@article {1535, title = {{\textquotedblleft}To be lucky and to catch a lot of fish{\textquotedblright}: masagal in Batanes}, journal = {National Museum Journal of Cultural Heritage}, year = {Submitted}, abstract = {{\textquotedblleft}Tener suerte y coger mucho pescado: masagal{\textquotedblright}. Diccionario Espa{\~n}ol-Ibatan [por varios PP. Dominicos missioneros de las islas Batanes] (1914, p.395) Ivatans would readily translate the word sagal as {\textquotedblleft}suerte{\textquotedblright} (Spanish for {\textquoteleft}luck{\textquoteright}) but also add that it is specifically in relation to catching fish, so a {\textquotedblleft}masagal{\textquotedblright} person is {\textquoteleft}someone who catches a lot of fish{\textquoteright}. This essay{\textquoteright}s aim is to explore experiences, discourse, and practices linked to the notion of sagal, especially as shared among those using traditional hook and line fishing methods. Sagal is a cultural notion informed by specific experiences of direct engagement with the sea around Batanes. The personal {\textquoteleft}ability to catch fish{\textquoteright}{\textemdash}or having {\textquoteleft}luckiness in fishing{\textquoteright}{\textemdash}contained in the notion is not primarily about skill, experience, or technique but rather thought of as a quality of being that is innate to certain people.}, author = {Maria F. Mangahas} }