Squid jigging experience in Terengganu 2014

The Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2014 held from 11 – 14 April recently, received 250 media delegates from 25 countries, participating in this unique and festive celebration organized by Tourism Terengganu. Media attendees including those from broadcasting, online, newspaper as well as bloggers sharing experience for the first time, in squid jigging. It is interesting to see that some of the medias were exposed to Terengganu’s beautiful, history and culture in their maiden trip to Malaysia, thus generating curiosity for them to learn and explore more of Malaysia.

Being one of the participants, I get to experience squid jigging first hand and learn the how it has contributed to the local income and how it have now become a nation festival, greatly celebrated in the state of Terengganu. Arriving at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa marina, we were later grouped in teams of 5 with an experience local boatman and his loyal assistant. Sets of jigging gears, snacks and life jackets were given for the 2 hours journey to the open-water of Pulau Kapas.

Preparing myself with some squid jigging knowledge prior to the trip, I learnt that in Malaysia, squid is mainly landed by trawls, squid nets, squid jigs purse seines and traps. Pukat sotong is the most popular technique in the east coast state, namely Kelantan and Terengganu. Jigging is only done at night time (after or before new moon) and during high tide on a cloudy or rainy night for a simple reason, squid response better during this setting as the artificial light will be most noticeable.

Another interesting facts I learnt is that the squid changes its colour according to exterior factors -- such as a threat or the presence of a potential mate - because each chromatophore is linked to a nerve ending. 

Aside from this, squid’s dark ink is their main defense mechanism. Intruders will be shot at leaving a; dark cloud which help the squid evade from its enemy. And yes, squid do bite, it have a parrot-lie beak tthat will bite upon being attack by enemies. 

We get to fry some of the squid and the taste was sweet and juicy. 

Tourism Terengganu also ran a video and social media competition with prizes worth RM40,000. At night, we were entertained by cultural dance from Tourism Terengganu during the prize giving ceremony. 

For best daily "Best Instagram Photos", Eazy Traveler bags the prize.

For those interested, annual fishing season for squid jigging is from March to September which coincides with spawning season.

For more detail :

Tourism Terengganu
Terengganu State Secretary 
9th Floor, Wisma Darul Iman 
20503 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
Malaysia

Tel : +609-623 1957

Email : tourism@terengganu.gov.my

Note :

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Fest 2014 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2014 is sponsored by the state government of Terengganu, this annual squid jigging carnival aims to introduce as well as relive the old tradition that was once livelihoods for many along the coast of Terengganu between April and August each year. It has since taken on a role as a recreational activity loved by people of all ages. This year’s event will also witness foreign participation from across the region. Various activities have been lined up and include cooking demonstrations and competitions, exhibition stalls, food stalls and the likes centered about… squids. The 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean campaign that runs concurrently is aimed at promoting the beauty of the state’s coasts, beaches and islands.