For centuries, there have been many superstitions in the Maritime Industry. The reporter researched from where these superstitions came from and was even puzzled by a few of them, says an article published on TC Palm.
The Disappearance of Stuart Bee
No doubt everyone has heard or seen this week’s story about Stuart Bee. He is the man who left Port Canaveral aboard his boat the afternoon of Nov. 27, 2020, and was reported missing at sea the next day. The U.S. Coast Guard began a wide-reaching grid search and notified mariners to be on the lookout for signs of Bee and his vessel.
This “lost at sea” story has a happy ending. Bee was spotted clinging to the pulpit of his boat by the crew of a passing freighter on Nov. 29, and fished Bee out of the clutches of the Atlantic Ocean.
As of Dec. 2, his niece, Leisa Bee of Stuart, reported she had returned to Florida with her uncle via car, was relieved he was found and expressed her gratitude to his rescuers.
Common superstitions
For centuries, bananas have been considered bad luck aboard boats. The reporter researched where the superstition came from, puzzled by how there could be a connection between one particular fruit and poor fishing?
The reporter knows many professional captains who don’t give it much credence. However, when the fishing is slow or other bad luck events are occurring, actually many check the contents of a customer’s lunch box.
Below are several well-known and some not-so-well-known superstitions when it comes to fishing and boating.
Description
It first became a belief when ships at sea found bunches of bananas floating in the currents. It was considered a sign of a ship’s sinking. Another possible beginning sprouted from bunches of bananas often having spiders and other insects living in them, and who wants to be stuck on a ship with spiders?
Polynesian and Pacific island cultures believed carrying bananas between islands was a way to transport plant diseases that could jeopardize all their crops and fruit trees. In the Caribbean, Florida Straits and Gulf Stream, banana boats were used as target practice for German U-boats awaiting military ships during World War II. Several banana freighters are sunk off the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
How commonly practiced
Believed universally, except by those who reject superstitions.
Counter
Check coolers and lunch boxes of guests before they board the boat. If a banana is found while already at sea, toss the bananas or the guest, or both, over the side.
Red sky at morning, sailors take warning
Description: When the sky is very cloudy at sunrise, but not at the horizon, the sun will reflect on the underside of the clouds, making the sky appear red in color. It can mean a storm will build or come later in the day.
How commonly practiced: Universal, and still widely accepted.
Counter: When a boater arrives at the inlet or pass and sees red skies, even if it is calm water, turn around and go back to bed.
Description
Some anglers will bring food for lunch and snacks. One angler used to always bring along a jumbo shrimp cocktail and toss a few over the side on the run out to the fishing grounds. The reporter has seen chicken wings and rum poured over the side too. He also knowns anglers, including himself, who will take a shot of Fireball, Jaegermeister or pour vodka into a V8 on the way to fishing.
How commonly practiced
Fairly common, still practiced, often also by tournament anglers.
Counter
The reporter is not sure why this should be countered. Whether it helps or not, tradition is not to be disregarded .
Left foot
Description
Many mariners have a superstition about boarding a boat with the left foot first. Bad luck will occur on the voyage.
How commonly practiced
Still commonly practiced, the way baseball pitchers refuse to step on a foul line.
Counter: Right foot first.
“Tight lines”
Description
The way performers are told to “break a leg,” anglers will wish each other good luck by wishing them “tight lines,” meaning they’ll be connected to fish often. However, many anglers, especially tournament anglers, believe it’s the kiss of death.
How commonly practiced
Still believed.
Counter
Wait until the end of the day and tell them “pretty work” to congratulate them.
Treasure Coast superstitions
Southwest wind
Description
Many sailfish charter boat captains and tournament anglers have always believed the southwest wind kills the sailfish bite. As a cold front approaches from the north, the wind will swing to come out of the southwest a day or half-day before it arrives. Once the cold front arrives, the fishing can be very good.
How commonly practiced
Still accepted, especially by sailfish skippers.
Counter
On Dec. 9, 1997, it proved to be wrong when 37 boats competing in the first day of the 46th annual Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament caught and released 382 sailfish in one day on a light southwest wind.
Easy bait
Description
Some anglers believe if they catch live bait too easily when they head offshore, the fishing day is going to be slow.
How commonly practiced
Many believe it.
Counter: Buy bait at one of the live bait sellers in the Manatee Pocket, which also saves time.
Raccoon-ed
Description
Never leave food aboard one’s boat if it is parked or docked near a place where raccoons live. Sure, they’re cute with their little masks and finger-like paws. But they will find the food no matter where it is hidden on your boat and they will leave behind a complete mess, which is not something an angler wants to find before launching for the day. If this happens, fishing will also be miserable.
How commonly practiced
Many who have experienced it, believe it to be true.
Counter
Remove all food from a boat before storing it.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: TC Palm
