GLOSSARY - FISH FISH GLOSSARY
The main ports of Dartmouth and Salcombe, in the South Hams, are famous for their landings of shellfish. In fact, they account for the major amount of brown crab landed in the UK. The South Hams also has rich fishing grounds close inshore, which are fished by local trawlers, netters and line fishermen. During the winter months excellent scallops are dive caught in Start Bay and dredged by sustainable methods in Salcombe Harbour.
Here we list the main species found in these waters, although nearly all species common to the British Isles can be found within fifty miles of the South Hams.
CRABS. As we have said, the quality is excellent, especially the male crabs in the spring and the females in the autumn. Several outlets sell live crabs and some will also cook them. Local crabmeat is picked by a few local producers and is often rated as the best in the country.
LOBSTERS. Like the crabs, lobsters can be found in several outlets and, sometimes, direct from the fishermen. As with the crabs, suppliers will often cook them for you.
SCALLOPS. Inshore scallops are available through the winter and spring. Many more are caught further out to sea in deeper waters, throughout the year.
BASS. Bass are quite prolific in our waters and are often caught by rod and line which ensures the best quality. They are also netted by small boats in
page 60
eating out guide
quantities which are far less than those taken by industrial trawlers which fish outside territorial limits. As with most fish caught in our waters, amounts are usually small and the catch is well cared for.
COD. Although our waters are not famed for large catches of cod, in recent years there have been good catches recorded by inshore netting and trawling. Most of this fish is landed to the auction markets in nearby Brixham and Plymouth.
DABS AND PLAICE. Dabs and plaice are taken by trawlers around our coasts and are of excellent quality. The waters of Start Bay hold record-breaking plaice on the Skerries Bank and dab fishing has always been a favourite close inshore to Beesands and Hallsands.
GREY MULLET. Grey mullet are often seen in the shallow waters of our estuaries and harbours. Although of some value, they are not as valuable as many other species and are not exploited as much as they used to be.
MACKEREL. Mackerel are abundant at certain times of the year and can be taken by either shore or boat angling. Commercial quantities are still taken by line fishermen further to the west, off Plymouth and Cornwall.
MONKFISH AND TURBOT. These are classed as prime fish, together with DOVER SOLE and JOHN DORY. These are caught in tangle nets or they are trawled. Some are sold direct to local outlets with the main catch being sold at auction
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68