What is it ? (fishy)

[misterg]

While 'mackerel bashing' from the boat this afternoon, we caught these two fish - the first ~9" long, the second over 12". They look a bit like blennies, but much bigger. Any idea what they are? Would they have been worth eating? (Caught in ~20m of water with feathers).

(blood was from preceeding mackerel) - here's the larger one:

Both swam off very vigorously when returned.

Andy

 

[Johndf1]

I think they are red gurnard, which are good to eat.

 

[VicS]

Both swam off very vigorously when returned.

they are red gurnard, which are good to eat

 

[puddock]

Yep, Gurnurds,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[TQA]

While 'mackerel bashing' from the boat this afternoon, we caught these two fish - the first ~9" long, the second over 12". They look a bit like blennies, but much bigger. Any idea what they are? Would they have been worth eating? (Caught in ~20m of water with feathers).

Red Gurnard and definitely worth eating [even Rick Stein thinks so]

BUT they are a right b****r to clean and filet. Lots of bones and spines to avoid.

I am surprised you got them on mackeral feather as they are supposed to be bottom feeders.

 

[Broombroomput]

Looks like you are off Abersoch?

Lovely eating in a bouillabaisse, but fiddly to fillet. French love them!


Chris

 

[misterg]

Blimey, that was quick!

From the blue border on the fins I presume (having done some googling) that they were tub gurnard?

They were caught off the Great Orme near Llandudno. 1st was a bit small, but 2nd could have been a keeper if I'd known

We were using feathers, but with a hefty weight on the end of the trace.

Thanks all.

Andy

 

[dukes4monny]

Your presumption is correct, they were Tub Gurnard
I think that the Tub Gurnard can be eaten but the Red Gurnard is more popular.
Both are usually caught on or near the bottom.