Accompanying Raman for fishing

The Kadar are skilled fisher folk; it is common to see little children out in the river with their fishing tackle. Even young boys walk on slippery rocks with utmost confidence and control. They make their own fishing gear, often with bamboo. There are also fish traps made of bamboo in some communities.

Accompanying Raman on a fishing expedition in the Vazhachal stretch of Chalakudypuzha was a much-awaited trip. Dusk is when he embarks on his catamaran, accompanied by loyal “Puppy”, to find a spot for spreading out a net for the night. To return for his catch the following morning.

That night he tells us how fish assemblages in the Chalakudy river are different from those in its tributaries. He explains how the fish migrate upstream into smaller rivulets and streams along riparian forests for egg laying. And how there are regulations within the community on fishing during the breeding season.

In peak summers, the native people venture into thick evergreen forests where perennial streams run. This is where tiny fish are collected and cooked inside reed bamboo stumps. Crabs too are found in such streams, under large boulders.