Don't put your mouth on it!

Pilar · 11-19-2001, 01:33 PM

Winter has me wishing for warmer climes and so I fell in to my library head first this weekend.

'Islands in the Stream' by Ernest Hemingway has one of the most compelling descriptions of Marlin fishing I have ever read. During the 6 hour fight with a thousand lb Marlin one of the sons is admonished for 'Putting his mouth' on the fish. In other words he is talking as if the fish is already in the boat. Ultimately the monster fish is lost and all hands on the boat, at least to themselves, blame it on the young lads premature talking about the fish.

Being somewhat superstitious, I intuitively understand how this could be unlucky. How do you folks feel about that? At what point do you cry out "Fish on, get the net"? Or like me do you study the curve of your rod, the bend, and watch the headshake. Only after several strong runs do you begin to believe that this one is coming to the boat or the bank.

Pete · 11-19-2001, 01:48 PM

Here's another book for you to find: Zane Grey's non-fiction book, Angler's Eldorado. It details fishing in New Zealand and Tahiti. In New Zealand he caught hundreds of 20 # "rainbow trout" and sea run trout that were seeded with American River steelhead. He also fished off shore for a variety of bill fish and I think I recall his landing a 1600 black marlin. It's a well written fishing adventure ... enough to make you pack your bags for the southern hemisphere.

NAUTI-NOTIONS · 11-19-2001, 01:51 PM

I sometimes feel taking a large cooler is putting the cart in front of the horse. being prepared could become a curse if you look at it that way. one thing I do know for sure and that is if you want to catch a big fish, its easy, just tie a bad knot.
sam

Spot · 11-19-2001, 03:25 PM

Wow! Litterary discussion on Ifish. Bravo Pilar! Next thing you know you'll be listening to opera on your boat.

I was just mulling the cooler jinx this weekend and I've come up with the opposite conclusion. Every time I remember it I've got something to put in it. Every time I forget (the last two times now) I'm skunked. I was thinking about superglueing it into my car for insurance.

Jim · 11-19-2001, 03:30 PM

Only superstition that I have is that the net handle does not stay extended until the first fish is in the boat.

I've learned not to "put my mouth" on any fish and my fish box is in the floor of my boat so I don't have a cooler.

Jim

Snagly · 11-19-2001, 03:41 PM

I am not a superstitious fisherman. You can have bananas on my boat, no problem. You can ask for the net (or Bogagrips) right after you hook up, no problem. But IF you say "Get out the CAMERA" or "I want a picture" then you will never, ever land that fish. The C-word and P-word are NOT to be uttered before the fish is within netting or leadering distance, and then only with respect and qualification, e.g. "IF we land this [world record] toadfish, I would like a picture."

Then the Fish Gods will smile and you will land the fish. If you vary from this ritual, you will come home with 36 unexposed frames on your camera. Scout's honor.

RKB · 11-19-2001, 03:52 PM

Spot
To late the PILAR is one boat that you can and will hear the fat lady sing. :grin: :grin:

PS. This brings total terror to the fish but its usally to late for them because its fish box time for them.

Beer Waggin · 11-19-2001, 04:12 PM

Here's my theory.
No camera's, no banana's, that net handle is extended right after my line hits the water and stays extended, if your fishing with my gear, I tie your knots. As far as talking smack before that fish is in the cooler, you can do it all you want, but I never will. Ever talk about the prettiest girl you've ever seen that asked for your number at the bar the other night. Ya, you know the one, the one that never called.
:whazzup:
Ya, you get the picture.
What do you mean that's never happened to you? :grin:
Bad omen.

happybrew · 11-19-2001, 09:10 PM

Never tell your friends about how many fish you are going to come home with. That is sure to bring the skunk on!

happybrew

11-19-2001, 10:38 PM

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Jim:
Only superstition that I have is that the net handle does not stay extended until the first fish is in the boat.

I've learned not to "put my mouth" on any fish and my fish box is in the floor of my boat so I don't have a cooler.

Jim<hr></blockquote>

Me too. Handle also down, until fish on. Plenty of time to extend it. My buddy is opposite. Always extended. And you guys gave me grief for bananaless. :grin:

FishinMission · 11-20-2001, 01:58 PM

Confuscious say..."He who holler "FISH ON" has fish off. :grin: