[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you have been invited to go fishing on a friend’s boat, here are some helpful hints to make sure you get invited back.
Superstition
Bananas are a big no-no on a fishing trip. Fishermen are among the most superstitious people in the world and bananas are considered very bad luck. There are many versions and theories as to the origins of the bad rap bananas have earned. The one I grew up with was based on the fact that long ago, the sailing ships that carried bananas would have an unusually high number of crew fatalities. As the stories go, the bananas were actually harboring venomous spiders. So it wasn’t the bananas killing people, it was the spiders. Bottom line, just error on the side of caution and avoid anything banana the day of your fishing trip.
Dress for success
First and foremost is proper footwear. Make sure the shoes you wear for the day are non-marking. Some shoes will leave marks on the deck that are nearly impossible to remove. You should also wear a hat and sunglasses.
Equipment
Never hook a hook on the eye of a guide on a fishing rod. These eyes are usually made of porcelain. Placing the hook in an eye does serve to secure the hook from swinging around, however, the hook can chip the porcelain and a sharp surface against braided line will not land you any fish. Also don’t leave a hook swinging around or laying on the deck. If you hook yourself or your captain, your day has just taken a turn for the worse. If in doubt, ask the captain how you should stow the hook.
Storage
If you want to bring snacks, lunch, drinks; the captain will probably love you for it. You should find out if there is already a cooler on the boat and if it will have room in it. Storage space on boats is scarce, there is no sense having two coolers. On that note, if you need a rolling cart to get your stuff to the boat, you have brought way too much!
My own personal pet peeve
Don’t bring a ladyfish on the boat, unless you are fishing with kids. Ladyfish are slimy and get so freaked out they poop when brought onboard. Not only is it a very smelly situation, it becomes dangerously slippery.
Hopefully these tidbits of information will help you and your hosts have the best day possible enjoying our local waterways and maybe save you from being thrown overboard with your banana smoothie!