Along the coastline of Bachok, battered by powerful waves from the South China Sea, local fishermen view mullet fishing as a source of pride and a symbol of resilience.

“Netting mullets is more than a job; it’s a cherished tradition. Since childhood, I’ve watched my father and grandfather face towering waves to bring in their catch. Their perseverance has been a profound inspiration, even though I understand the challenges involved.

“It takes years of training and perseverance to master it,” Suhairan Mohamed, a fisherman from Kampung Pangkalan Baru, told Bernama.

According to him, mullet fishing demands more than mere skill: keen eyesight is required to detect fish movements from over 100m away, and the courage to endure powerful waves pounding the shoreline.

“Mullets are often found in foamy waters mixed with clay carried by the waves, and only the bravest are rewarded with fruitful catches in these challenging conditions,” the 42-year-old said.

“We start work as early as 8am and finish around 6pm. Each day, we manage to catch 10-30kg of mullet. Some of the fish we catch are given to our families, while the rest are sold at RM5 per kg to local traders or residents.”

This fishing activity is distinctive as it can only be carried out on gentle, erosion-free beaches, such as the stretch from Pantai Kemasin to Pantai Sungai Gali, spanning approximately 50km.

“One of the biggest risks is the whirlpool areas along the beach, where mullets often gather,” said Zulaiman Mat Ali, a fisherman from Pantai Kemasin. “If we’re not careful, it can be life-threatening.

“We need to know the exact location of the whirlpools to avoid any unwanted incidents,” the 53-year-old added.

Despite the high risks – whether falling into the whirlpools or being struck by large waves – the fishermen of Bachok remain undaunted, as this activity ensures their families’ survival during the monsoon season.