An angler reels in a fish that has bitten his lure. [Photo/kelamayi.com.cn]

Lure fishing fanatics can add Karamay as a new destination on their list of top fishing spots, as the city launched its first lure fishing base, the Binghu International Lure Base, on May 13.

A lure fishing competition was held at the base on the day of its inauguration, attracting over 30 lure fishing fans from across the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as well as a man from Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Lure fishing has grown in popularity among China's anglers since 2007. Lure fishing aficionados find it to be the most exciting and thrilling way to catch fish, keeping them constantly engaged in the their quest for bigger game, like perch and trout.

"I have been lure fishing for five years and it’s my first time to come to Xinjiang for a competition. The base is a perfect spot for lure fishing, I will come for the next competition," said Fu Yi, from Chengdu, Sichuan province.

"The Binghu International Lure Base provides a place for lure fishing fanatics in Karamay. The lure fishing competition can also boost local tourism," said Guo Zhongping, director of the Karamay Culture and Sports Bureau.

Edited by Zachary Dye