Night Squid Fishing in Da Nang: A Local Fishing Experience
What is the perfect seafood to enjoy on a summer evening in Vietnam?
If you walk along Da Nang's beaches or visit the city's seafood restaurants, one answer appears again and again: fresh squid.
Instead of ordering it at a restaurant, why not catch it yourself?
Join VIET DOVE Travel on an unforgettable squid fishing adventure off the coast of Da Nang.
Setting Sail at Sunset
Our journey began at 5:00 PM, just as the sun was starting to set.
This time, we departed from a small fishing village near Monkey Mountain (Son Tra Peninsula), where dozens of wooden fishing boats and traditional bamboo basket boats rested along the shore.
As our small wooden boat left the harbor, many local fishermen were also heading out to sea, beginning another night's work.
After about 15 minutes, we reached the fishing grounds.
The Secret to Catching Fresh Squid
Many people wonder how fishermen attract squid in the middle of the ocean.
The secret is surprisingly simple.
Light Attracts the Squid
Once we arrived, the captain switched on several powerful lights that illuminated the dark water.
Within minutes, schools of squid began swimming toward the boat.
Watching them appear from beneath the surface was fascinating and something I had never experienced before.
Learning Like a Local
Each of us received a colorful fishing rod specially designed for squid fishing.
The local fishermen patiently showed us how to feel for the gentle movement of the line and explained that once the rod started shaking, we needed to pull firmly and confidently.
It sounded easy...
In reality, it wasn't.
After trying for quite a while, our group proudly caught only two squid, while our fisherman quietly filled almost an entire bucket.
He simply smiled at us; it was clear who had years of experience.
The Best Meal Is the One You Catch
When the fishing ended, the crew prepared dinner right on the boat.
Fresh squid and fish were cleaned immediately and cooked in a light seafood soup with fruit, preserving their natural sweetness instead of covering them with heavy seasoning.
The freshness was impossible to miss.
The squid had bright, sparkling eyes, shiny skin, and firm, springy flesh—exactly what fresh seafood should look like.
Enjoying that meal with the gentle sea breeze and a few cold local beers made the experience even more memorable.
More Than Just Fishing
About four hours later, we returned to shore with unforgettable memories.
For me, this wasn't simply a fishing trip.
It was a chance to experience the daily life of Da Nang's fishing community, learn traditional techniques, and enjoy seafood at its absolute freshest.
Sometimes, the most meaningful travel experiences aren't found in famous attractions; they happen on a small wooden boat, surrounded by the sea, sharing a simple meal with local people.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a unique evening activity in Da Nang, night squid fishing is an experience well worth trying.
It combines local culture, authentic cuisine, beautiful coastal scenery, and the excitement of catching your own dinner.
VIET DOVE Travel hopes this unforgettable adventure inspires you to discover a different side of Da Nang, one that most visitors never get to see.
