Fishing traditions often mix skill, patience, and superstition. Across cultures, anglers have long believed in rituals that bring good luck or guard against bad fortune on the water. Some practices come from ancient maritime myths, while others are passed down through local folklore. Whether tossing salt, whistling for wind, or avoiding certain words, these fishing customs show how deeply culture and belief intertwine with the simple act of casting a line.
Bananas on Boats Bring Bad Luck
Many fishermen refuse to bring bananas aboard, believing they drive away fish and cause mechanical trouble. The superstition likely began in the 1700s when fast banana ships often arrived with spoiled cargo or lost crews. Today, anglers worldwide still avoid the fruit during trips, claiming catches disappear whenever one sneaks on board.
Whistling Summons Storms
In several maritime cultures, whistling at sea is said to call up the wind and provoke dangerous weather. Sailors once believed it challenged the spirits that control the elements. Even modern anglers in coastal regions often refrain from whistling while fishing, preferring to stay silent rather than risk stirring up trouble from the skies.
Never Rename a Boat
Changing a boat’s name is believed to anger the gods of the sea. Ancient seafarers thought each vessel had a spirit that must be respected. To safely rename a boat, rituals involving champagne and prayer were used to erase the old name from the sea’s records. Many fishermen still honor this tradition to avoid bad luck on future voyages.
The First Catch Should Be Released
In some fishing circles, the first catch of the day is released as an offering to ensure more success ahead. This act of gratitude symbolizes respect for the water and its gifts. Many anglers follow this custom worldwide, believing generosity at the start of a trip brings a plentiful harvest later.
Redheads Mean Bad Fishing Luck
In parts of Europe, encountering a red-haired person before fishing was once considered unlucky. Fishermen thought it foretold an empty net or stormy weather. Some would even turn their boats around if they met a redhead on the way to sea. Today, the superstition survives mostly as a humorous nod to old coastal beliefs.
Cats Bring Good Fortune
Unlike other animals, cats are seen as symbols of luck in fishing culture. Sailors kept them on ships to control pests and believed they protected the vessel from harm. In Japan, fishermen revered cats as bringers of calm seas and safe journeys. Even now, statues of beckoning cats often appear in coastal communities for good fortune.
Friday Is an Unlucky Day to Sail
Sailing or fishing on a Friday has long been avoided in seafaring tradition. The superstition may stem from religious associations with Good Friday or ancient Norse myths. Many fishermen preferred to depart earlier in the week to ensure success. Although modern schedules are less flexible, some still hesitate to plan trips that start on Fridays.
Knots Symbolize Success
Tying knots before a fishing trip once served as a ritual for good fortune. Sailors believed the number and style of knots could influence the day’s catch or control the wind. In Scandinavia, “wind knots” were even sold by women who claimed they could release breezes by untying them. The practice blended skill, faith, and tradition.
Never Count Fish Before Landing
Counting fish before pulling them aboard is thought to tempt fate. Fishermen believe it signals overconfidence and can cause the rest of the catch to vanish. The saying “Don’t count your fish before they’re caught” remains popular, reminding anglers to stay humble and patient until the day’s work is truly done.
Women on the Board Bring Bad Luck
An old superstition held that women aboard ships distracted sailors and angered the sea. Some cultures blamed female passengers for rough weather or poor fishing. Thankfully, modern fishing has left this belief behind, though the myth still appears in old tales and sea songs as part of maritime history.
Coins Under Masts Ensure Safety
Sailors once placed coins under a ship’s mast during construction to bring good luck and safe passage. This ritual symbolized a financial offering to the gods of the sea. Some modern boat owners still embed coins or small tokens during repairs or renovations, keeping the spirit of the old superstition alive.
Avoid Saying “Pig” at Sea
Certain words are banned aboard fishing boats, with “pig” being one of the most avoided. The superstition originated in England, where pigs were linked to misfortune and disaster. Instead, sailors used nicknames like “curly tails” when necessary. Even now, some older captains still shun the word entirely while on the water.
Albatrosses Are Sacred
The albatross has long been regarded as a symbol of good luck for sailors and fishermen. Killing one was said to bring storms and tragedy, a belief made famous by literature and lore. Spotting the bird during a trip was seen as a blessing, offering protection and smooth sailing through dangerous seas.
The Lucky Hat Tradition
Many anglers believe their favorite hat carries the power to bring in a good catch. Over time, it becomes a personal talisman worn for every trip, regardless of wear and tear. While it may not truly influence success, the ritual adds comfort and confidence, reminding fishermen that luck often starts with belief.
Salt Scattered for Safety
Throwing a pinch of salt into the sea before departure is a common tradition meant to protect against misfortune. The ritual represents paying respect to the ocean’s spirits. From Greece to the Caribbean, fishermen continue this simple act, hoping to keep both themselves and their catch safe during long days on the water.
