Just noticed the Wrasse sub-thread above. I do hope we are all still friends and active forum members.
I take the occasional large Ballan Wrasse, the smaller ones aren't worthwhile, although haven't for quite sometime. The really big ones are meaty and steak like but I've only seen them off the beaten track, around the Lizard in Cornwall. Regular large Ballan are good cubed in a Boulabaise (tomato-fish stew/soup). It tends to be a once-a-year or less treat for us, usually when there are no other fish around or/and to use up odds and ends of other fish, shell fish and crab.
I understand Foxfish's perspective, most fish stocks are under threat. Big Wrasse take years to grow and stay in the same location, looking pretty for SCUBA divers and snorkellers. All big Wrasse are male; wrasse start off as female but become male as get large - weird but not that uncommon for fish apparently.
To be honest, the recent discussions on spearfishing training classes concern me, because it suggests a level of commercialization which may not be sustainable for the marine env. Then I remember how crappy the weather/sea conditions usually are around the UK and relax some
. I've seen it happen already with rock climbing though, where bolts and training are now common but real trad climbing has all but disappeared, "the scene" has gone.
I take the occasional large Ballan Wrasse, the smaller ones aren't worthwhile, although haven't for quite sometime. The really big ones are meaty and steak like but I've only seen them off the beaten track, around the Lizard in Cornwall. Regular large Ballan are good cubed in a Boulabaise (tomato-fish stew/soup). It tends to be a once-a-year or less treat for us, usually when there are no other fish around or/and to use up odds and ends of other fish, shell fish and crab.
I understand Foxfish's perspective, most fish stocks are under threat. Big Wrasse take years to grow and stay in the same location, looking pretty for SCUBA divers and snorkellers. All big Wrasse are male; wrasse start off as female but become male as get large - weird but not that uncommon for fish apparently.
To be honest, the recent discussions on spearfishing training classes concern me, because it suggests a level of commercialization which may not be sustainable for the marine env. Then I remember how crappy the weather/sea conditions usually are around the UK and relax some
. I've seen it happen already with rock climbing though, where bolts and training are now common but real trad climbing has all but disappeared, "the scene" has gone.
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