The pond draining season in the freshwater areas of Ca Mau is usually divided into two phases, before and after Tet (Lunar New Year). Before Tet, when there is still plenty of water in the large ponds, canals, and ditches, farmers often use nets (also known as pond traps) to catch some fish in advance for Tet meals. After Tet, during the dry season, when the water recedes and the fish gather in the ponds, people use machines to drain the water from the ponds and then wade through the mud together to catch the fish.

Whenever the ponds are drained, the neighbors usually gather around to catch the fish. Draining the ponds usually takes place at dawn, and for large ponds, the villagers set up the draining machines from early evening until morning to catch enough fish to sell to traders.

Catching fish with peacocks.
After draining the pond, the villagers carry the fish home to sell to traders.

The fish in the freshwater ponds of Ca Mau are usually snakehead fish, catfish, tilapia, carp, catfish, and especially the rare species of thick-skinned fish.