Fishing is not just a hobby; it’s a part of history, spanning different myths and superstitions that were cast through years around the world. From the bananas aboard being a bad omen to the mermaid’s punishment, these tales are no less diverse than the waters holding them. In this article, we will present the most interesting myths about fishing from around the world.
Bananas on Board: A Slippery Slope to Bad Luck?
It is truly one of the oldest superstitions among fishermen – even from the days of rapid sea trade. They believe that bananas aboard a ship get in the way of a successful catch. In the olden days, the ships were delivered with such a speed and desire to stay in time that the sailors simply had no reason to catch fish at their stops, and the grab was accompanied by abundant production of bananas, guaranteeing an empty cargo section. While this belief is a strong one, bananas do not influence the fate meal… supposedly.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm, But Does the Early Fisherman Catch the Fish?
No, it’s not a typo. As a matter of fact, the belief that there is a certain time of day and where fish bite best is also quite frequent among anglers. Just like with bananas, fish are not sure bound to bite only during dawn and dusk. As a rule, they are indeed more active during these times, but it is not a hard and fast rule – some species tend to be active later at night, for instance, while the success of the catch depends on so many things: the species, the weather, the water temperature…
Silence is Golden, or is it?
…but is it applicable to fish? The myth that loud sounds scare the fish away can be put to rest – in fact, it has been busted time and time again. Fish and people perceive the world quite differently – they “hear” vibrations through their lateral line rather than with the help of ears. As such, they do not hear normal conversations or the typical hum on a boat, and they do not sense people walking about.
A Colorful Debate: Can Fish See Color?
One of the biggest myths about fishing is that the voracious aquatic predators are colorblind. The truth is that many fish species have good color vision, which they use to spot prey and for mating rituals. Thus, although the clarity and depth of the water may limit the effectiveness of some lures, color is important when it comes to fishing.
The One That Got Away: Fact or Fisherman’s Tale?
Another fishing-related myth is that each fisherman has a story about the big fish that slipped the hook, usually because of its size and strength. In reality, however, the reason behind the poor fishing experience is inadequate equipment and bait and shoddy technique . tail; Mermaids and Their Vengeance:
Mermaids and Their Vengeance:
Mermaids are said to be so beautiful and majestic that fishermen often try to capture or hunt them. However, these mythical figures have proven to be vengeful, cursing men who harm them to have a lifetime of misfortune and come back with empty nets .
The Giant Squid: From Deep-Sea Monster to Exaggerated Legend
Even the most skeptical people who have a mostly negative of sailors’ superstitions would probably freak out. Since sailors have been spreading rumors about these ten-legged freaks who are big enough to put ships on the ocean floor. Although the Giant Squid is a mysterious, scary, invisible character from Jules Verne’s 20,000 leagues under the sea , there is a long distance between setters and squids.
conclusion
All in all, fishing myths and superstitions are a colorful patch in history. They remind people of their kinship with nature and ability to wonder at what lies ahead. The next time you go fishing, remember all the stories behind it and perhaps make up some of your own.
