go for the best catch of the day with their family or friends. This is why we’re bringing you this concise list of the best fishing spots in Karachi, so you’ll know just where to go for your next trip.
The Best Fishing Spots in Karachi
Karachi is one of the largest and busiest seaports in South Asia, with a long stretch of coastline and plenty of fish to be caught. The most famous fishing points in Karachi are:
- Kemari
- Manora Island
- Do Darya
- Mubarak Village
- Port Qasim
Let’s talk about the fishing experience at each of these a little.
Kemari Port
Kemari remains the top fishing spot in Karachi for both local and foreign fishing enthusiasts. Famous for deep-sea fishing, you can also fish near the coast by renting any one of the several fishing boats docked here. Haggle over the price, discuss your route and duration of the trip and you’re off. Both day and night fishing can be enjoyed here, and the boat captain will even cook you a fine meal of their day’s catch if you’re unlucky in your pursuits. You can also go on crabbing expeditions from Kemari Port.
Manora
If you’re looking for the best fishing points in Karachi, then you should definitely head towards Manora.
Located south of Karachi, and protecting it like a barrier from the Arabian Sea, Manora was long believed to be an island since the only way locals could reach it was via a boat from Kemari. However, recent mapping technologies have brought to light that Manora is actually a peninsula, connected to the mainland via a thin strip of land from Sandspit beach, leading on towards Hawkesbay beach and the rest of the city. While boating trips are common in the region, Manora is also a hub of fishing enthusiasts as a number of marine species can be caught here.
Do Darya
Most Karachites know Do Darya today as an upscale place to have a good meal, but before the development of the area, it used to be one of the top fishing spots in Karachi. People used to come here with their fishing rods or wires and lures and spend hours on trying to catch a bite. The area is home to both fish and crabs, and while most of the coastline here has mostly been converted into fancy restaurants, there is still a patch of land that has been left wild. Here, you can sit on the rocks and enjoy your fishing experience to the fullest.
Mubarak Village
Charna Island has gained a lot of fame due to the variety of water sports being offered here by a range of service providers. Just an hour away on the mainland is Mubarak Village, which is a major picnic spot for Karachites who want to go the distance. Aside from having a picnic and indulging in some fun water sports, one other activity you can enjoy here is fishing to your heart’s content. This is because Mubarak Village is predominantly a fishing village that is earning and surviving due to the availability of plenty of fresh produce in the sea.
Port Qasim
Port Qasim is Pakistan’s second busiest port and is located near Malir district. It’s one of the oldest fishing points in Karachi. Along with being home to a lot of land and sea creatures, the area also contains one of the largest mangrove forest ecosystems in the country.
Now that we’ve discussed just where you should go, let’s talk about what you can catch in the waters near and around Karachi.
Fish Species Present in the Waters near Karachi
Some of the fish you can catch on your fishing expeditions include:
Fish Species | Local Name |
Giant Sea Catfish | Rainji |
Indian Oil Sardine | Luar |
Hilsa Shad | Palla |
Javelin Grunter | Dhotar |
Mangrove Red Snapper | Heera |
John’s Snapper | Heera |
Goldsilk Seabream | Dandia |
Indian Mackerel | Bangra |
Daggertooth Pike Conger | Baam |
Silver Pomfret | Sufaid Papleit |
A range of prawns, crabs, squids, lobsters, stingrays, and sharks can also be found and caught in the coastal waters near Karachi.
If you don’t mind a little distance for freshwater fishing, Manchar Lake, Haleji Lake and Keenjhar Lake in interior Sindh are great fishing spots as well. While Haleji and Keenjhar are located to the west and north of Thatta, Manchar is in Dadu District. The lakes are home to major fishing communities, with fishing is the principal occupation of the local populace.
Weather for fishing in Karachi
Not a lot of people know this but various factors like time of day, light exposure and, most importantly, significantly affect your fishing.
Fish are attuned to weather changes in the region. Weather in Karachi is mostly hot and dry. It mostly turns warm in March and humidity levels remain high until November. Ideal weather for fishing in Karachi is usually experienced in July, mostly, as the city experiences light rain during the month. Light rain is considered one of the best times to go fishing.
The best time to go fishing is usually early morning as the sun isn’t too hot.
Before heading to any of the fishing points mentioned above, just do a quick search on the Accuweather app or simply type “Karachi fishing weather” into Google to find if the atmospheric conditions are is suitable for your fishing expedition or not.
So, head to the top fishing spots in Karachi or pack for a longer journey, the choice is yours! Also, if you enjoy spending time by the sea, check out our pick of the best beaches in the city.
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