Throughout history, fishermen have created several superstitions to explain the unpredictability of one of the world's favorite activity. These beliefs offer fascinating insights into the culture and traditions of the fishing community. In this blog post, we will explore five fishing superstitions and the stories that made them so well known today.
Fish Kissing
Kiss your catch before you release! Why? It's considered a sign of respect, a salute to the fight, a farewell, an apology for a hook in the face, and a bid for a bountiful fishing experience.
Pro angler and TV host, Jimmy Houston, is likely the inspiration behind this ritual. On his television show, he was notorious for reeling 'em in and showing 'em some love. It became a memorable and meaningful practice for all those who embrace it.
"Good Luck" Means Bad Luck?
It is widely believed that saying "good luck" to someone can jinx the outcome. It is thought of as tempting fate, which might lead to the opposite result. For example, the consequences might include lack of bites, bad weather, or faulty equipment. And in an activity that is highly influenced by factors outside of human control, following this superstition provides psychological comfort and sense of control.
This superstition isn't exclusive to fishing. You'll find that it is a shared belief among other professions - like sports or theatre. By avoiding these dreaded two words, it prevents overconfidence from hindering performance. I don't know - sounds pretty legit to me.
No Whistling on the Water
Whistling on a boat is a surefire way to sail straight into bad luck! It is commonly believed that whistling on a boat will stir up stormy weather, particularly strong winds. This could cause dangerous weather and water conditions, prompting fishermen to end their outing before disaster really strikes.
This superstition is deeply rooted in maritime history. Different versions of this superstition have been passed down generations of sailors. No matter how the original story goes, anglers can agree on one thing - DON'T WHISTLE ON A BOAT!
The First Cast Curse
Considered a symbol of respect for Mother Nature, it's recommended to throw back your first catch of the day to set positive tone for the rest of your fishing outing.
This superstition originated from the idea that gods or spirits controlled the waters. So, by making this offering to the fishing gods, you're guaranteeing a successful fishing experience. Talk about reel way to hook on some good karma!
Bananas on Board
There's a reason we saved this one for last! Perhaps the most popular superstition is the idea that having a banana on the boat is bad luck. The lore behind the bad-luck banana isn't attributed to just one story, though.
During the colonial times, bananas stored in ancient cargo ships would often attract vermin and other critters, which in turn, would infest common areas on the ship. Not to mention the fact that the fruit would spoil quickly, emitting a foul-smelling ethylene gas that would permeate throughout the boat. Who knew something that tasted so good could have such bad vibes?
Additionally, when anglers wouldn't reel in lots of fish, it was often thought that banana oil was the culprit. And when ships capsized, it was reported that the only objects still floating were banana peels. Spooky.
So before you head out on your next fishing adventure, consider tossing your Chiquita in the trash!
Fishing superstitions - whether you embrace or reject them - highlight the rich culture and community of angling. It goes to show how fishing is much more than just sport or a recreational activity.
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