Fishermen operating on the Tungabhadra River near Davanagere pulled in an exceptionally large catfish on Friday, drawing a crowd of curious villagers and prompting talk across nearby communities. The fish, estimated to weigh about 32kg and measuring approximately 4 to 5 feet in length, was caught close to Gorikallu, near Sasvehalli village in the Honnali taluk.
32kg catfish Davanagere
The catch occurred when three fishermen from Bhadravati — Mani, Babu and Ayyappa — set out in a small boat to fish at a stretch of the Tungabhadra that runs 12 to 15 feet deep. While retrieving a cast net they found that a very large specimen, believed to be of the catfish family that inhabits the river’s rocky pockets, had become entangled. It took roughly half an hour of strenuous effort to haul the fish to the riverbank.
Onlookers quickly gathered after news of the unusual catch spread through neighbouring villages. Residents assembled near a local fish stall to see the specimen, which created a buzz among those who regularly rely on the river for their livelihoods or recreational fishing. Such large freshwater catches are uncommon in the area and drew significant attention.
After inspecting the fish, the fishermen sold the catch to a local trader, Sadik, for Rs 11,200. The transaction was completed on the spot and the fish was taken away for sale and processing. For the fishermen, the sale represented a modest but welcome return from a day of labour on the river.
Local fishers said the Tungabhadra supports a variety of freshwater species, often sheltering larger specimens within its rocky beds and deeper pools. While the specific species of the fish was not formally identified at the scene, villagers and fishing professionals described it as a member of the catfish group commonly found in the region’s riverine habitats.
Incidents such as this offer a reminder of the ecological richness of inland waterways and the role they play in supporting local economies. Small-scale fisheries around Davanagere continue to rely on the Tungabhadra for both subsistence and commercial catches, and notable hauls can attract buyers from surrounding towns.
Authorities and local fishing associations generally recommend careful handling of large catches to ensure safety and to protect fish populations. For now, the story of the 32kg catfish has become a talking point in Davanagere, celebrated as an unusual and newsworthy catch that brought villagers together on a Friday afternoon.
Key Takeaways:
- Fishermen in Davanagere hauled a massive catfish weighing approximately 32kg from the Tungabhadra River.
- The 4–5 foot fish, belonging to the catfish family, was caught near Gorikallu close to Sasvehalli village and took about 30 minutes to bring ashore.
- Locals gathered to view the catch and the fishermen sold the fish to a local trader for Rs 11,200.
- The incident highlights the river’s rich aquatic life and drew considerable local interest in Davanagere.
