Da River during the season of catfish

Every year, in late May and early June, people along the Da River in Bac Yen district are busy going out to catch catfish. This year, the locals are delighted because the catfish harvest is abundant and the prices are good.

Locals catch catfish on the Da River, in Song Pe commune, Bac Yen district. Photo: Minh Tuan.

Candlefish are abundant in the Da River reservoir in the districts of Quynh Nhai, Muong La, Bac Yen, and Phu Yen, mainly from the end of May to the beginning of June, and only peak for about 15-20 days. Therefore, during these days, people in Ta Khoa and Song Pe communes are using various types of boats and fishing gear to gather on the river to catch candlefish. From Ta Khoa ferry terminal in Song Pe commune downstream to Sap Viet village in Ta Khoa commune, there are about 20-30 boats of all sizes fishing for candlefish each day.

Mr. Dinh Van Toi, from Song Pe commune, said: "This type of fish usually travels in schools and swims relatively fast, so a good motorboat is needed to keep up. On average, I catch 20-30 kg per day, and on days when I hit a school, it can reach 50-60 kg. The fish are bought directly from the boat by traders; there's no fish brought ashore. The current selling price is 80-120 thousand VND/kg, and after deducting expenses, I earn a profit of 2-3 million VND per day."

Fishing boats catching candlefish in the Sap Viet village area, Ta Khoa commune. Photo: Minh Tuan.

At Sap Viet boat landing in Ta Khoa commune, at the confluence of the Sap stream flowing from Moc Chau district into the Da River, many boats of various sizes are engaged in catching catfish. One of the experienced catfish fishermen, Mr. Dinh Van Quynh from Sap Viet village, shared: "In Bac Yen district, catfish are only abundant in the area from Ta Khoa landing to Sap Viet landing. The method of catching catfish is to use a net shaped like a large scoop placed at the bow of the boat, then run along the river, pulling it up every 2-3 hours to collect the fish. This type of fish sells very well. On peak days, I catch 70 kg, bringing in a considerable income."

Candlefish are very small and pure white. Photo: Minh Tuan

Observations show that candlefish have a translucent body when swimming underwater, but turn white when caught, hence the various names such as candlefish, glassfish, milkfish, etc. Candlefish are small, about the size of a chopstick, soft like noodles, scaleless, and boneless.

Catfish are deep-fried until crispy with garlic and chili. Photo: Minh Tuan.

Candlefish is suitable for various cooking methods such as deep-frying, stir-frying with garlic and chili, cooking with pickled vegetables and pineapple, making fish cakes, salads, and braised dishes. Its firm, fragrant, and sweet flesh makes it very popular. Considered a specialty fish of the Da River, it is commonly sold by vendors in the market for 200-300 VND/kg.

The delicious fish cake made from candle fish attracts many buyers. Photo: Minh Tuan

Currently, an average of about 50 tons of catfish are caught annually on the Da River from the districts of Quynh Nhai, Muong La, Bac Yen, and Phu Yen.

Catfish salad. Photo: Minh Tuan

The Da River provides an incredibly rich source of aquatic resources, creating jobs, increasing income, and stabilizing the lives of local people, including the snakehead fish. The nets used to catch snakehead fish have small mesh sizes. Therefore, authorities are strictly managing fishing activities. People should use nets suitable for the type of fish, avoiding overfishing and contributing to the sustainable preservation and protection of aquatic resources.

Minh Tuan

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