Karwar (TOI) : Fishermen in Karwar had a bumper catch on Friday with tonnes of fish is caught within a mile’s distance off the shore. They got lucky after three days of wait when volatile sea condition prevented them from venturing into waters.

Changing weather condition during the last fortnight and heavy rainfall in the upper regions of the district must have bought the bumper catch, according to some fishermen.

The rainwater that flows into the sea carries vital nutrients that attract fish, they said.

Friday’s catch included prawns, pomfret, mackerel, Malabar true valley tuna and oriental bonito, which have a great demand in the market. Most of the catch has been sent to neighbouring Goa.

Panddurang Harikantra, a government official, said Friday’s catch reminded him the heydays of fishing in Karwar. In the early 1980s, only traditional fishing existed in the town. One could see more than 500 fishermen any time on Karwar beach, he recalled. They use to catch fish only as per the requirement, he said.

Ganesh Harikanta, a fisherman, said the catch was unexpected. “This is the first time in 15 years we have got such a huge catch,” he said.

The agents, who buy fish and send them to hotels in Goa, said fish caught in Karwar are in great demand in Goa. “We expect higher rates for prawns and pomfrets as they were large in size,” an agent said.

Many fish lovers in Karwar are disappointed as most homes have barred non-veg in view of the ongoing festive season. “We usually buy fish at a higher price due to skewed supply. But now, there is a bumper catch, we can’t really buy them,” said Mahanand Naik, a businessman.

A day after the bumper catch, it was business as usual for most fishermen as they ventured into the sea, just like any other day.