Karwar: With monsoon gaining momentum and fishing by mechanized boats banned for two months, the traditional form of fishing is back in the coastal areas of Uttara Kannada.

Fishermen, who could afford it, shifted to mechanized boats eyeing bigger catch. Those who cannot afford mechanized boats continue traditional fishing. 

They are now busy repairing their boats and nets to resume fishing."We have to make as much money as possible in these two months as we hardly get to fish once mechanized fishing resumes after two months. They go deep into the sea and catch tonnes of fish in one go leaving nothing for us.

From August to May, we struggle to get one basket of fish," said Krishna Surangekar, a traditional fisherman from Karwar.

During the monsoon, fish come near the shore to breed and eat plantem, a germ which grows where the river water joins the sea.