What is 'chasing squid' that earns Vietnamese fishermen millions of dong a day?

Early in the morning, small fishing boats along the coastal waters of Mo Cay Commune, Quang Ngai Province, head out to sea to catch broad squid using the local 'chasing squid' method. 

Just a few hundred meters from shore, fishermen set nets around submerged shelters known as 'cha' before diving into the water to drive the squid

Dive underwater to chase broad squid into nets

At 4:00 am, before dawn breaks over the waters off Minh Tan Bac in Mo Cay Commune, Duong Nhi and three fellow fishermen prepare for a day of 'chasing squid.'

The name comes from the fishing method used by coastal fishermen in the area. After setting the nets, one fisherman dives into the water and chases the squid toward them.

Once everything is ready, the men work together to push the boat into the water before heading out to sea. 

They do not travel far, instead making their way to the 'cha' just a few hundred meters offshore.

Fishermen make the 'cha' by bundling leaves and branches into large clusters and placing them in the sea, creating shelter for marine life.

'Chasing squid' is typically practiced from around the eighth to the 12th lunar month. 

After rainy days, when the water becomes murky, broad squid tend to seek shelter closer to shore, giving fishermen better catches.

Nhi has spent decades fishing in coastal waters. During the dry season, he follows schools of silverfish and sardines. 

When squid season arrives, he switches to setting nets for 'chasing squid.'

According to Nhi, the work does not require boats to travel far offshore or fishermen to spend heavily on equipment. 

They usually leave at around 4:00 am and return to shore around noon or 1:00 pm. 

A successful trip can yield several dozen kilograms of squid.

Many boats in the waters off Duc Minh, in Mo Cay Commune, Quang Ngai Province, now make a living from 'chasing squid.'

Each boat typically carries two to four fishermen. Trip after trip, the boats head out from shore and return with fresh fish and squid.

Making millions of dong from chasing squid

During the 'chasing squid' season, fishermen can catch an average of 20 to 40 kilograms per trip. 

With squid currently selling for VND300,000 to 350,000 (US$11.50-$13.50) per kilogram, each daily trip can generate a substantial income, with fishermen taking home millions of dong a day.

“Rough-sea season is when fish and seafood are much more abundant than during calmer months. I made VND3 million ($115) from today’s trip,” fisherman Duong Nhi said.

The squid are quickly snapped up by traders as soon as they reach shore. Because catches are limited and the squid are considered a local specialty, most of the catch ends up at restaurants and eateries.

Income during the rough-sea season can be much higher than on ordinary days, but behind the boats returning with full loads of fish and squid is a risk that not every fisherman is willing to take.

Rough seas and strong waves mean greater danger. A single unexpected incident at sea can come at a heavy cost.

“There have been quite a few accidents. In less serious cases, boats capsize and fishing gear is lost. In the worst cases, fishermen can pay with their lives. Having to turn back without a catch is not uncommon,” fisherman Nguyen Hieu said.