adriatic sea fishing

Sea fishing October 2, 2024

Trachinus draco, greater weever fish, venomous fish, Adriatic sea fishing, Duo Tetra Works Burny

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Taxonomy and Classification

Scientific Name: Trachinus draco
Family: Trachinidae
Common Names: Greater weever, European weever

Distribution

Geographical Range: The greater weever is found in the eastern North Atlantic, with a range extending from Norway and Iceland down to the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of North Africa.
Habitat: They prefer shallow coastal waters, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates at depths of 10 to 100 meters.

Physical Characteristics

Size: They can grow up to 40 cm in length.
Body Shape: The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a pointed head.
Coloration: The coloration varies but is generally a pale yellowish or brownish with darker spots that help with camouflage against the seabed.
Venomous Spines: The first dorsal fin has venomous spines that can deliver painful stings, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators.

Diet and Feeding

Diet: Greater weever are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
Feeding Behavior: They are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand to surprise prey that swims by.

Reproduction

Spawning: They typically spawn in warmer months, with eggs being released into the water column where they develop into larvae.

Ecological Role

Predator and Prey: As both predator and prey, they play a significant role in the marine food web. They help control populations of smaller fish and invertebrates.

Human Interaction

Fishing: While not a primary target for commercial fisheries, they are sometimes caught as bycatch. Their venomous spines can pose a risk to fishermen and beachgoers.

Venom Characteristics

Location of Venom: The venom is produced in specialized glands located at the base of the venomous spines on the first dorsal fin. These spines are sharp and can easily penetrate skin.
Venom Composition: The venom contains a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and peptides. Key components include:
- Neurotoxins: These can affect nerve function and lead to pain and discomfort.
- Hemotoxins: These may damage blood vessels and tissues, contributing to swelling and inflammation.
- Enzymatic Components: These can break down cellular structures, leading to increased pain and tissue damage.

Effects on Humans

Sting Mechanism: The venom is injected through the spines when a person steps on or handles the fish, which often occurs accidentally as the fish is camouflaged against the seabed.
Immediate Symptoms:
- Intense Localized Pain: Pain is often described as sharp and burning, occurring almost immediately after the sting.
- Swelling and Redness: The area around the sting site typically becomes swollen and red due to the inflammatory response.
- Systemic Reactions: In some cases, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or even dizziness.
Severe Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention.

First Aid and Treatment

The poison is thermolabile, which means that it is only destroyed by temperatures above 50°C. The stung area is immersed in hot water as long as the stung person can stand it or burned with a lighter, in short, the temperature reduces the effect of the poison. The strength of the poison does not depend on the size of the fish and does not subside by itself.

Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms persist or worsen, or if there are signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face), it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly.

Ecological Role of Venom

Defense Mechanism: The venom serves primarily as a defense mechanism against predators, allowing the greater weever fish to deter potential threats effectively. It also plays a role in their predatory behavior, helping them secure prey.

Till next time …

… tight lines and wet landing nets!

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Sea fishing June 26, 2024

Cuttlefish, catch and release, Adriatic sea, Croatia

Reading Time: 3 minutes

I wanted to catch a variety of marine species on my short trip across the sea. I caught this cuttlefish and released it back into the sea and then continued fishing for other species.

Short biology of cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are marine animals that belong to the class Cephalopoda, along with squid, octopuses, and nautiluses.

Cuttlefish belong to the order Sepiida, which encompasses marine mollusks with eight arms and two tentacles. They have a unique ability to change color and texture to blend in with their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage. Cuttlefish have a distinctive bone called a cuttlebone, which helps control their buoyancy. They are carnivorous creatures, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other mollusks. Cuttlefish are known for their intelligence and have a complex nervous system. They are also fascinating creatures to observe due to their intricate behaviors and remarkable abilities. Cuttlefish are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea environments.

Their remarkable camouflage abilities, achieved through specialized skin cells called chromatophores, allow them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. They can change color, texture, and pattern instantaneously, making them formidable predators and elusive prey. Cuttlefish also have keen eyesight and advanced cognitive abilities.

Where to find cuttlefish

They are active predators that typically inhabit shallow, coastal waters, often near rocky outcroppings, kelp beds, or seagrass meadows. Cuttlefish primarily feed on small fish, shrimp, and crabs during the night or twilight hours. Knowing their behavior and preferred habitats will significantly increase your chances of catching them.

Tackle Essentials

Fishing Rod: A medium to heavy spinning rod is typically used for cuttlefish fishing. Make sure your rod is strong enough to handle the weight of the cuttlefish. You’ll need the sensitivity to detect subtle bites and the power to fight a determined cuttlefish.

The best choice are rods designed for squid fishing (eging rod).

Fishing Line: A braided fishing line is a good choice for cuttlefish fishing as it is strong and sensitive, allowing you to feel the bites more easily. Thin braided line (up to 0.13mm) is most often used.

Fluorocarbon Leader: A 2-3ft leader, thickness up to about 0.30 mm or 10-15lb, fluorocarbon will provide stealth and abrasion resistance.

Aliexpress squid jig lures:

Squid jig lure

These are artificial lures made of metal or plastic, often resembling small fish or squid. They are weighted and jigged up and down in the water, attracting the attention of cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish are attracted to lures that mimic their natural prey. Bright or UV-enhanced lures often prove effective.

Aliexpress squid jig lures:

Jigging technique:

Cast your jig near the bottom and slowly jig it up and down while retrieving it erratically.
Cuttlefish are curious creatures and will often investigate the jig’s movement.
Be patient and allow the cuttlefish to take the bait before setting the hook.

Handling and Preparation

Cuttlefish should be handled with care to avoid damaging their delicate skin. When releasing a cuttlefish, gently guide it back into the water. If you intend to keep your catch, immediately place it on ice or in a cooler to preserve its freshness.

Cuttlefish is a versatile seafood with a unique flavor and texture. It can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, frying, sautéing, or boiling. The ink sac of the cuttlefish can also be used to make a delicious and flavorful sauce.

Cuttlefish Catch and Release

1. Minimize handling: Cuttlefish are delicate creatures. Handle them with care, avoiding excessive pressure on their bodies and keeping them submerged in water as much as possible.
2. Hooking strategy: Choose appropriate hooks and baits that minimize injury. Targeting the mouth rather than the body reduces the risk of deep hooking and damage.
3. Quick release: Once hooked, avoid prolonged fights. Bring the cuttlefish to the surface quickly and release it back into the water as gently as possible.
4. Decompression: Before releasing, hold the cuttlefish underwater for a few minutes to allow it to acclimatize to the surface pressure. This step helps ensure its survival.

Tips for Success

– Fish during the early morning or late evening hours when cuttlefish are most active.
– Target areas with rocky formations, kelp beds, or seagrass meadows.
– Use lures that mimic small fish or shrimp.
– Be patient and persist, as cuttlefish can be elusive prey.
– Respect the environment and release undersized or non-target species unharmed.

Embrace the Challenge

Cuttlefish fishing is an adventure unlike any other. It’s a test of skill, patience, and respect for these intelligent creatures. With the right tackle and a bit of know-how, you can unlock the secrets of the cuttlefish world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Till next time …

… tight lines and wet landing nets!

If you would like to use content from the Fishing Religion website (in whole or in part), please add a link to the contribution on our site in your post.

Disclosure

Some of the links in this blog and in our videos may be affiliate links, and pay us a small commission if you use them. We really appreciate the support. Thank you for your support.

This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.

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Sea fishing October 6, 2023

A few hours Adriatic Sea fishing

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s the beginning of autumn and there aren’t many bathers left (actually almost none, even though the sea is still 23 degrees Celsius).

A few hours of fishing on the Adriatic Sea.

Let’s try to catch a fish or two ????.

Will the monofilament start unwinding from the fishing reel?

In my opinion squids are one of the best baits for many sea fish. I used Patagonian squid for bait. Hook size 4.

Tip: Remove the very thin skin from the squid, which you can leave on the squid, but squid are more attractive to fish without the skin, and cut it into strips.

Fishing with artificial bait was not successful, only one cuttlefish was caught for a few seconds and it fell off the hook. That’s the beauty of fishing, one time you catch another time you don’t.

Till next time …

… tight lines and wet landing nets!

Disclosure – Some of the links in this blog and in our videos may be affiliate links, and pay us a small commission if you use them. We really appreciate the support. Thank you for your support .

THANK YOU for all of your support, for visiting my blog, commenting, and sharing my posts with your friends

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If you would like to use content from the Fishing Religion website (in whole or in part), please add a link to the contribution on our site in your post.

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