Fishermen during the herring fishing season at the beginning of the year.

From the morning of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, while many families were still gathered in the festive atmosphere of the spring festival, in the coastal fishing villages of Thanh Hoa, boats were already setting sail, beginning a new fishing season. Groups of boats and rafts returned in the early morning sun, carrying holds full of fish and shrimp. This was not only the fruit of their labor after hours at sea, but also a sign of a new year full of hope, as the sea continued to favor and bestow abundant resources upon the fishermen.

When the boats reach the shore, the fishermen of Sam Son quickly remove the herring from the nets and sell them right on the beach.

According to local experience, the herring fishing season usually begins in early January and lasts until around March of the lunar calendar. This is also the time when schools of herring appear in large numbers, moving in large groups near the shore, creating favorable conditions for fishing. Therefore, this year, the first fishing trips of the year not only signify a lucky start to the year but also coincide with an important season that determines the income of many fishing families. Fisherman Pham Van Minh from Sam Son ward shared: “We go fishing for herring from 3 am to 8 am before returning to shore. Herring live 10 to 20 nautical miles from the shore and usually swim on the surface of the water. To catch herring, we use nets hundreds of meters long and about 10 meters wide, with floats lowered into the sea.” This simple account clearly reflects the familiar working rhythm of those who have spent their lives connected to the sea.

On small boats, with just two fishermen, they can return with nearly 200 kilograms of herring. On days with favorable sea conditions and abundant fish, the catch can reach up to a ton. The boat holds full of fish not only bring joy but also a significant source of income for the families. Currently, herring is purchased at prices ranging from 14,000 to 20,000 VND per kilogram. With such a yield, each fishing trip provides the fishermen with more motivation to continue fishing, making a living, and preserving their traditional occupation. Mr. Doi Sy Vang, a fisherman from Tien Trang commune, said: “This season, some days we catch several tons of herring, but other days only a few hundred kilograms. Each time we go out to sea to catch herring, we earn around 2 million VND, making a profit of about 1 million VND per trip. We only hope that this year's herring season will be bountiful and that the price will be good so we can earn more income.” These heartfelt words clearly reflect the fishermen's hope in the sea, a place that not only provides a livelihood but also serves as a spiritual anchor for generations.

However, behind those boats laden with fish lies considerable hardship and toil. Each fishing trip requires fishermen to wake up before dark, facing cold winds, rough seas, and many unpredictable elements. Casting and pulling in the nets demands strength, endurance, and experience. On some days, the sea is rough, reducing catches, but the fishermen persevere. For the people of this coastal region, herring is not only a source of income but also a familiar dish in every family. Fresh herring, steamed or fried until crispy, dipped in a rich garlic and chili fish sauce, eaten with white rice and herbs, creates a distinctive taste of the sea. This simple dish embodies the salty flavor of the ocean, the natural sweetness of the fish, and the simplicity and sincerity of the people of the coastal region. Beyond family meals, herring is also used to make fish sauce – a famous local product. From fresh herring, through an elaborate fermentation process, the locals create rich, flavorful fish sauce with an unforgettable characteristic taste. This is also how fishermen utilize marine resources, enhance the value of their products, and contribute to preserving traditional crafts.

In the early days of the new year, the sight of rafts returning full of herring not only brings joy to each family but also creates a vibrant atmosphere for the entire fishing village. On the docks, buyers and sellers bustle about; out at sea, boats continue to venture out. From these first fishing trips of spring, a new season of work begins, continuing the tradition of clinging to the sea and preserving the fishing profession of generations past.

Text and photos: Phuong Do

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ngu-dan-vao-mua-ca-trich-dau-nam-279737.htm