Nearly lost ancient fishing method "Fire-Jumping Fishery" now open for public boat trips

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

"Fire-Jumping Fishery" is an almost extinct traditional fishing technique, with only four "fire-jumping boats" remaining in Taiwan. To help more people learn about this heritage fishing method, the New Taipei City Government and the Jinshan District Fishermen's Association have combined elements of fishing village culture and leisure fishing. In line with the fish migration season, they are holding the "2014 Golden Fire-Jumping Fishery" exhibition on the nights of July 5 and 6 at Huanggang Fishing Port, along with on-site boat tour experience sign-ups. The original price is NT$1,500, but the discounted on-site rate is NT$500 per person, limited to 100 people. Interested individuals can check online for details.


▲ Fire-Jumping Fishery in Jinshan. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wen-bin)

Starting every May, when schools of anchovy swarm the northern coastal waters, it’s time for Jinshan’s "Fire-Jumping Fishery" boats to get busy. These boats use sulfide rocks mixed with water to produce acetylene gas, which ignites into torches on the sea surface. The bright flames attract tens of thousands of anchovies, causing them to leap out of the water in a spectacular scene. This dazzling fishing spectacle has even won an Honorable Mention in the National Geographic Photo Contest’s Local Category.

Zhu Li-luan, Secretary-General of the Jinshan District Fishermen’s Association, said that the ancient "Fire-Jumping Fishery" method causes minimal environmental disruption due to its small operational area, aligning with environmental protection and sustainable fishing development goals. However, due to changing times and advances in fishing equipment, only four boats still use this technique. To preserve this valuable cultural heritage and let the public experience it, two "Jinshan Fire-Jumping Fishery Exhibition" events will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 5 and 6 at Huanggang Fishing Port in Jinshan District.

Director-General Liao Jung-ching of the Council of Agriculture stated that to introduce this traditional fishing culture to everyone, the "Jinshan Fire-Jumping Fishery" performance event has been held since 2012, making this year the third edition. In addition to bringing the fire-jumping fishing boats into the harbor so visitors can observe them up close, the Jinshan District Fishermen’s Association’s Home Economics Class and Jinshan Elementary School jointly created and performed the "Jinshan Fire-Jumping Fishery Dance," symbolizing the intergenerational passing on of fishing culture through the participation of local children. Other highlights include a spectacular harbor cinema, fun DIY activities, and tastings of dried anchovy fillets. This year also features a special limited-time discounted boat trip to experience the fire-jumping fishery firsthand.