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| Caught in nearshore nets, ariid catfish bringing the fresh flavours of the ocean to family meals |
Casting nets along the coast
For Mr. Phan The, a young fisherman from Vinh Loc Commune, nearshore net fishing is both a livelihood and a source of enjoyment deeply rooted in coastal life. “The beauty of nearshore fishing is that I don’t have to wait for a full crew or commit to a long trip at sea,” he said. “I can choose when to go out, cast my net once or several times, and still make it home the same day”.
When the ariid catfish season arrives, a life jacket becomes his most indispensable piece of equipment. “A single net is about 80 to 100 meters long and carries around five kilograms of lead weights, so it’s quite heavy,” he explained. “Even if you’re a strong swimmer, wearing a life jacket is essential for safety when moving through the waves and gradually making your way into water that’s chest-deep or even deeper.”
After assessing the conditions and choosing a suitable spot, Mr. The begins setting his net. From the shore, the process may look effortless. In reality, positioning the net correctly takes considerable experience. Fishermen must assess not only the direction of the waves and currents but also the laying each section of the net into the water to intercept ariid catfish moving through the shallow coastal waters. Even a slight shift caused by the current can significantly reduce the chances of a successful catch.
Experienced fishermen generally prefer to set their nets early in the morning or between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. According to Mr. Ngoc, another young fisherman, these periods are considered particularly favourable in terms of tidal conditions and ariid catfish activity.
The type of net used depends on the species being targeted. For ariid catfish, fishermen typically favour three-layer trammel nets. “These nets consist of three overlapping layers of mesh, and the handwoven ones made by local fishermen tend to be more durable and effective,” explained Mr. Ngoc. “Lead weights along the bottom keep the net close to the seabed. Each net costs between VND 750,000 and nearly VND 1 million, but it can last for several fishing seasons”.
Extra income from the “sea’s bounty”
According to Mr. Nguyen Vuong, an experienced fisherman, the success of a fishing trip depends not only on how the nets are deployed but also on how the catch is handled. Ariid catfish, in particular, require an additional degree of skill and caution.
The fish have sharp, venomous spines on their backs and near their pectoral fins. Removing them from the net, therefore, requires a careful touch, both to avoid being pricked and to prevent the spines from tearing the mesh.
After nearly an hour in the water, the nets are hauled back to shore. Some hauls bring in plenty of ariid catfish, while others yield only a handful. On average, each net-setting session produces around two to three kilograms of fish. With favourable tides and a passing school of ariid catfish, catches can be three or four times higher. Yet it is not uncommon for fishermen to return with just a few small ones.
Depending on their size, ariid catfish are currently sold for between VND 50,000 and VND 80,000 per kilogram. For nearshore fishermen, the income provides a welcome financial boost while allowing them to manage their own schedules without the expense of lengthy offshore trips.
Net fishing is not the only activity that picks up during ariid catfish season. Many groups of fishermen also head out to operate beach seines, working together to encircle fish and haul their nets ashore. According to Mr. Tran Hung, a fisherman with more than 30 years of experience at sea, teamwork is essential, particularly during this time of year. “Beach-seine fishing requires everyone to work in close coordination because the currents are strong and the waves can be rough,” he explained. “When we come across a school of fish, a single haul can bring in dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of kilograms of ariid catfish, along with various other species.”
Once brought ashore, the freshly caught ariid catfish quickly find eager buyers. Prized for their rich, savoury flesh, the fish are particularly popular in hotpots, braised with bamboo shoots, grilled or cooked in traditional sour soup.
The arrival of ariid catfish season brings the excitement of nets heavy with fish, yet it also brings the occasional disappointment of a meagre catch. Even so, coastal fishermen continue to set their nets with the changing tides, bringing home fresh seafood for family meals and a little extra income for their households.