Chinese Fishing Nets Kerala

The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi is a must visit attraction in Kerala. These are fixed land installations, used for fishing in a unique method. These nets are fixed on bamboo and teak poles holding it horizontally by huge mechanisms so as to pull them down into the sea. These nets are weighed by large stones tied to ropes.

Operated by a team of six fishermen, the height of the Chinese fishing nets is around 10 meters, each sprawling to 20 meters over the water body. Each net has a fixed operating depth and due to this a net cannot be repeatedly worked in tidal waters. There are different fishing nets for operation which are based on the state of the tide.

History

It is believed that the Chinese fishing nets were brought in by the Chinese Explorer in Fort Kochi from the court of Kublai Khan, a Chinese emperor.

Usage of Chinese Fishing Nets

Fishing by Chinese nets is very different from ordinary fishing nets. While fishing through Chinese fishing nets, the nets are submersed into the sea and kept for a few minutes, raising it finely at once by six fishermen. All of them have to maintain the equal balance while bringing up the net from the water.

However, there are multiple usages of Chinese fishing nets in Cochin Harbour. They form the main fishing accessory in Kochi, The water covered with these nets at the time of sunset makes a bewitching and pleasant scene to the travelers.

Best time to Visit

October to March is the best time to visit here.