Rays Bream

[RobAdair]

I found one of these dead on the big beach at Shields last night when I was out walking the dog with our lass. I hadn't realised just how big they are. I had a pair of size 12 boots on which measure 13" heel to toe, so the fish was approximately 18-19" long, 10-11" deep and about 2.5-3" thick and must have weighed 4lb+. Sods law I had left my phone on charge so couldn't get a photo.

It got me thinking though. If these could be specifically targetted they would give a great account of themselves on light tackle. I'm assuming that they aren't caught very often as they are obviously a deep water fish due to their shape and are probably dying when they come in close to the shore anyway, so aren't feeding.

Has anyone got any experience of catching these, ie baits, rigs etc. I know that a lot of clubs banned weighing them in years ago as apparently they are easily foul hooked (or found alive on the shoreline). I fished for black bream 2 years ago at Anglesey and I thinking the baits and rigs used for them would be a good starting point?

 

[5150]

Not sure what tackle you'd need, but they're a mid-water fish so probably floats/lures. I believe the record shore caught was actually caught from Hartlepool. But yeah, looking at the one we found on Saturday they must put up a hell of a fight.

 

[Tonyc]

I saw one of these washed up at Horden when I as down at the weekend. I got a picture on my phone & will try and upload. Was surprised by the size and also had the same thought, that they look like they would put up a good fight.

 

[codman56]

rays bream

rays bream

there was 1 caught in newbigging bay last week 4lb 8oz on crab & mussel

 

[northeast1]

It just seems strange that in all the years i have been fishing i have never known this mnay be washed up just the odd one or two but this year loads of them. Always remember the lump suckers being washed up, some well over 6lb at Whitley bay beach.

Anyone got any info about how they showing up in our waters and why they all dieing?

 

[Charlton]

might be before your time Rich, in the seventies there where loads of them, you could spend all night putting them back. Remeber the lumpsuckers, was digging bait at the boat station and talking to some of the lads, my son about five at the time, shouted for me, I turned round and he was carrying the biggest lumpsucker I have ever seen, almost the size of him and it was still alive and giving him a right tail lashing.

 

[davey g]

fish

fish

also found 1 last thursday at the blockhouse at hadston must of been 4lb strang looking fish.

 

[paulthespark]

might be before your time Rich, in the seventies there where loads of them, you could spend all night putting them back. Remeber the lumpsuckers, was digging bait at the boat station and talking to some of the lads, my son about five at the time, shouted for me, I turned round and he was carrying the biggest lumpsucker I have ever seen, almost the size of him and it was still alive and giving him a right tail lashing.

you are right alan ,fishing the hartlepool piers in the 70's during the summer months we would catch loads of them ,along with huge shoals of whiting and even haddock happy days eh

 

[RobAdair]

I found another one last night. This one was still alive in the shallow water and I got the lab puppy to fetch it (well, drag it out by the tail!) to save me from getting my boots wet! I took it home as my eldest son was keen to see one in the flesh. This one was only 8" deep and 2" thick and weighed in at 3lb 4oz so I was way off the mark with the other one yesterday, it must have been nearer 6lb than the 4lb I had guessed at.

Fabulous looking fish, it never ceases to amaze me whats swimming around out there!

 

[northeast1]

Cant be many lef tint he sea after this winter they all been lemons over the winter

 

[01kayak]

been down the beach today , saw three that had been eaten by th birds and one whole one, must of just been washed up as it still had its eyes jeff

 

[RobAdair]

My eldest son took the lab out for a walk tonight and came home with 2, 3lb 8oz and 3lb 12oz. There was also a few dead ones lying around he says. I'm starting to think they're all members of some weird cult hell bent on mass suicide, but what the hell, they taste delicious cooked in the oven Mediterranean style (onions, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil and lemon juice)

 

[5150]

This is the one we found on Blyth beach last Saturday morning next to the pier, bit blurry (taken on a mobile phone)

 

[northeast1]

Well the reports of Ray Bream have dried up the last two weeks, they must all be dead now or moved on from our waters.