Chapter 92: Night at Niugang

Chen Jianhai placed the small squid into a prepared iron bucket, and the three curious onlookers couldn't wait any longer. They eagerly baited their hooks and cast their lines into the sea. The powerful fish-attracting lights on the boat were very effective. Though not particularly focused, these lights attracted numerous phototactic marine creatures in the dark sea. A ring of lights around the boat illuminated the nearby waves.

Chen Jianhai curiously glanced into the water. Besides the small squid, there were many small fish darting around the boat. A jellyfish, lazily flapping its layered, umbrella-like body, was also drawn to the light. However, this seemingly foolish jellyfish was constantly nibbled on by the small fish, losing its delicate tentacles bit by bit without seeming to notice.

...

Chen Jianhai watched this jellyfish for a while, so entranced that Xiao Lang couldn't take it anymore and kicked him.

"What are you doing here? Watching jellyfish?"

Only then did Chen Jianhai angrily scoop up the jellyfish with a net and fling it far out into the sea.

"Get back to the sea where you belong, you mischievous creature!"

...

The small squid around Xiaomajia Island were aggressive and loved eating live bait. To increase their chances and the fun of fishing, Chen Jianhai used a large shrimp as bait instead of a fake lure. As soon as the hook dropped into the sea, his fishing rod dipped heavily. Chen Jianhai, eyes gleaming, skillfully controlled and adjusted the rod, reeling in the line. Suddenly, a palm-sized red squid emerged, clinging to the line.

"Wow! Da Bo, Xiao Lang, look! This squid is spraying water!"

Frightened, the red squid squirted a jet of water the moment it surfaced, drenching the surroundings. Startled by Chen Jianhai's shout, the squid sprayed even more vigorously, creating a "squid rain" that covered an area of about 20 centimeters. Chen Jianhai, amazed, reeled it in and grasped it in his hand. The slippery, bouncy texture felt amazing.

The small squid, irritated by being handled, flapped its fins like little wings. But before it could struggle much, Chen Jianhai yanked it off the hook and tossed it into the bucket. Annoyed by his rough handling, the squid sprayed ink all over his hand.

With the first squid caught, it seemed they had hit a jackpot. Squid after squid bit the hooks, and small fish filled the bucket. The red squid, tender and rich in ink, could be eaten raw due to the clean waters around Xiaomajia Island. Though Chen Jianhai wasn't keen on eating raw seafood, Xiao Lang eagerly bit into a freshly caught squid, the ink bursting in his mouth, savoring the fresh, tender meat.

Seeing Xiao Lang enjoy the squid so much, Chen Jianhai's mouth watered with envy.

...

As the night progressed, a crab swam over, conspicuous among the squids and small fish. Chen Jianhai immediately grabbed the net, exclaiming, "There's a crab! Get it!"

...

By midnight, Lao Yan had set up a pot on the fishing boat, boiling water to cook noodles. Eating seafood on a boat at night was quite common, and with the upcoming strenuous fishing, they needed to eat well. After several bowls of small fish, crabs, and squid, and two bowls of noodles each, they were full.

Lao Yan's boat, though small, was well-equipped with machines and rods for deep-sea fishing, capable of reaching depths of 200 meters. This night fishing trip was mainly for Da Bo and Xiao Lang to catch big fish. Eagerly, they baited their hooks with squid and cast them into the sea, waiting for a big catch.

Chen Jianhai, however, wasn't particularly interested in deep-sea fishing. He preferred the sensation and relaxation of traditional rod fishing. Holding his rod, he cast his line with a glowing float into the sea.

"I wonder if I can catch a tuna," he mused, just as a tug on his rod signaled a bite. Chen Jianhai, experienced, carefully controlled the tension. Soon, a silver fish thrashed near the surface, reflecting the light beautifully.

"It's a strike! Hold on!" Lao Yan shouted.

Chen Jianhai, bracing himself against the boat, battled the fish. But just as he thought he had it, the line slackened—the fish had escaped.

Stunned, Chen Jianhai couldn't believe it. Lao Yan laughed, "The fish here are crafty. It's normal."

Annoyed, Chen Jianhai prepared for another attempt. Just as he retrieved his bait, a fish swam directly under his rod, seemingly chasing the bait. More fish joined in, teasing the bait without biting.

Exasperated, Chen Jianhai ignored the playful fish and cast his line again. This time, the pull was immediate and strong. Determined, he fought the fish with all his might. After a brief struggle, he reeled in a large niugang fish.