Fishing Q&A

Toss the birds in the water. For fishing boats. What do *the birds* actually do?

In the movie The Perfect Storm. They say toss the birds in the water. What is their purpose?

Public Comments

1. athe birds are eating bait fish small fishes bring in big fishes bait fish run in big schools attracting bigger fish
2. The "birds" refer to the stabilizers -- or "stay-bees" -- which are generally heavy wooden or metal objects attached to strong lines that are further secured to the fishing vessel, which are tossed over the port and starboard sides in foul seas in order to add some stability and balance to the vessel. Generally speaking, Canadians and perhaps (though I am not entirely certain about this) North Atlantic mariners refer to them as "birds," whereas Pacific mariners call them "stabilizers" or "stay-bees." Hope that helps.
3. birds are also fish attractors used when trolling. they are placed ahead of the lure. now you have 2 kinds of birds for different uses
4. give calamity 10 points.spot on!