Fishing Folklore: Superstitions, Omens, and Luck

Cats and Fishing Superstitions

When the boat’s leaving the dock, if a cat begins to purr, fishermen are pleased: It’s said that cats love fish and can smell them from afar. 

Similarly, when a cat tries to ankle-polish a grizzled fisherman who is seaward-bound, his haul will be bountiful. 

A black cat on the deck of a ship of its own free will is considered good luck. However, many commercial fishermen claim that a cat carries a gale in its tail or can excite a storm by licking its coat the wrong way. 

Superstitious fishermen refer to small ripples on the surface of the ocean as “cat’s paws,” while a great disturbance of the water is called “cat’s skin.” 

Bird Omens and Bad Luck at Sea

Birds are not necessarily a fisherman’s friend. Dreaded is a crow flying across the bow.  

Dockside Superstitions Before a Voyage

Many skippers are superstitious about setting out. Leaving the dock on a Friday can mean bad luck. 

And a ship that is watched until it is out of sight may bear the worst kind of luck: It may never be seen again.

Lucky and Unlucky Objects on Fishing Boats

Never board a fishing vessel with a suitcase or wearing gray gloves: All hands may be lost. 

However, if possible, drop a cake of ice overboard when preparing for a trip: It means good luck and a big catch. Another item to toss overboard is a penny: It will bring the wind.

Fishing Rituals, Chants, and Sayings

If at all possible, avoid letting a boat captain spit in the water ahead of him. He will drive away the fish. But spit into the mouth of your first catch, and you’ll greatly increase the day’s haul. 

When baiting a hook, you can double down on your luck by reciting this ditty while doing it:

Fish, fish, fish, come bite 
my hook;
You’ll be the captain and 
I’ll be the cook.

When you do catch and cook your “captain,” do not consume it from tail to head: That’s unlucky on land or sea. 

Whether believed or simply enjoyed, fishing superstitions remain a colorful part of angling tradition—proof that luck, lore, and storytelling are as much a part of fishing as the catch itself.

Heard any more fishing folklore, sayings, or quotes? Add them to the list below!

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