Did you know that some of the world\u2019s finest Calamari or Squid comes from South Africa? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apparently, Squid from Mauritania and Morocco is rated the best, followed by squid from South Africa. This means that South African squid is very popular in the Mediterranean and Far East markets, and they will pay a premium for our fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calamari consumed in South Africa, which apparently cost five times less, is from Patagonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 1980s fisherman started catching squid (or Chokka as it is locally known) along the Eastern Cape coastline. In the 1990\u2019s a port was built (South Africa\u2019s only private working harbour), for the Chokka industry. Port St Francis is nestled between St Francis and Cape St Francis, just an hour from Port Elizabeth \/ Gqeberha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chokka (Loligo vulgaris) is only caught by means of a hand line attached to a special coloured lead jig with a multi hook head and a plastic colourful float, both called dollies. The two dollies are connected to about 50m of 19kg or 22kg fishing line, wound around a piece of wood, giving the fisherman something to control the line with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Port St Francis is not only home to a fleet of squid, hake and pilchards vessels, but also charter boats, deep-sea fishing boats and yachts from all around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can visit Port St Francis, the heart of the industry and see if you can taste the difference at Clive\u2019s Chokka Block Restaurant – compare the two, and learn more about the Chokka industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that some of the world\u2019s finest Calamari or Squid comes from South Africa? Apparently, Squid from Mauritania and Morocco is rated the…<\/p>\n
Or why not book a stay at Cape St Francis Resort in September for the annual Calamari Festival,<\/a> where the main attraction is a Calamari Cook Off.
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