Wait a minute? There are fish out there I don’t want to catch? I though all fish were up for grabs? We agree, most fish are great to catch, even if you catch and release. But there are a few saltwater fish out there that you really don’t want to find on the end of your line. The reason being that they can injure you as you set them free. We’ll list a few here and tell you why you don’t want to try catching them.
Sawfish
You’ve likely seen the photos, the huge fish with a saw for a nose. It’s not actually a fish though, it looks like a shark but they’re actually rays. That long saw is full of razor sharp teeth. The sawfish is actually listed as endangered or critically endangered, so if you do catch one you have to release it. They’re tricky to release though, as one wrong move and those rows of teeth can cut you.
Ladyfish
If you’re an avid saltwater fisherman, you’ve likely caught one of these little troublemakers. The problem with ladyfish is that they’re not very lady-like. If you catch them, they’re a nice little fight, but bring them in and they will defecate anywhere they please. Ladyfish are messy to catch, so they’re easier to just avoid.
Sea Robin
Sounds like a cute name, right? You think of the little robin that built a nest in the tree in your backyard. Well these fish aren’t very nice. They’re a bottom dweller, and make a sound similar to a frog when brought out of the water. They have six spiky pieces on each side which can cut you if you try holding one.
Gafftopsail Catfish
Though it’s called a catfish, this type is much different from its freshwater relative. The gafftopsail variety has spines that carry venom along the pectoral and dorsal fins. Grab this fish the wrong way and you can get a serious toxic sting. It’s recommended you never touch this type of fish, instead use a dehooker to safely remove the hook.
Now that you know what not to catch, learn what you do want to catch and just where. How do you do that? With a Waterproof Chart! Our charts cover offshore and coastal saltwater fishing, as well as freshwater lakes and estuaries. Find charts for Barnegat Bay, Central Long Island Sound, and Biscayne Bay.
