More Than a Name: The Meaning Behind 'Black Fish’

The name "Black Fish" holds a depth of meaning that started before our fishing group; it stems from a powerful experience I had while watching the documentary of the same name, which explores the lives of orcas in captivity at SeaWorld. You remember it, right? If not, stop reading this and go watch immediately! 10 out of 10; would recommend. As I witnessed the heartbreaking stories of these majestic creatures, I couldn't help but draw parallels to issues far broader than just marine life:

- Captivity and Exploitation: The documentary detailed how orcas were captured, stolen, and transported, often seen merely as assets for breeding, income generation, and entertainment. This practice took me straight to our historical knowledge of the African slave trade (and many other countless slave trades across the world), where human lives were commodified, stripped of their dignity, and exploited for profit.

- Emotional Impact on Capturers: I was unexpectedly moved by the retelling of Tilikum’s theft from the open sea by one of the paid capturers, who expressed profound guilt and shame years later, brought to tears as he recounted his experience of hearing the other orcas' audible grief as they circled the boat helplessly. This serves as a reminder that the impact of our actions transcends time and affects us all—this isn’t merely a Black person's weight to bear; it’s a shared human experience that calls for empathy and understanding. Just as there are descendants of slavery, there are descendants of slave overseers. Dr. Joy DeGruy gives a brilliant explanation in her talk, "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome."

- Physical Trauma: The documentary highlighted Tilikum, the orca whose fin bent over due to confinement. This physical manifestation of trauma resonated with me, particularly as I reflected on the physiological challenges faced by many melanated people living in countries like the UK, where sunlight is scarce and vitamin D deficiency is prevalent. Where has our energy gone come winter? Why does our skin look faded? Why do my muscles and bones hurt?!

- Reconnection with Our Sacred Spaces: A way to heal from these disconnections is to reconnect with our sacred spaces. Nothing can tell you that you are home quite like the earth and sea. We may not be able to return to a gestational state, but we can immerse ourselves in the waters that have shaped our ancestors’ lives and spirits. Have you noticed how your troubles feel lifted when you get to the water?

- Spiritual Significance: A quote from the documentary stood out to me: “First Nations called them black fish, an animal with great spiritual power and not to be meddled with.” How better to encapsulate what I hope for the people within this group— to recognize the strength, dignity, and spiritual connection we share with the ocean and each other?

As we move forward with our fishing group, let this name serve as a reminder of the profound history and spirituality that envelops both the sea and its creatures, and us, the caretakers.

Fishing for beginners - the basics

This is post is about shore fishing (sea fishing) at the beach.

Fishing is a peaceful and rewarding way to connect with nature. If you're new to it, here are a few basic steps to get you started:

1. research

Where: Think about where you want to fish. Are you allowed to fish there? Do you need a license? What are the tides times? What kind of fish do you want to catch, is it sustainable? You tend to use a different set up for different types of fish. Check out YouTube videos to help you learn, that’s how i get lots of my information.

2. Essential Gear:

• Rod and Reel: Start with a simple spinning rod and reel, perfect for beginners.

• Bait: You can use live bait like worms or artificial lures.

• Tackle Box: Includes hooks, bobbers, and line cutters.

• Cooler box: Something to carry fish in and keep them fresh.

• Hook extractor: knife, gloves, towel for hands.

3. Casting Techniques:

Practice casting in an open area to get comfortable with handling the rod and reel.

4. Patience:

Fishing is about patience and observation. Find a quiet spot, cast your line, and wait. It's not always about catching fish but enjoying the process. We love it for mindfulness.

5. safety:

Most important. Checking out the weather conditions and tides times is going to be really useful. Try to go with someone especially if you’re inexperienced. Make sure people know your location and how long you plan to be there. Dress appropriately for the conditions.

This is a very basic list for fishing. We’ll go into greater depth soon with another blog.

If you’re coming to one of our hooks up we’ll provide all the stuff you need.

why black fish is important

Fishing in the UK conjures up a very White, male, older generation persona; it certainly felt inaccessible to me, even though I really wanted to fish. At Black Fish, we are working hard to foster our connection with nature while learning valuable skills like fishing within a safe and nourishing community.

Many of us might feel we have lost touch with the water and the sea. There is a significant fear of water within our community, and a high proportion of non-swimmers (estimated to be approximately 80%) highlights this alarming statistic. There are many reasons for this, but most poignantly, the African slave trade and colonization.

Colonialism meant that many people were displaced from their homes and settled in large, built-up cities, leading to a lack of available nature and the trauma of displacement. As a result, some may also feel a disconnect and a lack of ancestral knowledge being passed down.

Even though I was born here in the UK, I don't feel a strong connection to the land. I have often felt like I don’t belong here, but I’m not sure where I do belong. Part of Black Fish’s mission is to remind myself and others that this is, in fact, our home and our land. We can connect with it, allow our feet to feel the ground we walk on, and slowly (if we want to) grow roots.

“big fish” in Falmouth, Jamaica

I’d passed this fisherman’s spot a few times and mustered the courage to pull over one day. I told them I was writing a book about fishing and would like to essentially learn from them. As any quick-thinking Jamaican would, we agreed on a price (£50), and the deal was set—tomorrow at 5 AM. Damn, so early?!

As the sun began to rise over Falmouth, Jamaica, I found myself waking up early to embark on an adventure I had been eagerly anticipating, only slightly hungover from the night’s Wray and his Nephew’s concoctions.

I manoeuvred my non-agile self onto the wooden boat, and we set off. As we travelled along the Falmouth coastline, skimming across the waters of the Cayman Trench, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over me. The gentle rocking of the waves against the boat was soothing, and with the rhythmic hum of the engine, I started to drift off into the light sleep that had been chasing me. Just as that sleep and I we’re about to rock it out, I heard, “Pull! Pull!” from the captain! Adrenaline surged through me as I grabbed hold of the thick line, joining the other fishermen in a synchronised effort to reel in the catch. The excitement was palpable and sharpened my focus.

As we pulled, I could feel the strength of the fish on the other end; it felt like I was trying to pull in a truck! The line tugged and fought against us. This was not like any beach fishing I had experienced in the UK. Were all Jamaican fish this strong? The captain continued his onslaught of verbal orders, humorous and dark in nature, as only an indigenous language can do.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally brought the fish alongside the boat. As it broke the surface, I was awestruck by its stunning colours—the vibrant greens and blues of the mahi mahi shimmering in the morning light. It was a breathtaking sight, and in that moment, all the early morning fatigue faded away, replaced by a profound sense of accomplishment and connection to the ocean.

This fishing technique, which I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand, has deep historical roots in Jamaica. Fishermen have long utilised this method, involving hand-crafted lures and a pulley system, passed down through generations. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the local fishing community, adapting their practices while respecting the marine life of the Cayman Trench and the surrounding waters.

As we celebrated our catch, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rich history of fishing in this region. The Cayman Trench, known for its deep waters and diverse marine life, is a prime fishing ground that has sustained local communities for centuries. The fishermen’s knowledge of the sea, their techniques, and their commitment to sustainability are vital to preserving this tradition for future generations.

That day, I not only learned about the art of fishing but also experienced the thrill of being part of a community that deeply values its cultural heritage and connection to the ocean. My first fishing trip in Falmouth was more than just a fishing adventure; it was a journey into the heart of Jamaican tradition and a reminder of the beauty and power of nature.

If you’re ever in Falmouth, Jamaica, and want to have your own fishing experience, pull over at the fishermen’s spot and ask for Prince Akeem and Captain, and tell them Speech sent you!

the art of fishing (JAMAICAn style)

In Falmouth, Jamaica, fishermen utilise a traditional technique that involves small motorised wooden boats equipped with a unique pulling system, specifically designed for targeting larger fish. Here’s how it works:

1. Boat Design: The fishing boats are typically wooden and motorised, allowing for easy navigation in coastal waters. They are designed to be stable while accommodating the fishermen and their gear. They can jump in and out of the boat easily by pulling them self into it from the water when spearfishing or collecting traps. This boat will tilt, but doesn’t seem to mind.

2. Pulley System: Instead of using nets, this method employs a system of thick lines attached to large, hand-made lures. The lures are crafted to resemble smaller fish, designed specifically to attract larger predatory fish. 

3. Trawling Technique: As the boat moves through the water, the lines are extended outward like two wooden arms each side of the boat, with the lures trailing at least a few hundred metres behind. The design of the lures gives the illusion of smaller fish following something like a whale, enticing the target species to strike.

4. Hooking Process: When a larger fish grabs the lure, the lines are pulled down quickly due to the weight of the fish. This immediate tension signals the fishermen that a catch has been made.

5. Manual Retrieval: The fishermen then grab the line by hand, using strength and technique to bring in the fish. This hands-on approach emphasises skill and physical strength, as fishermen must carefully manage the tension on the line to prevent the fish from escaping.

black people and water - a little history

The history of black people in the UK is long and complex, and it is closely tied to the history of the British Empire and its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

The presence of black individuals in Britain has been recorded as far back as Roman times, but the population remained relatively small until the 16th century. The advent of the transatlantic slave trade in the late 15th century led to a significant increase in the black population in Britain, although the majority of enslaved Africans were transported to colonies in the Americas.

In the 18th century, London, Bristol, and Liverpool became major slave-trading ports, and the wealth generated from the slave trade contributed significantly to the growth and development of these cities. Many of the grand buildings, docks, and warehouses in these cities were financed by the profits from the slave trade.

The docks in London, Bristol, and Liverpool would have been the site of much activity related to the slave trade. Ships would have been built and fitted out for slave voyages, and goods produced by enslaved people in the colonies, such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, would have been unloaded and sold.

However, it's important to note that the enslaved Africans were generally not brought to Britain to be sold. Slavery was never formally recognized by English law, and in the late 18th century, a series of court cases effectively established that slavery did not exist in England.

The transatlantic slave trade was abolished in 1807, although slavery itself was not abolished in the British colonies until 1833. In the years following the abolition of the slave trade, the black population in Britain became more diverse, with new arrivals from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia.

Despite the dark history of the slave trade, black people in Britain have made significant contributions to British society and culture, and the struggle for racial equality continues to this day. The legacy of the slave trade and the role of cities like London, Bristol, and Liverpool in this trade is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.

The history of Black people fishing in the UK isn't extensively documented or studied. This could be due in part to the fact that fishing has traditionally been seen as a predominantly white activity, and historical records often overlook the experiences and activities of marginalized communities.

However, in the UK, especially in coastal towns and cities, fishing has long been an integral part of life, and it's likely that Black communities would have also participated in fishing activities. In cities like Liverpool and Bristol, which have long-established Black communities due to their maritime histories, fishing could have been a part of life for some, be it for work, for sustenance, or for leisure.

In more recent years, there are growing efforts to diversify the sport of fishing and encourage more participation from Black and other minority ethnic communities. Organisations such as the Black Swimming Association are working to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in all water sports, including fishing.

While it's important to acknowledge the historical lack of diversity in fishing and other outdoor activities, it's also crucial to celebrate and encourage the growing participation of Black people and other minority groups in these activities today. The Black Fish community is making a step in thus direction.