Chinese Fishing Nets in kochi

Chinese Fishing Nets

Popularly known as Cheenavala, the Chinese Fishing Nets are Kerala's most iconic and popular attractions, peculiar to Kochi, located next to Fort Kochi. One of the significant cultural symbols of Kerala, the spot is also one of the most photographed places in the town, attracting hordes of tourists and photographers every day.

The Chinese Fishing Nets are vast fishing nets fixed on bamboo and teak poles. They are then let down into the sea through unique mechanisms and weighed down with large stones tied to ropes. These nets are left in the sea before they are pulled back again by tugging the ropes after collecting a significant amount of catch. Considered to be a clever way of fishing, these majestic Chinese fishing nets are operated by four to six fishers, and watching this spectacular process is a typo experience.

History of Chinese Fishing Nets 

It is still not very clear how the usage of Chinese Fishing Nets began in India. However, the most relevant facts suggest that these nets were brought to Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He from the court of the Chinese emperor Kubala Khan during the 14th century. A contradictory flaw of this theory is that these fishing nets are now not found anywhere except Kochi and surrounding areas, not in China.  

 It also suggested that the fishing nets were brought to Kochi in the 16th century from Macau by the Portuguese, which whocolonized Macau and Kochi. The mechanisms and working of these nets were then modified to suit the depth and requirements of fishing at sea in Kochi. Facts supporting this theory are that these fishing nets are known by Portuguese names like padrao, calusanthy, Avaya, bras, etc., for the same reason.

Usage and Mechanism of Chinese Fishing Nets 

The Chinese Fishing Nets are usually 10 meters in height and can spread around 20 meters over the sea. They have the look and feel of traditional hammocks suspended by wooden poles made of bamboo and teak. Counter-weighted by huge stones and fishing boulders, the nets are let down in the sea for five to seven minutes before they are dragged back with the help of ropes.

 Over four to six fishermen operate one fishing net, and the catch, however small or big, is sold off immediately at the shores. Fishing through these Chinese Fishing Nets is one of the oldest and the most intelligent ways in Kochi. Different nets have different limits of operating depths, and they are used as per the tide state at the time. All in all, the entire process of letting the majestic nets down and bringing them up again is a spectacular sight and an enchanting experience to gain.

Chinese Fishing Nets 

1. You can stand on the platform and watch the fisher folk in action from as near as you want. However, the local fisher folks may ask you to tip them later. Make sure you clear it beforehand and settle this conversation before your hard workers stand on their platforms to watch the spectacle. Sometimes you can also stand on the board and try out the process yourself. 

2. You can choose from the fresh batch of fish caught in the nets, buy them on the spot and even have it cooked for you. You can enjoy the delicious freshly caught fish with a sea view.

3. Lately, the shores and sea are getting more so littered. Most fishing nets bring up garbage and waste along with the catch. If you are ready to buy these fish for consumption, check the fresh batch carefully. 

4. The shores also have make-do stalls and shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, knick-knacks, etc. You can also find local women and men going around offering to braid your hair with plastic spaghetti or wool.