Sajad looks into the 130-year history of Munawar Shah and Sons. Today 4 separate businesses run by the family carry the tradition of suppling angling equipment to fishing enthusiasts
Trout fishing hooks anglers to latest equipment in Kashmir
Sajad Kralyari (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar: With a history spanning more than 130 years, Munawar Shah and Sons, the oldest fish angling equipment outlet at Lal Chowk is witnessing a high flow of foreign tourists this season.
Established in 1880 by Munawar Shah, a great angler of the yesteryears, the chain of fishing tackle shops along the Bund has hooked customers from Kashmir to United Kingdom. The business legacy of Munawar Shah is being carried by his four sons’ who despite have set up separate shops carry on the business under century old unique brand name.
The fishing sticks available at the shop are a treat for fishing enthusiasts. These equipments cost anywhere between Rs 1000 to Rs 10,000 with names of trout varieties like Jock Stott, Golden Loin, Peacock, March Brown Teal and Green, Coachman, Green Hollander and Watson’s Fancy. Pahalgam, Kokernag, Bandipora and Sind Valley are the favourite fishing places for anglers who go for day long trout fishing in gushing white waters.
The tantalizing thrill of trout fishing in wild waters keeps anglers wanting for new fishing sticks. “Our shop is famous among anglers and they are increasing,” said third generation member of the family, Hafizullah Qurashi now 58.
The turmoil during the last twenty years has increased the demand for fish angling equipment as people often took recourse to fishing during frequent crack downs and hartals. “Earlier, mostly houseboat owners would buy fishing tackle here as they would go with Englishmen for fishing. But crackdowns and hartals have worked like magic. Now, everyone enjoys fishing,” said Qurashi. “We have witnessed three-fold increase in our business.”
Fishing enthusiasts usually switch to trout fishing after making their debut in still waters of Dal Lake. “Those who used to fish in the Dal are now moving to lure trout in white waters. It has thrill and there are no fishes left in the Dal,” says Qurashi.
“We get customers from different parts of India and also other countries. They are usually referred by people who have already bought equipment from our shop,” he adds.
Mohammad Shafi Qurashi, 72, is a second generation member who is also happy with the family business.
He believes the increase in the raring of the trout by Fisheries Department has increased the love for trout fishing. “Earlier, the fishing was controlled and some selected class used to catch trout fishes. Now, the department provides license for fishing,” said Mohammad Shafi.
Syed Ahmad has come down from Islamabad only to buy a fishing rod, lures and net as he wants to set out for trout fishing occasionally. “I am fond of fishing since childhood and the love for fishing inspired me to move for angling. We are at it and tight schedule can’t prevent us,” says Ahmed while looking for a best stick in the shop.