Ha Long Bay Squid Fishing: What to Expect and How to Catch Squid

After a day of cave visits and kayaking, Ha Long Bay squid fishing offers a relaxing way to enjoy the bay after dark. Commonly included in overnight cruise itineraries, the activity requires no previous experience or personal equipment. This guide explains what to expect, when to participate and which techniques may improve your chances of making a catch.

1. What to Expect from Ha Long Bay Squid Fishing

Guests gathering under bright lights to catch fresh seafood - Source: Pinterest

Around eight o'clock in the evening, the cruise staff will set up large bright lamps near the water level at the back of the ship. This strong artificial light cuts through the dark water and attracts plankton, small fish, and eventually hungry sea creatures looking for a meal. Passengers do not need to bring any personal gear, as the crew hands out simple bamboo or composite rods equipped with reflective artificial lures.

The immediate reward of a successful catch makes this activity incredibly satisfying for travelers of all ages. Once a passenger reels in a catch, the cruise chef typically takes it directly to the kitchen area to be cleaned with seawater. The fresh catch is then grilled over a small charcoal stove or briefly steamed, allowing guests to eat warm seafood right on the deck while enjoying the cool night breeze.

>>> Read more: What to Do in Ha Long Bay: 18+ Must-Try Experiences

2. The Best Time and Conditions for Catching Squid

Calm dark waters provide the perfect environment for evening fishing - Source: Pinterest

You can participate in this evening activity year round on almost every cruise itinerary, but Ha Long Bay weather and seasonal conditions influence the size and quantity of the catch. The colder months from October to February generally yield much larger specimens because this period aligns with the local breeding season. While the summer months from May to August still offer plenty of action on the water, the creatures you pull up tend to be significantly smaller.

The absolute best nights for this activity are dark and moonless, or evenings covered by a thick layer of fog. Squids are highly sensitive to light, and a bright full moon scatters natural illumination across the entire bay, making the artificial lamps on the boat less effective. When the surrounding sky is pitch black, the bright lamps on your ship become an irresistible draw that concentrates marine life in one specific spot.

3. How to Join a Ha Long Bay Squid Fishing Experience

Finding a way to participate depends entirely on your accommodation choices and whether you are sleeping on the water or staying on the mainland.

3.1. Squid Fishing on an Overnight Cruise

Passengers enjoying a complimentary evening activity aboard a ship - Source: Pinterest

For international travelers staying on an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, squid fishing is almost always a complimentary evening activity. You do not need to book a separate excursion or pay extra fees to participate. This makes it an incredibly accessible way to experience a traditional maritime practice directly from the comfort of your ship.

The entire process is kept deliberately informal to promote relaxation after a busy day of sightseeing. Once the main dinner service concludes, the cruise manager will announce that the illuminated fishing gear is ready at the stern. Guests can drop by the railing whenever they please and try their luck under the stars.

>>> Read more: How Many Days in Ha Long Bay? Ideal Trip Durations and Detailed Itineraries

3.2. Joining a Local Fishing Trip

Small boats operating near the main harbor after sunset - Source: Pinterest

If you are sleeping at a mainland hotel, you can easily arrange a private evening excursion directly from the main harbor. Local operators and independent boat owners offer dedicated night trips that provide a rustic look at maritime life. These small wooden boats feel much closer to a working fishing vessel than a tourist cruiser.

These independent coastal excursions usually last around four hours and require a much more hands-on approach. While they lack the spacious lounges found on premium ships, they offer an authentic glimpse into the maritime traditions preserved in communities such as Vung Vieng Fishing Village. You will spend the evening sitting close to the water, working alongside local guides.

4. Practical Tips to Improve Your Catch Rate

Standing on the deck requires more than just holding a rod if you actually want to reel in a fresh snack for the evening.

4.1. How to Use the Rod and Artificial Lure

Passenger moving a fishing rod under the bright deck lights - Source: Pinterest

Simply dropping your line into the water and standing perfectly still rarely produces good results on the cruise deck. You need to cast the reflective lure directly into the illuminated area created by the ship lights and let it sink slightly below the water surface. If you allow the bait to drop too deep into the dark water, you will move past the active zone where these creatures hunt for small fish.

Once the lure reaches the correct depth, you should rhythmically twitch the rod to mimic the natural movement of a swimming shrimp. This erratic motion catches the attention of passing marine life and encourages them to strike the artificial bait aggressively. The local cruise staff often demonstrate this specific flicking wrist technique, so pay close attention to their timing before you start casting your own line.

4.2. How to Recognize and Reel in a Squid

Freshly caught seafood pulled from the calm evening waters - Source: Pinterest

You should not expect a sudden pulling sensation or a sharp bite like you would normally feel when catching typical river fish. Instead, the line will suddenly feel quite heavy, closely resembling the dull sensation of snagging a submerged plastic bag or a thick piece of seaweed. Many beginners miss their first catch because they do not recognize this subtle change in tension on the fishing line.

When you notice this sudden dead weight, you must reel the line in smoothly and continuously without any sudden jerking motions. If you pull up too aggressively or stop reeling for even a single second, the creature will release its grip on the lure and quickly escape back into the bay. You also need to maintain a steady upward momentum until the catch clears the water surface and hangs safely over the wooden deck.

5. What to Wear and Bring for Ha Long Bay Squid Fishing

The temperature on the open water drops noticeably after sunset, and the maritime climate can feel surprisingly brisk once you finish your active daytime excursions. If you are traveling during the colder months from November to February, the damp sea air makes it essential to wear a light windbreaker or a thick sweater. Even during the warmer summer season, bringing a light long sleeved shirt is highly recommended to keep yourself comfortable while standing stationary near the metal railing for an hour or two.

You must also consider your footwear and clothing choices carefully before heading out to the back deck to handle the fishing equipment. Wear flat shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping, as the wooden deck frequently becomes wet from splashing seawater and the crew cleaning the fresh catch. Furthermore, you should absolutely avoid wearing expensive garments or white clothing during this activity. If a panicked creature decides to spray ink as a natural defense mechanism, the dark liquid can easily cause permanent stains on delicate fabrics.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Ha Long Bay Squid Fishing

6.1. Do You Need Previous Fishing Experience?

You do not need any prior angling skills to participate and enjoy this activity successfully. The equipment provided by the cruise is incredibly simple, relying on a basic rod and a reflective artificial lure rather than complex reels, heavy lines, or live bait. The friendly cruise staff will gladly give you a hands-on demonstration, showing you exactly how to drop the line and flick your wrist to mimic a swimming shrimp and attract marine life in the dark water.

6.2. Is Squid Fishing Safe for Children?

The activity takes place on the enclosed lower decks at the back of large cruise ships, making it a very safe and highly entertaining experience for young travelers. Because the ships anchor in exceptionally calm waters for the night, there is minimal rocking or sudden movement while you stand near the edge. Parents simply need to supervise their children to ensure they walk carefully on potentially wet decks and do not lean too far over the safety railings while eagerly watching the illuminated water.

6.3. Does Squid Fishing Cost Extra on a Cruise?

On the vast majority of standard and luxury overnight ships operating in the region, this evening activity is completely free of charge. The use of fishing rods, artificial lures, and the ship's powerful lighting equipment is built directly into your initial cabin rate, right alongside daytime excursions like kayaking and cave visits. Furthermore, if you manage to reel in a successful catch, the cruise chef will typically clean and prepare the fresh seafood for you at no additional cost.

6.4. What Should You Do If a Squid Sprays Ink?

These creatures naturally use dark ink as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or are suddenly pulled from their aquatic environment into the bright lights of the ship. If you reel one in, simply keep the line extended away from your body and hold the catch over the water for a brief moment until it calms down. Instead of trying to unhook the slippery catch yourself, let the experienced cruise staff step in to assist you with safely removing it, which helps prevent accidental permanent stains on your clothing.

Ha Long Bay squid fishing offers a wonderfully relaxing way to conclude a busy day of sightseeing on the water. Whether you successfully catch your own late night snack or simply enjoy the cool breeze under the stars, this activity provides a genuine connection to local maritime traditions. When you are ready to book an overnight itinerary that includes this engaging experience, reach out to Joytime: Vietnam Travel for expert advice and seamless arrangements.