River shrimp fishing

(Baonghean.vn) - Catching river shrimp is not just a hobby for shepherd children; nowadays, many people with different purposes also seek out this pastime.

Around this time of year, in the rice-growing district of Yen Thanh (Nghe An province), it's easy to spot anglers sitting quietly by the river or on ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, fishing for shrimp. Chu Hoan, a seasoned shrimp fisherman from Chu Trac hamlet, Hoa Thanh commune, said: "The shrimp fishing season is from February to the end of April in the lunar calendar. During this season, shrimp reproduce abundantly, so rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are full of shrimp. Male shrimp are very large, with long, slender claws, while female shrimp have smaller claws and bellies full of eggs, looking very delicious. They are a specialty of the low-lying, rice-growing countryside of Yen Thanh."

From February to the end of April in the lunar calendar is the peak breeding season for shrimp, so rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are full of shrimp. Photo: Tien Dung

According to Mr. Hoan, shrimp fishing rods are not as complicated as fish fishing rods. They are very simple: just a flexible, old bamboo stick, about the size of a little finger, with a thin, sharpened tip, about 1-1.2 meters long. The hook is made from a sharpened piece of bicycle brake cable, with the curved part as small as a grain of rice and the body about 1 cm long. The hook is tied to the smallest thread or fishing line. The float is made from broom grass about 2 cm long. A fishing trip only requires 4-5 rods and a basket to complete the equipment for going to the river. Shrimp bait is mainly small shrimp. The angler chooses a fishing spot, spreads the rods out like a fan in front of them, and then sits and watches.

Hoan said: "Shrimp fishing is simple, but it also requires experience. You have to line close to the bottom. When the shrimp bites the bait and the float twitches, the angler has to gently move the line up and down to 'lure' the shrimp. Shrimp are known for their ability to jump backward, so if you pull the line too hard, they will react quickly and easily escape. Then, the angler pulls the line while gently guiding the shrimp towards the shore. When the shrimp comes out of the water, it snaps its claws, and the line becomes taut and heavy... This is the most exciting moment for a shrimp angler."

River shrimp from Yen Thanh have firm, flavorful meat; currently, they sell for 120,000 - 150,000 VND/kg on the market. Photo: Tien Dung

Quoc Dung, a fisherman in Hop Thanh commune, shared: "Business can sometimes be tiring and stressful, so I've found a way to relax by fishing for shrimp. This hobby helps me escape from the hustle and bustle of life, and sometimes I catch quite a lot of shrimp."

River shrimp in Yen Thanh have firm, flavorful meat. Most fishermen bring their catch home to make family meals more enjoyable. However, many have also earned a living from this shrimp fishing. Mr. Loi, a shrimp fisherman in Long Thanh commune, said he catches about 3 kg a day, with river shrimp currently priced at 100,000 VND/kg. This means he earns 300,000 - 400,000 VND a day from his river catch. This is a considerable amount for a farmer.

River shrimp have high economic value because they are considered a delicacy. Therefore, traders buy shrimp from fishermen at 100,000 VND/kg, but they sell them on the market for sometimes 130,000 - 150,000 VND/kg.

River shrimp caught by fishing are becoming increasingly valuable. Some people catch 2-3 kg a day. Photo by Tien Dung.

Currently, shrimp fishing is considered a popular and enjoyable pastime for many people (regardless of age or social status). Recognizing this, some individuals have utilized ponds and lakes to raise shrimp for anglers to relax and enjoy. Examples include the fishing ponds owned by Mr. Ha in Hung Thanh commune, Mr. Nam in the town, and Mr. Quy in Hoa Thanh commune… Although these ponds are still under construction, they promise to be exciting destinations for anglers to indulge in this traditional pastime of shrimp fishing.

The catch of a group of shrimp fishermen in Yen Thanh. Photo: Tien Dung

Tien Dung