HEEELLLPPPP

Joined: Sep 15, 2008 Posts: 2

Hi, For a long time I've always fancied giving fishing a go and sea fishing tickled my fancy. So I finally got myself a rod and reel and took myself off to the bait shop. The guy was very helpful and recomended a 2 hook flapper and some mackeral for fishing off the sea wall (Blackpool South).
His last bit of advise was 'beware of the weaver' as they can give you a nasty sting and described what they are like.
I took myself down to the sea wall at high tide and within 10 minutes I got a bite. I reeled it in and it was about 15-20cm long. I picked it up to unhook it forgetting all about his 'beware off the weever advise' and the little blighter stung me. OWWWW it was agony. Went home and googled weaver stings and bathed my hand in red hot water the sting soon subsided. Although this was a bad 1st experience Iam still keen and want to go sea fishing but first I have a few questions and If anyone could help that would be fab.
1: How do you unhook a weaver?
2: Is there any other fish I may hook that I need to be wary of?
3: Do I need a lisence to sea fish
4: When is the best time to go and is the rig I'am using ok?

I would be so grateful if someone could help me out

Steve

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:20 pm

Welcome to the forum big hug

One of the north west guys will help you out big grin

Cheers Darren cool

Regular Joined: Sep 14, 2008 Posts: 424 Location: Burnley

3: Do I need a lisence to sea fish
no not at sea from the coast line
kindest regards chris

Regular Joined: Sep 14, 2008 Posts: 424 Location: Burnley

did it look like this

uses a rag glove or some thing but your hand.
kindest regards chris

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:00 pm

Hi Steve welcome to the forum sorry your 1st fish was a weaver it could have been worse though it could have been a doggie and it would have taken the skin off your wrist... i always use a gauntlet glove when handling fish as there are a few fish that can inflict serious injuries... we have loads of doggies around our coast and they wrap their tails around your wrist and take the skin off as their skin is like sandpaper...personaly i never put weaver fish back in the sea i always think it could be my kids or g/kids that would stand on them whilst paddling so they always go in the bin...one other fish to warn you about is the spur dog it has 2 very sharp spurs on its back these must be removed before you take the hook out unless your putting it back in the sea then be very careful as the spurs are very sharp...Tight Lines and Bendy Rods...Frank

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:01 pm

A weaver can sill sting you even when dead. keith

Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:59 am

Have been quite few weevers this summer another possible problem is stingrays but don't now whether they go as far north as Blackpool. Personally I carry a thick piece of towelling and have unhooked several weevers with it doubled over this year. No licence is required for seafishing unless you are targetting sea trout or salmon which are classified as migratory game fish. If you are caught with one and have no licence the fine can be mega. Also bear in mind that some sea fish authorities will do you for taking undersize fish. Don't think it won't happen either - I was beach fishing last year when two of the local inspectors got out of their boat and asked to see my catch.
Two hook flapper is OK but why not turn it into a two hook clipped down which will cast further and reduce the chance of bait coming off when casting.

Joined: Sep 15, 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks Guys all information very gratefully recieved. I'll keep you posted on my progress haha.