I also had read about the fresh fish not being common on ships thing though, and I'm still totally puzzled by it. Apparently most ships didn't even carry fishing equipment back then? Like, why not? Come on guys it's literally the first thing you'd think about if you're at sea and are going to need food, were you afraid about poisonous fish or something
(Also, why "us"? Is he referring to himself and the knife?)
Yep, Mel nailed it that's exactly it. But I will accept this amusing head canon!
I'm only speculating as I don't know for sure, but I imagine it'd be pretty difficult to fish from a boat of this size, it's kind of a long way down. Research just told me that fishing and turtle catching did sometimes happen, though. I would guess it would be useful to have the equipment for an emergency...
I've read that when stuff got really bad, some people would have to turn to the rats below deck and like... Ick, That could probably be avoided somehow.
Right, maybe even if it was difficult or it didn't make sense to fish regularly, in an emergency it would definitely be practical? I mean, if the choice is between rats and fishing... I just don't get it.
(My new headcanon still goes on, now in it the knife is called Hamlet xD)
Okay, I'm extremely puzzled by the lack of fresh fish thing, too. What DID they eat? Bread? I'd have thought at least a net would be a sensible idea for easy food!
As far as I know they ate mostly biscuits and LOTS of salted meat, and some other stuff that didn't spoil easily and they could carry around. I have no idea why they didn't try to fish, though. Maybe it just wasn't practical?
Ahh, so that's what hardtack is! Still, I'm surprised that this was preferable! Maybe it just wasn't practical to STOP, take out all the gear, and THEN fish out on the ocean?
Yeah, most of the food they had was either preserved, or was stuff like peas that don't rot quickly. There was often salted fish on board and stuff like that, but fresh would go bad suuuuper quickly. The nicer food would tend to be eaten soon into the journey.
The logic that I'm using in my head right now for why this fish is here is that Seb's dad bought it to help Annie financially without her realising.
Sauerkraut, excellent against scurvy when all the fresh stuff is gone. and it tastes horrible, or weird at least, so it will last for a good while too :P
There... is actually tons of info everywhere here. Wow :O
If I were on a boat, food would not go inside but mostly outside, lmao.
I suppose I will add that I have read before that barrels of apples or apples in general were also a good choice. Very nutritious and a pretty decent quick fix when you require something fresh.
I guess it also depends on who we are talking about? Pirates had so much chance to get supplies in the first place and desperation could force them to just dock the ship and raid a town.
Explorers or traders probably had as much food as they needed on the voyage.
I also had read about the fresh fish not being common on ships thing though, and I'm still totally puzzled by it. Apparently most ships didn't even carry fishing equipment back then? Like, why not? Come on guys it's literally the first thing you'd think about if you're at sea and are going to need food, were you afraid about poisonous fish or something
(Also, why "us"? Is he referring to himself and the knife?)
I love the idea of him talking about him and his knife though, that's wonderful.
Hahaha, imagine the knife even has a name and everything, they've been faithful companions for a decade and faced lots of dangers together... ;D
I'm only speculating as I don't know for sure, but I imagine it'd be pretty difficult to fish from a boat of this size, it's kind of a long way down. Research just told me that fishing and turtle catching did sometimes happen, though. I would guess it would be useful to have the equipment for an emergency...
I've read that when stuff got really bad, some people would have to turn to the rats below deck and like... Ick, That could probably be avoided somehow.
(My new headcanon still goes on, now in it the knife is called Hamlet xD)
The logic that I'm using in my head right now for why this fish is here is that Seb's dad bought it to help Annie financially without her realising.
If I were on a boat, food would not go inside but mostly outside, lmao.
I suppose I will add that I have read before that barrels of apples or apples in general were also a good choice. Very nutritious and a pretty decent quick fix when you require something fresh.
I guess it also depends on who we are talking about? Pirates had so much chance to get supplies in the first place and desperation could force them to just dock the ship and raid a town.
Explorers or traders probably had as much food as they needed on the voyage.
Yeah, this has been really great, I've really enjoyed all the discussion on this page!