Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Fisherman and the Sprat explained
A Fisherman catches a small Sprat, which begs to be released, promising to be of greater use when it grows larger.
What happens
A Fisherman catches a small Sprat, which begs to be released, promising to be of greater use when it grows larger. The Fisherman refuses, preferring to keep what he has rather than risk losing it for an uncertain future gain.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom and Foolishness
The Fisherman's decision reflects practical wisdom in securing a certain gain over an uncertain future promise.
Characters to notice
- The Fisherman
Catches a Sprat and chooses to keep it rather than release it for a potential larger reward.
- The Sprat
Pleads for release, promising future value, but is kept by the Fisherman.
Key passages
“I’m only a little fish now, but I shall grow big one day, and then if you come and catch me again I shall be of some use to you.”
I am small now, but I will become large later, and if you catch me then, I will be valuable to you.
The Sprat tries to negotiate its release by promising future benefit.
“Oh, no, I shall keep you now I’ve got you: if I put you back, should I ever see you again? Not likely!”
No, I will hold onto you now that I have caught you; if I release you, I probably will never see you again.
The Fisherman rejects the Sprat's plea, valuing certainty over potential.