What fish are biting in Kochi in November?

November is peak season for pearlspot (karimeen), barramundi, mangrove jack, queenfish, orange-spotted grouper, goldsilk sea bream, magur (walking catfish), milkfish and mullet. Post-monsoon waters are clear and warm, and both backwater and coastal species are feeding hard. Karimeen, barramundi and mangrove jack are especially good this month.

Is November a good time to fish in Kochi?

Yes, November is one of the best months to fish in Kochi. The south-west monsoon has passed, the 61-day fishing ban (1 June to 31 July) is long over, seas are calm, water clarity is excellent, and temperatures are ideal. It's the start of the main fishing season on the west coast, and most species are at or near their seasonal peak.

Where can I catch karimeen in Kochi in November?

Vembanad Lake around Kumarakom (about 39 km from Kochi) is the most famous spot for karimeen. Fish quietly near coconut-root banks, reeds and stone walls in the early morning or evening. Use a very light float rig with earthworm, small prawn, rice-flour dough or bread paste. Bites are delicate — strike lightly and keep the bait just off the bottom or mid-water near structure.

What are the fishing rules in Kochi in November 2026?

The 61-day mechanised and motorised boat fishing ban (1 June to 31 July) is over by November, so sea fishing is fully open. Always check local rules and any permit requirements, especially in forest areas or protected backwaters. Protected species under the Wild Life (Protection) Act — including whale sharks, sawfishes, giant guitarfish, many sharks and rays, sea cucumbers, seahorses, giant grouper, sea turtles and dugongs — must be released immediately. Mahseer must also be released unharmed.

What is the best bait for barramundi in Kochi backwaters?

Live prawn, live mullet, fresh fish strips and crab are all effective baits for barramundi in Kochi's backwaters and estuaries. For lures, use shallow-diving minnows, paddle-tail soft plastics, topwater poppers, spoons or jerkbaits. Fish at dawn, evening or on the change of tide, and cast tight to structure like mangrove roots, bridge pillars and rocky points.

Can I fish from the shore in Kochi in November?

Yes, shore fishing is excellent in November. Fort Kochi Beach near the Chinese fishing nets is accessible to the public and holds mullet, queenfish, barramundi, threadfin and grouper. Fish the early morning, evening or tide change, and avoid the busy shipping channel. You can also fish the banks and canals around Vembanad Lake and other backwaters for karimeen, tilapia, catfish and mullet.

Best Fish to Catch in Kochi in November 2026

Fishing Journey

Fishing Journey › GuidesBest Fish to Catch in Kochi in November 2026November is prime time in Kochi: karimeen, barramundi, mangrove jack, queenfish and grouper are all at their peak in backwaters and coastal waters.