Enjoy the Calamari Route

The Story of Calamari in St Francis

Squid or Ink Fish is served globally and better known as Calamari. The local species, Loligo Reynaudii, is referred to as Chokka and has become a sought-after delicacy worldwide.

This was not always the case and it was only in the early 80’s that it was realised that there was a market for Chokka and an industry developed. Before that the Chokka was caught and used mainly as bait by line fishermen.

Experience the rich flavours and history of calamari in St Francis.  Embark on the Calamari Route and indulge in the best Calamari South Africa has to offer!

Interesting Facts

  • The substantial growth in the industry soon led calamari to be called “white gold.”
  • Chokka are decapods, meaning they have eight arms and two long tentacles.
  • Chokka have incredible skin, covered with small pockets of dye. By contracting or expanding the muscles in the mantra they are able to expand or contract the pockets, resulting in an incredible display of patterns. They have been called the Chameleon of the sea.
  • Chokka’s breeding area is predominantly along the southeastern coast of South Africa, between Plettenberg Bay and Port Alfred, with St Francis being well placed in the middle.
  • The long bodies and diamond shaped fins are ideal for their jet propulsion, they suck water into their body cavity and expel it through a siphon which can be turned in any direction.
  • The freezer vessels or Chokka Boats are based at Port St Francis, the only privately owned working harbour in the country.
  • The 15th October until the 22nd November is the closed season for Chokka, this serves to protect the spawning Chokka and the beds of Chokka eggs.
  • The ink is used as a food additive to colour dishes like black pasta or risotto.
  • Chokka is only caught by means of a handline and a jig called a dollie.
  • It gets sorted on the boat into small, medium, large and extra-large and packed into pans, then blast frozen to -20C whereafter it gets glazed with sea water, packed into plastic bags and boxed once on land.
  • The industry provides significant employment to not only fishermen but to various supporting industries, making the calamari industry part of the local culture and cuisine of St Francis Bay.