Fishermen Session Cost Implications
The last of the cormorant fishermen of the Li will leave home sometimes at 3.30am to paddle upstream to meet us on remote bends of the river at 4-4:30 am, at least 30 mins to 1 hour before sunrise. We select locations based on the time of year, angle of light, water levels, reflection potential (caused by some shoals) and other factors such as river police regulations, that constantly are changing. We sometimes have to arrange motor rafts to also travel up to meet us, so we can access small rocky outcrops, small stone beach, a concrete bank, depending on water levels and if other photographers could be in the area. Having this motor raft gives us the most options and ensures you have the best chance to go home with a winning shot. To arrange raft men, motor rafts, the fishermen to do this rain or shine, and to shoot with us 1-2 hours is costly, especially if you elect to have 2 fishermen or choose the quieter more remote (and more beautiful in our view) sunrise locations. Other factors also can add to cost, such as the oldest fishermen in their 80's, we feel is unethical to have them paddle upstream against the flow this far, so we insist on arranging a motor raft to bring them and their rafts to some locations. Costs of fishing sessions, therefore, start at a minimum of $60 for 1 single fisherman at a location near to the village to $150. All fishermen costs go 100% directly to support the fishermen, who are now all retired and range from 62 to 87 years old and are from a pre-pension generation, and the income is vital to them.