Squid jiggling also a traditional activity in Kedah just like in East Coast states

YAN: Squid jiggling (candat sotong) may have earned a reputation as a major activity in the East Coast states, especially in Terengganu where it is a popular activity in the months of March to September, but many might not know that squid jiggling is also a traditional activity in Kedah.

Every year when the Monsoon season changes in February, Kuala Kedah in Alor Setar and Kuala Sala near here, come alive with squid jiggling activities that bring about a carnival like atmosphere.

However, not many know the difference between squid jiggling in the East and West.

A fisherman from the Kedah State Fishermen Association committee, Rosni Razak, 50, said in the East Coast states, squid jiggling activities are carried at a depth of 10m in the open sea but in the West Coast states like Kedah, the activity is limited to a depth of between five to eight metres.

“The size of the squids caught in the West is also smaller compared with squids caught in the East Coast states like Kelantan and Terengganu. The methods used also differ here because smaller jigs are used to catch various types of squids,” he told reporters.

Earlier, media practitioners in Kedah, including from Bernama, were given an opportunity to participate in squid jiggling together with members of the Kedah State Fishermen’s Association, in the waters of Kuala Sala near Pulau Bunting, near here.

Traditional squid jiggling uses a handline of nylon string with barbed sinker and jigs tied to the string. The jigs are slim and comes in bright colors (and some glow-in-the-dark jigs too). This is to mimic prawns, which happen to be the squids’ favourite prey.

Squid jiggling using handline is fairly easy. You just release the nylon string until it touches the ocean floor. Then, you yank the string about an arm’s length every few seconds or more. This is done to move the jigs in the water, which will lure the squids to your jigs.

You’ll know you caught a squid when you feel a tug on your string. The bigger the squid, the stronger the tug. You have to quickly roll the string but don’t yank too hard or you might un-head your squid.

Rosni added that squid jiggling also provides an alternative income for fishermen in the state and apart from going out for normal fishing activities, more than 300 fishermen from Kuala Kedah, Yan and Kuala Jerlun participate in squid jiggling activities.

Meanwhile, another fisherman, Mohd Sohir Man, 60, who has been involved in squid jiggling for more than six years, said he would normally come back with a haul of squids weighing between 50 to 100 kilograms every night during the squid jiggling season.

“Using lights is important to attract squids to the surface of the sea,” he said.

-- BERNAMA