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| Mr Ha has over 40 years of experience in net weaving and repair |
A legacy passed down
Referred to by a seasoned fisherman in Phu Loc for his durable, high-quality nets, we eagerly sought out Nguyen Ha’s home.
Located near the coast, his house exudes the salty, distinctive scent of the fishing village. In the yard, under the shade of a sprawling tree, a boat rests securely covered, awaiting calmer seas. There, with nimble hands weaving seamlessly, Nguyen Ha shared the story of his family’s net-weaving traditional craft.
“Since I was a child, I watched my grandfather meticulously weave nets. One day, my father took over, and now, it’s my turn to continue the tradition,” he recounted.
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| Quick hands mending nets |
Coming from a family deeply rooted in fishing traditions in Giang Hai commune, Nguyen Ha has spent decades both fishing and earning a reputation as a master of net weaver. Reflecting on the golden age of net weaving, he shared: “Back then, net weavers were highly respected. I would often visit other fishermen’s homes, work, and share meals there. People trusted me, so I always gave my best - ensuring the nets not only were strong and uniform but also made swiftly so that the fishermen had reliable gear for their journeys.”
About 20 years ago, machine-made fishing nets started to appear on the market. The number of people hiring hand-weavers gradually declined, and the craft of hand-weaving nets began to fade away. However, this did not discourage Mr. Ha. He said, 'Every trade has its highs and lows; that's just a natural part of life. It's not just with fishing - without effort and dedication, it would be hard to sustain oneself in any profession.’
Dedication to the craft
Mr. Ha's perspective is entirely accurate. Despite the competition and dominance of machine-made nets, a few skilled fishermen still prefer his hand-woven nets. Le Thuan, a fisherman, shared, "Mr. Ha is also a fisherman, so more than anyone else, he understands the habits and sizes of each type of fish and shrimp in these waters. That’s why I feel confident hiring him to weave my nets. His nets are consistent, of high quality, and when they got torn, he prioritizes repairing them, so I have great trust in his craftsmanship.”
In addition to weaving nets, Mr. Ha also takes on net repair work for fishermen. This job lasts year-round, without a specific season. When the sea is rough, fishermen hire him to mend nets hundreds of fathoms long. When the sea is calm and the boats head out to fish, Mr. Ha is either on his own boat or available to urgently repair nets for fishermen eager to set sail.
Currently, Mr. Ha weaves and repairs various types of nets, including single, double, and triple-layered nets of all sizes. Although double and triple-layered nets are more challenging and time-consuming to repair, Mr. Ha maintains a consistent pricing model, embodying the generous spirit of coastal fishermen passed down through generations. "Newly woven nets are priced by length, regardless of type. For every 100 fathoms, the labor cost is 700,000 VND, while materials such as nylon and weights are supplied by the fishermen," he explained.
As for net repair work, Mr. Ha charges only 200,000 VND per day, significantly less than many other net repairers. He shared, “We’re all fishermen who work hard, so why charge more? Following this job, I earn my living from my labor, hoping for a better life thanks to the blessings of the sea.”
Devoted to his craft and dedicated to his fellow fishermen, Mr. Ha finds joy in the simplest things. His face, marked with lines of experience, radiates contentment as he shares his happiness about his son returning from Ho Chi Minh City to their hometown to learn the family profession. “Though his skills aren’t yet refined, my son has become proficient in many weaving techniques. I believe that as long as we stay true to the craft and work with sincerity, the profession will never abandon us,” he said.