STINGRAYS WILL SCRATCH YOUR GAME-FISHING ITCH
Unlike some UK heavyweights, these fish really fight back
NOW we in the UK have a true fighting fish in our sights whenever we go afloat.
There are more areas of British coast that have bluefin tuna within range than don’t, and while I can’t personally vouch for bluefins I know plenty who can. I do have experience with yellowfin, blackfin, skipjack and various bonito types of tuna, in case you wondered.
I’m one of those who wants a battle with a fish rather than endure a tug-of war involving strength, a commodity with which I have never been blessed.
Fortunately I have developed a technique, and am very happy to slug it out with a fish that wants to fight back rather than just
‘be heavy’.
From our shores we have a few of these available at different times, perhaps none better than stingrays.
I’ve not caught them here, but I have in Florida, and they are awesome battlers. I even had to go in for one after it decided to go around a post and under a bridge.
The fight is certainly different when it’s horizontal rather than vertical. I’ve caught them from boats and – unless they are extremely large and in shallow water – it’s not as much fun.
The only potential fish we may have within range that is mightier than the bluefin are swordfish. I have hooked and lost – better than not hooking at all – and wouldn’t mind another go before I am too old. Or perhaps I am already?
Suffice to say, if you want to experience a huge fish without going Continental, it is possible!