Equipped with just a motorboat, a few sets of clothes, and basic fishing gear, the fearless fishermen of the Da River brave harsh weather and perilous waters to capture legendary river monsters.

Night prayers in the eye of the storm

For over 30 years, fisherman Duong Tien Dung, 53, from Xuan Loc Commune, Thanh Thuy District, Phu Tho Province, has been living a life intertwined with the currents of the Da, Hong, and Lo Rivers. Through countless challenges and narrow escapes, he has forged a livelihood from the turbulent waters.

Sitting by the riverbank after a grueling fishing trip, Dung shares tales of his experiences - stories of danger and reward. Despite being in his 50s, he remains agile and resilient, often embarking on long journeys up the Da River to catch what locals call "river monsters."

Dung's fishing gear is simple: a boat, a few clothes, and basic fishing tools. He also carries plastic bags to wrap his gear and clothing in case of storms, using them as makeshift life buoys.

The most dreaded threat is a sudden storm. Dung recalls a fateful night in August 2008, when he was stranded on a sandbar in the middle of the river. The sky was pitch black, and howling winds lashed against him. Clinging to his boat, he thought of his family and whispered prayers for survival.

“In moments like that, I could only hope to see my family again. All I could do was hold on tight and wait for the storm to pass,” he says, his voice heavy with emotion.

Taming the river monsters

Among the "river monsters" of the Da River, the most prized catches are the Anh Vu fish, Chien fish, and Quat fish. Dung recalls catching a 1.6 kg Anh Vu, an 8 kg Chien, and a 12 kg Quat. In 1996, his capture of the Anh Vu fish earned him 2.5 million VND - a small fortune at the time.

One of his most impressive feats came in July 2024, when he wrestled with a massive 15 kg Mang fish. The battle lasted nearly an hour, with the powerful fish thrashing violently, testing both his strength and stamina.

“To pull that fish onto the boat, I had to hold the net tight and brace myself against the side. Even seasoned fishermen like me can be dragged into the water if we're not careful,” Dung explains.

Fishing on the Da River is unpredictable. On good nights, fishermen like Dang Van Luyen, 47, can catch hundreds of kilograms of catfish, earning tens of millions of VND per trip. However, there are also barren nights when no fish are caught, and the sense of loss weighs heavily on them.

Luyen recalls a failed encounter with a 30 kg Mang fish: “The fish hit the net with such force that it almost capsized my boat. I had to make a quick decision - either keep fighting and risk my life or let it go. I chose to let go.”

Despite the danger, the fishermen of Xuan Loc remain optimistic. Fishing has transformed their lives, allowing them to build spacious houses and support their families. Yet, they never underestimate the power of the river or the strength of their prey.

A community of survivors

To these fishermen, losing a boat is less concerning than losing one’s life. Since childhood, they have honed their swimming skills and survival instincts. Locals affectionately call them "river otters" for their unmatched prowess in the water.

Fishing remains a way of life, not just an occupation, for the river folk. Their stories reflect a deep connection to the river - a bond forged through hardship and resilience.

Duc Hoang