Many Cambodian families rely on fisheries for their livelihoods. Fishers use a variety of different fishing techniques to catch fish, and the Big Round Scoop Basket is one example of the many small-scale fishing techniques used. This gear is known in Khmer as Kanhchraeng luong trey, and is an open-weave round basket made out of bamboo strips and rattan. The basket has a diameter of 0.8 to 1.5 meters and can be up to 40 cm in depth. The Big Round Scoop Basket is used to catch minnows and carp-like fish which are found in great numbers at the water surface. Generally, the basket is operated from a boat and held with both hands a few centimeters below the water surface. To lure the fish, the fishers use a piece of Clarias catfish dipped in fish oil as bait, and stir it on the surface of the water to attract the fish to gather near the boat. As soon as enough fish congregate above the basket, the fisher pulls the basket up and empties the fish into the boat. The operation is quick and fishing may continue for several hours.

Check out the video below to learn more about the Big Round Scoop Basket and how it is used to catch fish.