monkeyfishing n. catching fish by first charging water with an electric current, then netting the stunned or panicked fish. Editorial Note: It is possible this term is specific to Florida. This term is apparently unrelated to monkeyfishing described in a hoax perpetrated on the online magazine Slate. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Bookshop|Amazon) had an earlier title: A Week with Willie the Worm. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Title” Here’s another book title that...
Julie in Fort Pierce, Florida, recalls that on sweltering days her mother would declare the weather was hotter than Billy Blue Blazes! The word blazes is a euphemism for “hell,” as in hot as blazes. The blue in blue blazes has long been used as an...
Having spent many many nights “Monkey” fishing back in the 50s and 60s, I feel qualified to comment on the subject.
Monkey fishing only effects Catfish and does no apparent harm to them. Different species of Catfish respond in different ways to the electrical current. Some come to the surface and turn around in circles slowly. Others come to the surface and swim rapidly away in a straight line. If the current is too strong (turning the Monkey too fast) the fish will be driven away and you won’t catch any.
The term “Monkey Fishing” comes from the fact that early monkeys were hand cranked like the organ grinder and his Monkey. Later versions were turned by an electric motor thru a rheostat connected to a battery.
I have been writing down some of my experiences during this time of my life. If anyone is interested in reading or sharing such stories, or asking questions,please e-mail me.
danr@pvns.net