U.K. Sea Fishing FAQ   -   Pysgota Mor y Deyrnas Gyfunol

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4. U.K. Sea Fish
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  4.1 Species
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    4.1.1 What is a mini species?
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      A mini species is a species with a maximum potential weight of less
      than a pound. British records for mini species do not differentiate
      between boat and shore caught fish.

    4.1.2 Are there any poisonous fish British waters?
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      There are three common poisonous fish around Britain and Ireland. The
      largest is the Sting Ray, which has a serrated poison spine about half
      way down its tail.

      The other two are both Weevers. The Greater Weever is most frequently
      caught by boat anglers, and can grow over two pounds in weight. It has
      venomous spines on the gill cover and first dorsal fin. The Lesser
      Weever is similar to its larger cousin, but is found inshore, and
      has a more potent venom. Weevers are a sandy colour with a white
      belly, and vertically slanted mouths. The first dorsal is black in
      colour. The Greater Weever has a blue and gold diagonal pattern on its
      back. Both weevers lie virtually buried in sandy bottoms with just
      their mouth and dorsal fin exposed. Anglers wading on sandy beaches
      should be wary of Lesser Weevers. If stung by a Weever, the result
      though not fatal is extremely painful. The best treatment is to
      immerse the wound in hot water, as hot as is possible to bear, for 30
      minutes. The poison is protein based and this heat treatment virtually
      cooks the poison and reduces its effect. Around some parts of the
      coast Weevers are extremly common. Cardigan Bay in Wales is one such
      area.

    4.1.3 Are there any books to help identify sea fish?
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      Below is a list of fish identification  books, the list is by no means
      complete, but includes the books which I have found good enough to buy
      myself. Some of these are now  out of print and may only be available
      from specialist secondhand angling book dealers. (See section 9)

      Wheeler, Alwynne - Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe. 1978 - 380 pg
        This is the best all-round identification book for identifying UK
        sea fish. The diagrams are simple line diagrams with any specific
        identification features highlighted. Fin ray counts are shown which
        helps separate similar fish.

      Kennedy, Michael - The Sea Angler's Fishes. 1954, rep 1969 - 508 pg
        This is still the definitive work on sea fish in U.K. waters from an
        angler's perspective. Although this does not cover as wide a range
        of fish as the above book, those listed have far more information
        about feeding habits and life history.

      Wheeler, Alwynne - Field Key to the Shore Fishes of the British Isles.
                         1995 - 40 pages.
        A field study guide that concentrates mainly on fish found on rocky
        shores at low tide, and fish which use the low tide zone as a
        nursery area. 55 species are listed.
        Available from - Field Studies Council Publications,
                         Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, SY4 1HW

      Vas, Philip - A Field Guide to the Sharks of British Coastal Waters.
                    1991 - 33 pages.
        This guide covers all 21 species of shark found in coastal waters of
        the British Isles.
        Available from - Field Studies Council Publications,
                         Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, SY4 1HW

      Lythgoe, John & Gillian - Fishes of the Sea. 1971 - 320 pg.
        As well as covering the British Isles and Northern Europe, this book
        also lists Mediterranean fishes. A useful guide to take on holiday
        if you want to know what the lesser spotted whatnot you caught
        really was.

  4.2 Record Lists & Specimen Weights
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     These have now been moved to section 4a.

Jun 9 1998, 12:00 am

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