It was the first time I’d seen them: large baskets bobbing on the water or resting upturned on the sand. Later I’d find them not only around Vietnam but also in parts of Japan.

They began life as a tax dodge, to avoid a tax once levied on fishing boats. After all, they’re baskets, not boats – just incredibly agile and manoeuvrable baskets, perfect for fishing in shallow waters and around rocky shorelines.

Of course, by manoeuvrable, I refer to those who know how to use them – I kept going around in circles, drenching myself in the process!

Arriving at China Beach late in the afternoon, much of the fishing was done for the day. Many boats rested above the tide line as elsewhere fishermen dried and fixed their nets, ready for tomorrow. To one side a lady sat selling freshly caught fish, a set of scales beside her.

Enjoy my writing? Please subscribe here to follow my blog. Or perhaps you’d like to buy me a coffee? (Or a pony?)

If you like my photos please click either here or on the link in my header to buy (or simply browse) my photos. Or else, please click here to buy either my poetry or novel ebooks. I even have a YouTube channel. Thank you!

A few of my other posts you may enjoy: