Fishing and Fishermen

by Yusuf Achmad

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The lives of fishermen are diverse and colorful. One story that reflects this is in the animated film titled The Fisherman and His Wife. This film reminds me of several other stories about fishermen, all of which offer unique perspectives on life at sea. There are three stories I have read and heard that can be compared and contrasted with the film.

The first story is about a fisherman who always goes fishing but never returns with fish in his hands. Instead of catching fish, he often catches old shoes and trash. Does this make him sad? Not at all. He never gives up fishing and says, “I am interested in sitting in the boat and doing nothing at all.” For him, fishing is more than just the catch; it is the process and tranquility obtained from sitting in the boat in the middle of the water.

The second story is about an old fisherman named Santiago, from Cuba, who is often underestimated by other fishermen in his village. He has a loyal friend named Manolin, a boy who always helps him prepare food and bait. They talk about baseball, like a grandfather and his grandson. On the forty-fifth day, Santiago is still unlucky, returning empty-handed. However, Manolin remains loyal in helping Santiago, even though his parents force him to assist other fishermen.

On the eighty-fourth day, Santiago goes fishing further and finally catches a big fish, a Marlin. However, his struggle does not end there as he has to fight off several sharks attracted by the Marlin’s blood. With his last effort, he manages to bring home the skeleton of the Marlin, which had been eaten by the sharks. Despite this, Santiago sleeps soundly after his success, and every fisherman in the village admires the Marlin’s skeleton. Santiago proves that he is a true fisherman, despite growing older and being underestimated by others.

The last story is about a fisherman from Surabaya who loves fishing. He is not a true fisherman, but his knowledge of the sea, rivers, fish, and bait makes him an expert. For him, fishing is a ritual and a calling from God. He feels he must go to the river or sea whenever and wherever, regardless of distance or time. For him, catching and bringing home fish is not a big deal. He uses all his senses to release his longing for God when he is at the fishing spot. For him, fishing is a spiritual experience.

In conclusion, we can see the differences and similarities between these stories. The strong spirit for fishing is the common thread that unites them. Fishing is a part of the soul and life of fishermen. It is not just about catching fish, but also about appreciating the process, showing one’s identity, and even meeting God. Fishing has a profound meaning for each fisherman, and each story brings us closer to understanding that meaning.