5 Most Awesome and Unpopular Fishing Facts

Humans have been fishing for thousands of years. We've made massive leaps in the activity, from simple trout fishing or ice fishing for crappie or walleye for sustenance to competitive sport fishing for the biggest fish in the Gulf Coast and beyond. And yet, even with all the modern advancements and discoveries we’ve made, there’s still so much we don’t know about the activity itself, the fish species in various parts of the world, and the great lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans they call home. Even scientists have only fully explored a single percent of the world’s oceans, so you can imagine the mysteries we’ve yet to uncover. To date, humans know and have recorded the existence of over 20,000 fish species — but who knows how many more are lurking in the deep, along with the underwater flora we’ve yet to uncover?

If you’re an angler or someone eager to dip your feet into this fascinating hobby or sport, read further for some of the most awesome facts about fish and fishing that you may not know about. The next time you’re out on your favorite scenic river waiting for largemouth bass, northern pike, or channel catfish to take your bait, swap stories or trivia with your fellow anglers! You’ll be surprised how many more interesting factoids surround this traditional sport.

1. Sailfish are the Fastest Game Fish Species in the World

While there may be fast fish species in 99% of the world’s oceans that experts have yet to discover, for now, scientists agree that the sailfish is the fastest we’ve seen. It can go from 0 to 60mph within less than 3 seconds and can cover up to 70 miles per hour. That’s why they’re so hard to catch. They’re usually faster than many yachts and the typical fishing boat. Black marlin and swordfish are among the quickest game fish, giving you the fight of your life should you hook one deep in the Gulf Coast.

2. Stonefish and Pufferfish are the Deadliest

Out of the fish species we know, stonefish release a fatal poison with their spines. They often remain hidden in the coastal Indian and Pacific Ocean waters, so humans often don’t see them until it’s too late and they’ve already been stung. The poison they release can cause swelling, pain, necrosis, and sometimes even death.

However, even though they release poison, their flesh is still safe to eat because their poison can break down in the heat. They’re often served ginger in soup in countries such as Japan and China.

Compared to stonefish, pufferfish are dangerous to eat because their poison does not break down in the heat. It takes certain training to prepare them safely for table fare. Chefs in Japan are required to have a license to prepare the fish. However, the poison is not entirely removed when they’re ready for eating — the chef takes out most of it because the poison lends the flesh its unique taste.

3. Anglers Spend Millions of Dollars on Ice

Who could’ve guessed that anglers are some of the world’s biggest spenders when it comes to ice? Every year, over 300 million dollars are spent on ice used to preserve fish. If you’ve ever fished crappie, white bass, yellow perch, or any fish species for table fare, you know how crucial it is to have ice on hand to keep your catch fresh and safe to eat.

Anglers are among the world's biggest spenders, spending millions of dollars on gear, fishing licenses, bait, and other items or fees in keeping with a particular area's fishing regulations.

4. Bananas are an Angler’s Enemy

If you’ve ever been on a fishing charter to head to a fishing spot like Gulf Coast or Lake Erie, your captain may have told you a few things before your trip: bring only your state fishing license. No need to worry about getting bait or fly fishing gear. Do worry, though, about accidentally bringing bananas on board. And not just bananas but anything banana-related or banana-flavored. It’s a centuries-old superstition among boat anglers who believe bananas are bad luck on a boat. Many believe that having them on board can result in a bad fishing day and even danger. Several cases of capsized boats back in the old days were known to have these unsuspecting fruit on deck. Some also blamed bananas for causing the spread of disease among sailors. 

Want more funny fishing superstitions? Aside from bananas, here are two more things that are not allowed on any fishing boat: whistling and redheads. Sport fishing on a boat without a name? Think again. Many sailors of yore believed that sailing or fishing on a nameless boat attracts trouble. So if you’re planning on getting your own boat, think of a name before heading out to get your fill of striped bass, rainbow trout, and the like.

5. Fish Can Sense You Even When They Can’t See You

Wonder what makes your favorite target salmon, brown trout, or channel catfish sensitive to any movement, including yours? Saltwater and freshwater fish can easily feel movement underwater, whether in shallow water or the deep of a river, lake, or sea, all because of their lateral line. The lateral line is an organ that consists of a series of sensory cells. They’re typically found along the side of a fish’s body. The cells allow them to detect water vibrations, turning them into impulses. This will enable them to differentiate between the different movements of their prey, predator, and mate even from far away. One theory why fish like to swim in schools is they’re trying to confuse their predator’s lateral line sensing by creating confusing vibrations in groups.