Which fish are in peak season in Chennai in October?

October is peak season for barramundi, queenfish, fourfinger threadfin (rawas), giant trevally (GT), mangrove jack, orange-spotted grouper, goldsilk sea bream, milkfish, mullet, pearlspot (karimeen) and Nile tilapia. Water clarity improves after the monsoon, temperatures are stable around 28.5°C, and most predators are feeding hard before the north-east monsoon arrives in full force.

Where can I fish for barramundi near Chennai in October?

Muttukadu Backwaters (about 30 km south) and Pulicat Lake (about 38 km north) are both excellent for barramundi in October. Fish the channel edges, creek junctions and mangrove-lined banks on the change of tide at dawn or evening, using live prawn, live mullet or shallow-diving lures worked tight to structure.

Is the fishing ban over in Chennai in October?

Yes, the annual east coast fishing ban (15 April to 14 June) is over by October, and mechanised boats are operating normally. However, whale shark, sawfishes, giant guitarfish, sea cucumbers, seahorses, giant grouper, sea turtles and many sharks and rays are fully protected year-round and must be released immediately if caught.

What is the weather like for fishing in Chennai in October?

October is generally warm and settled early in the month, with sea-surface temperatures around 28.5°C. However, it marks the start of the north-east monsoon season (October to December), so by late October you may see heavy rain, rough seas and the risk of cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. Always check IMD warnings before heading out, especially if fishing from rocks or boats.

What bait and lures work best in Chennai in October?

Live or fresh prawn is the best all-round bait for predators such as barramundi, queenfish, threadfin, mangrove jack and grouper. Bread dough, earthworm and rice grains work well for tilapia, mullet and pearlspot. For lures, carry poppers, paddle-tail soft plastics, shallow minnows, metal slugs and stick baits for the surf and backwaters; large poppers (100–200 mm) and metal jigs (80–200 g) for GT on the rocks.

Can I eat fish caught near Chennai?

Fish from clean backwaters, beaches and offshore reefs are generally safe to eat, but avoid eating fish from industrial areas such as Ennore Creek, where water quality can be poor. Always follow local health advisories, and if in doubt, practise catch and release.

Best fish to catch in Chennai this October 2026

Fishing Journey

Fishing Journey › GuidesBest fish to catch in Chennai this October 2026October brings peak fishing to Chennai's coast and backwaters — queenfish, barramundi, threadfin and GT are all in season with cooler water and clear.