By J.P.Janakan, Managing Editor.
We do have a volcano of our very own, and can you imagine it is erupting as you read this article?
It is a volcano on Barren Island in the Andaman Islands. It is the only active volcano in South Asia, and it is currently active. The Island is uninhabited except for a small population of wild goats. This is my 3rd visit to the island. It was deep-sea big-game sportfishing that took me initially to the island, and this time around too, it was fishing that took me back to the island.
Recently, three of us were on a deep-sea angling expedition in that region. Starting from Havelock Island, we were on a dedicated sport-fishing boat.
While we did a good deal of fishing, the view of the island was just awesome. The sight of the volcano erupting dense smoke, ash, and fire was simply breathtaking. During my first visit, I had spent the night on board anchored off the island (presently spending the night off an anchored boat is not permitted). The night view of the volcano was also amazing. You can keep watching those fireworks that keep lighting up the dark sky. Andaman is home to big game-sport fishes like the Marlin, Tuna, Giant Trevally, Kingfish, Barracuda, Grouper, Wahoo, Sharks and so on. These fish caught are released back into the ocean after being photographed.
Angling is highly absorbing and can reward you with so much joy and excitement. It can give you the adrenaline rush of your life. Believe me, it does. But for angling, I would not have seen the Barren Island and witnessed one of nature’s fascinating wonders.
* Big-game sportfishing, also known as offshore or deep-sea fishing, is a sport that involves catching large fish species using specialised fishing rods and reels. Sports fishermen use artificial lures and handheld rods. This sport requires skill, patience, and endurance, as the targeted fish are strong and often put up a challenging fight. All the fish caught are safely released back into the ocean.
* While the volcano at Barren Island is erupting continuously, major eruptions were witnessed in 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2020. A large part of the volcano lies underwater, with only the tip forming the island. The waters around Barren Island are known for rich marine biodiversity, including manta rays, reef sharks, and coral reefs.
* For more information on fishing / water sports / trips to Barren Island, contact [email protected]; Ph: 74308 13322, WhatsApp: 9434280543.
* The Chennai coast too has a lot of fishing. For gear, advice and charters, one can contact Anglers Fishing Tackles and Poseidon Sport Fishing in Chennai.
