The Bizarre Squid-Hunting Craft Without Nets or Hooks in Quang Ngai

Every day at 4:00 PM, Mr. Nguyen Xot in Xom Bong prepares new traps. Moreover, he replaces old gear before his pre-dawn trip the next morning.

Having dedicated half his life to the trade, he clings to ancestral methods. Specifically, he sinks woven traps into the sea. Driven by spawning instincts, bigfin reef squid seek out secluded spots. Consequently, they lay eggs and crawl right inside the traps.

Mr. Truong Ngoc Sanh, who also lives in Xom Bong, heads out to sea to hunt for squid.

Mr. Nguyen Xot explained his process. First, he builds cages and covers them with leaf layers. Because underwater coolness gives squid a cozy hiding spot, they enter easily. Once he pulls the traps up, he catches them. Fishermen harvest 5 to 7 kilograms daily on average.

Having spent nearly 30 years in the profession, fisherman Truong Ngoc Sanh steers his motorboat away from the harbor at 4:00 AM. Then, he heads 1 to 1.5 nautical miles offshore to haul in traps and hunt for squid. Trapping grounds feature sandbanks and coral reefs at depths of 5 to 7 meters. These spots serve as favorite breeding grounds. After harvesting, he swaps damaged or algae-choked traps for fresh ones to lure more squid.

Fresh squid caught using bamboo traps.

Mr. Truong Ngoc Sanh noted: “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.” Fresh squid caught using bamboo traps.

The trapping season runs from February to August on the lunar calendar. Furthermore, it peaks in April and May. Fishermen reel in 5 to 7 kilograms daily, while peak days reach up to 10 kilograms. However, catches grow scarcer toward the end of the season. Because fishermen catch live squid retaining natural quality, markets love them. Therefore, this variety commands 350,000 to 400,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram.

Fishermen gather an average of 5 to 7 kilograms of squid daily.

Mr. Truong Ngoc Sanh remarked: “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.” Squid caught using traditional traps remains remarkably fresh and popular.

While many fishermen switched to modern methods, over 10 households in Xom Bong protect this traditional craft. Instead of hooks and nets, they rely entirely on handmade bamboo gear. Consequently, this unique coastal livelihood has survived for centuries.

Photo source: Vien Nguyen/Lao Dong Newspaper