Flying Fish Market Report from Day Boat Specialists 3 April 2012
Missed the previous Flying Fish Report? read it here.
Flying Fish Seafoods is proud to supply high quality fish to distinctive restaurants and hotels throughout the South and West of England. Our pledge is simple. We source the finest and freshest fish directly from Cornwall’s best fishermen and deliver it straight to your door.
Ling
A member of the cod family, but the ling has a far longer, slim line shape to the body. The characteristic single feeler barbell is there on the chin like the cod. Ling have two dorsal fins, the first rounded and short based, but the secondary main dorsal is long and flat topped.
Wreck and deep water fish can be caught virtually the whole year round. The biggest ling from deep water are taken during January through until March when they're full of spawn and extra heavy. Reef ling tend to more biased towards summer and autumn, but again individual fish can show at any time.
Best of the shore fishing season is June onwards, but expect more success from August into October. It's likely that the ling follow the migrating whiting inshore at this time and this is the best time for a fish over 5lbs.
Diet
Virtually an all fish diet. Ling take whiting, codling, pollack, coalfish, pout, flatfish, gurnards and smaller ling. Reef dwelling ling will also eat big crabs and other crustaceans when abundant.
Top tip when buying
Ling should be firm fish with a slight slime on and should smell of the sea, eyes bright and not sunken.
Ling is really delicious in fish pies as the meat is quite firm and meaty.
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