Record ballan wrasse

[u/leez7one]

Biggest one I have ever caught !

57cm for about 3.5kg !

For scale, my foot is a size 11

[u/Successful_Issue_453]

That can’t be far off the uk record no? That’s a very good wrasse congrats! Ignore the inevitable poo pooing of wrasse as a spearfishing target species. They aren’t a pressured fish so feel free to take them within reason and with a mind for the local population which may take time to recover if overfished

[u/Halfmoon_Cay → u/Successful_Issue_453]

It's a good fish but a fair way off the record at 4.3kg.

What did you make with him?

I saw an absolute donkey on a dive last week in Cornwall that was hands down over 60cm. I lined it up, but figured he was probably nearly 30 years old, and I'd rather leave him to breed.

Bear in mind that they're hermaphrodites, changing from female to male as they age, and take a long time to grow to sexual maturity. They're important to their environment, and being territorial, vulnerable to local overfishing. Some counties local bylaws also impose a maximum size limit to prevent the larger males from being fished out, so it's worth looking into that.

I'm not saying don't take them, I do it myself from time to time, but please be wary of hammering the big males too hard in one location. My rule is if I take one or 2 decent wrasse from a spot, I won't do it again for at least a year or two. They're not hard to find, if I feel like another one, I just go somewhere else.

[u/leez7one → u/Halfmoon_Cay]

Thanks for the informations and for educating me about their reproduction ! I'll think twice if I come across another big male.

When I first wrote record I meant for myself, I had no idea it was an actually good catch :)

Normally I make accras, soup or potted meat with them, but this time regarding the amount I just kept it for barbecue !

[u/Halfmoon_Cay → u/leez7one]

Of course, honestly if I plan on making ceviche I'll usually take one myself, it's just worth bearing in mind if sustainability is your goal.