Spears gain popularity for fishing during monsoon in Sreenagar
Khan Suzon, Sreenagar (Munshiganj)
Correspondent:It is now peak monsoon season in Srinagar. The canals, wetlands, ponds, rivers, and other water bodies of the region are overflowing with water. Along with the rising water levels, the presence of local fish and various other small and large species has also increased. To catch these fish, locals are using different types of spears (locally known as teta), nets, and traps. Spear fishing has been practiced in the rural areas for generations. During this season, many fishers are seen floating on small dinghy boats across different localities, hunting fish using spears.
Fishers are using spears to catch species like nola, gormo, ruhi, katla, kalibaush, shol, taki, and more. As a result, the demand for spears in local markets has risen.
A spear-making industry has developed commercially along the Deulbhog road in Sreenagar Sadar area. Artisans are busy crafting spears of various shapes and sizes.
A visit to the site revealed that several shops on Srinagar Upazila Road in Deulbhog are producing a variety of spears. Alongside spears, bamboo spear shafts and fishing rods are also being sold. Rows of bamboo spear shafts, fishing rods, and ready-made spears are neatly displayed along the roadside. Nearly fifty skilled workers are engaged in making these ready-made spears.According to locals, around 8 to 10 shops are involved in spear production. Depending on the type, ready-made spears are sold at prices ranging from BDT 100 to BDT 3,500. Fishing rods and bamboo spear shafts are priced between BDT 80 and BDT 200. Custom orders for spears are also being taken based on the needs of fishers.
Workers like Riyad Hossain, Pranto, and Rubel shared that they work tirelessly during the monsoon season in the spear workshops. Shopkeeper Raju Mia said that the spear-making trade picks up for 3 to 4 months during the monsoon, while the rest of the year sees little to no work in this field. He sells fishing gear, including ready-made spears, both wholesale and retail. On Tuesdays, which is the weekly market day at Deulbhog, a crowd of spear buyers can be seen gathering at these shops.
