Broke my duck

[tandcphoto]

Just got back into sea fishing after a long absense. Been a five times now with three trips in the dark (time of year and work etc) so learning in the dark hasnt made it easy for me. Anyway, went up at 5 bar gate in Cleveleys on Saturday night/Sunday morning with high tide being about 1am.

Just before high tide got a quiver on my rod (ooeer sounds a bit rude) and reeled in a little (9") flounder (i think, never could really spot the difference wth them or a dab). It swallowed the whole hook and being in the dark and the first fish I have unhooked in 25 years I dont think I did the most professional job (took the bloody thing back to the water twice cos I didnt want it to drown). Eventually got the hook out and set it back in the water (soppy sod that I am I apologised to it for being a numpty at getting the hook out).



Damned expensive fish as well, went to the fishmonger and they didnt have any mackeral so got a small sea bass fillet for bait but bugger it, its only money and I am still really enthusiatic.

Any pointers for removing hooks would be appreciated (i have flattened the barbs on all the hooks already and it was still hard work).

Just thought I would share this with you all, I know its only small but I am still proud of it!!

Cheers
Tom

[Omahayank]

Good Job buddy. thats one more flattie than i've ever caught!!!


ps.I think i would've cut the line in its mouth and left the hook to rust away.

[Greenheart]

Well done on your flattie. I always use long shank hooks for flatties which are easier to get hold of when unhooking. To tell Flounder from Dabs, run your finger from it's tail towards it's head along it's back. A Dab will feel rough. (Bit like I feel today actually)

[biggun]

Well done, nice looking fish! and size doesnt matter apparently!

[Rob M]

Well done and welcome back to sea fishing! Looking at the fins, it sure looks like a flounder to me

Rob

[fishypaul]

nice flounder,well done tom

[Lewis 77]

Nice fish mate but have to say its not a flounder its a nice dab. Flounders are the ones with the rough lines running from the back of thier heads down their back. Also a dab if held to the light can almost be see through.

Dabs as you can see also have very big eyes for the size of the fish. If I knew how to stick a picture on I'd show what a flounder is .

[tandcphoto]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. It would seem I am not the only one to have a little problem identifying flounders. As for the feeling rough or light going through, will try that next time but didint do that on that fish so it will have to remain an enigma.

Cheers and all the best for the New Year.

Tom

[Rob M]

Here you go Tom, hope this helps:

Flounder:


Dab:


Cheers
Rob

[tandcphoto]

Cheers for that Rob,

doesnt help with this one cos the pictures not clear enough but will certainly help with any more I get.

Thanks

Tom