Cool fish hunting season in Giang River

Concentrated in Giang River, the fish is only as small as two or three adult fingers, the biggest fish weighs only 0.5kg to 0.8kg, the fish body has 3 to 6 black dots, and the fins are pink. This fish species often lives in schools in rocky crevices and in places with fast flowing water.

Catching cool fish in Giang River. Photo: Ba Hau

From dusk onwards, the fish began to follow each other to look for insects on the water surface and algae clinging to the banks. After eating their fill, they went together to find friends in the water.

Mr. Vi Van Coc in Xieng village, Mon Son commune, Con Cuong, who has been fishing for many years on the Giang river, said: "It is currently the "season" of fresh fish, so every night I try to go fishing from midnight until dawn. Fish are caught using manual tools such as nets, spears, drop nets or diving. This type of fish must be caught mainly at night, because at this time the fish often go in schools, and the fish are also tastier." Every night, Mr. Coc catches 6-7 kg of fish, selling each kg for 250-300 thousand VND.

The essential tool for "hunting" for fish at night is a headlamp worn on the forehead. Photo: Ba Hau

After being caught, the fish are directly purchased by traders at home and imported to restaurants and eateries. This type of fish is popular in the market because it is both healthy and nutritious, the meat is delicious, fatty and has few bones. It is especially effective in increasing milk production and reducing cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to the simple braising method like other types of fish, mountain people also grill fish directly with charcoal and spread it on the kitchen floor to braise and eat gradually, cook floating fish, etc.

To grill the fish, you need fresh bamboo sticks to hold each fish from head to tail. Pour charcoal into a clay pot with an iron grill covering it, then place the fish on top and fan while grilling, turning both sides until the fish is golden brown and the fat is fragrant.

Grilled fish is cut into pieces for easy grilling and turning. Photo: Ba Hau

Cool fish is currently considered a specialty dish in the Western region of Nghe An. Many people even say that if tourists come to Con Cuong and have not enjoyed cool fish, it is as if they have never been to Con Cuong.

Ms. Phan Thi Ha, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: The first time I came here, in addition to the beautiful and poetic natural scenery, the dishes also made us remember forever, especially the grilled mam fish dish which was very delicious and unforgettable.

Grilled mackerel - an attractive specialty in Con Cuong. Photo: PV

Currently, the only cool fish can be found only in the western districts of Nghe An, living along the Giang River. In recent years, thanks to good protection of aquatic resources and strict prohibition of destructive fishing, cool fish on the Giang River have developed rapidly, bringing in large income for people in the upper reaches of Khe Nong.