Why is "Fish" called "Fish"?

[jp22102000]

Out of curiosity, how did this deck get the name "Fish"?  It doesn't seem to make any sense to me.  I can understand why Merfolk in Leagacy are called Fish but I don't see the comparison between the two decks.

[serracollector]

Originally it was because of Merfolk diruption decks.

But then those decks over the years started including other colors and creatures, but the concept remained the same

Small "hate bears" with some disruptive ability(s) and some small counterspells/utility to control the board and disrupt the opponents key spells until the "hate bears" can bring the 20 to 0.

Some fish decks still include many merfolk also, with everything from new ones (selkie and thadala) to old school sea singer, theif, and waterfront bouncer.  Heck merfolk assasin could even be sideboard tech against things such as selkie and thadala in the mirror match, but thats another discussion.

Anyways I hope this enlightens you, and helps answer your question.

[Phele]

I would add, that Fish always played some sort of mana denial, especially strip effects and NULL ROD.

[Webster]

Out of curiosity, how did this deck get the name "Fish"?  It doesn't seem to make any sense to me.  I can understand why Merfolk in Leagacy are called Fish but I don't see the comparison between the two decks.

Fish originated from Pro Tour Rome in 1998 where Merfolk took second place. The name 'Fish' was slang for Merfolk and has evolved to describe Blue-Based aggro control decks.

Merfolk:
Nicholas Labarre, 2nd Place, Pro Tour - Rome

Main Deck:
18 Island
4 Wasteland

4 Lord of Atlantis
4 Merfolk Raiders
4 Manta Riders
4 Suq'Ata Firewalker
4 Man-o'-War
3 Waterspout Djinn

4 Force of Will
4 Counterspell
2 Force Spike
3 Nevinyrral's Disk
2 Curiosity   
               
Sideboard:         
2 Phyrexian Furnace
2 Bottle Gnomes
2 Force Spike
2 Disrupt
4 Hydroblast
2 Serrated Arrows
1 Nevinyrral's Disk