Dictionary definition of “monkeyfishing”

monkeyfishing

n. catching fish by first charging water with an electric current, then netting the stunned or panicked fish. Subjects: English, United States, Florida, Sports & Recreation

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.

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Citations: 1995 Jovida Fletcher Orlando Sentinel (Florida) (Mar. 19) “Resident Recalls Times Of Drunken Hogs, Monkey-Fishing” p. 3: In those days, he said, before it was outlawed, fishermen “monkey-fished” area lakes, meaning they would shock the fish and collect them as they floated to the top. 2004 The Ledger (Lakeland, Florida) (May 29) “Anglers Charged With a Shocking Crime” (in Ocala, Fla.): Once highly popular, a monkeyfishing angler uses a homemade device to send an electrical charge into the water. To escape the shocks, the fish swim to the surface where fishermen scoop the stunned fish out of the water with a long-handled dip net. 2004 J.R. Absher Sportman’s Guide (June 2) “The Outdoor News Hound—Shock And Awe Fishing”: The act of taking game fish through the use of an electro-shocking device is known in some regions as “telephoning,” and in others as “monkey-fishing.”

Posted 15 Jun 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

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

by Dan Hiscock 09 Dec 06, 0235 GMT