Traditional Squid Trapping Thrives in Central Vietnam

In a quiet corner of Quang Ngai province, Central Vietnam, a unique fishing tradition is being meticulously preserved. Fishermen in Xom Bong village continue to rely on ancestral methods, eschewing modern nets and hooks to hunt for bigfin reef squid. Every day at 4:00 PM, Mr. Nguyen Xot, a seasoned fisherman, prepares his gear for the pre-dawn expedition. He meticulously crafts woven traps, his primary tool for a trade he has dedicated half his life to. These traps, designed to lure squid, are sunk into the sea. The squid, driven by spawning instincts, seek secluded spots to lay their eggs, inadvertently entering the traps. "We build cages and cover them with leaf layers. The underwater coolness gives squid a cozy hiding spot, so they enter easily. Once we pull the traps up, we catch them," Mr. Xot explained the ingenious process. Fishermen typically harvest 5 to 7 kilograms of squid daily. Mr. Truong Ngoc Sanh, another fisherman from Xom Bong, embarks on his journey at 4:00 AM. Steering his motorboat 1 to 1.5 nautical miles offshore, he heads to known trapping grounds. These areas, characterized by sandbanks and coral reefs at depths of 5 to 7 meters, are favored breeding grounds for squid. After hauling in the catch, he replaces any damaged or algae-choked traps with fresh ones, ensuring a continuous lure for more squid. "I depart at 4:00 AM and return by 8:00 AM. On days yielding 3, 4, or 5 kilos, I head out again in the afternoon. Furthermore, past catches sometimes reached 10 kilos," Mr. Sanh shared, highlighting the variability and potential of the catch. The trapping season spans from February to August on the lunar calendar, with peak activity in April and May. While daily catches average 5 to 7 kilograms, exceptional days can yield up to 10 kilograms. As the season wanes, catches become scarcer. The market highly values these squid due to their exceptional freshness, often commanding prices of 350,000 to 400,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. "This squid is as fresh as it gets. In fact, it still breathes upon reaching the shore. It ranks as the finest variety because natural methods replace heavy gear, keeping the meat exceptionally sweet," Mr. Sanh remarked. The live capture ensures the squid retains its natural quality and sweet flavor. Despite the prevalence of modern fishing techniques, over 10 households in Xom Bong remain committed to this traditional craft. Their reliance on handmade bamboo gear, rather than hooks and nets, has allowed this unique coastal livelihood to survive for centuries, a testament to their dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Source: Vietnam Insider