Kerala is a land of rivers, lakes, lagoons, rivulets and beautiful canals filled with rich and diversified fish fauna, many of which are rare and endemic species. Fisherman ply the Vemabanad Lake, Ashtamudi Lake and Kayamkulam Lake as well as the backwaters still using using traditional methods, including Chinese fishing nets as well as small nets that are cast by hand.

Fishermen also use small canoes for fishing by net or line. They normally fish in the early morning, evening, and even in the night, depending on their catch. Freshwater prawns, lobsters, crabs, clams and oysters are harvested from these backwaters.

Fishing is the main occupation of the lakeside residents.