Common Gurnard Perch

"Gurnard"

Neosebastes Scorpaenoides

Pale yellowish brown to red brown blotchy colour. Spines appear to stick out everywhere, especially dorsal fin. Huge bilgy eyes sit high on forehead.

No minimum size.
No specific bag limit.
Total bag/possession limit 40 as applies to all scale fish.

Autumn, Winter, Spring.

White bait, blue bait, fish fillets.

Not popular due to spikes. However once filleting is mastered make good eating. Similar to snapper in flavour.

Mostly returned to water because of poisonus spikes. Puts anglers off.
Handle with care. These fish can live for some time out of water, best to bash in the eyes with a hammer or similar. Cut spikes off with sidecutters or similar before attempting to fillet..