Note 72 — PREFACE. (continued 6)

Various “don’ts” in connection with fishing:

Don’t say “E hele ana wau i ka laiwaia;” (I am going fishing). Say instead, “E hele ana wau i ka nahelehele;” (I am going to the woods). The fish have ears and they hear; and when you say you are going fishing they hear and run away, so that you would come back empty handed.

Don’t hold your hands behind your back. To do so is an indication of weariness and fish, being very considerate, do not care to burden you further, so they keep out of your reach.

Don’t carry on a conversation on the way to, or on the fishing grounds; fish would hear and would disappear.

Don’t walk on the beach immediately abreast of where the net is intended to be cast. The noise of your feet on the pebbles or sand warns the fish off.

Don’t ask idle questions of canoe-men getting ready to go out fishing. They consider it an omen of bad luck.

Don’t indulge in dirty language or in smutty tales before going fishing. Even the fish are averse to dirt.

Don’t walk on a net when it is spread out; don’t step over a net when it is bundled. Take time to walk around it. It is the house for the fish when it is cast in the sea, and the fish prefer it clean.

Don’t “aia” the fish (“there it is”), when you see it entering the net; fish are timid and do not care to be noticed; and when you do, they turn right around and rush out again.

Don’t go fishing if your mouth is wrong (i.e., if you have made a vow which you have not fulfilled); you will only cause weariness to your companions, for you will all come back empty-handed. Fish abhor a gasbag and keep away from him. ↑