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[Dufish]

This past weekend I was able to catch Speckled Trout off the Mansfeild jetties channel side. As ya'll well know there is'nt too much to tie yer stringer to so I put the stringer fish in an area where the waves would'nt beat them up agianst the rocks. In this area there were alot of Sea Urchins. My question is, If the fish on the stringer were to get stung by these Urchins does this ruin the meat for human consumption?

[Guest]

The sea urchins here are pretty blunt-spined and unlikely to puncture a fish, or your hands for that matter. The spines contain no poison, anyway, and the raw urchins' roe is quite tasty, if you want to take the time to gather a few and whack them open with a knife. Another good thing about them is that if you want to attract sheepshead, mash a couple and throw the bits into the water as chum.

[crab_n_fisher]

Dufish,

You do pose a good question. I am not sure if the urchins infected your fish, or if its one of the many species that are poisonous; but as one form of sea life hypothetically infecting another, it would be a potential hazard to consume the fish. Many of us remember the days of the fish-killing Red Tide, DDT and the advisories against eating fish infected and/or dying with them. The same today applies to certain species with a high level of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and selenium, among others.

Sometimes I'm very irrational even in the face of evidence. Whereas most Texas oysters are safe for consumption, it's hard to believe that their main purpose is to serve as the ocean's bio-filters. They filter out chemical run-off, decaying matter, old batteries, tires, ciggie butts, excretia and Lord knows just what else. They certainly taste very, very good -- fried or steamed on the half-shell. But to think of the toxicity in them, either real or imagined, is almost on the verge of paranoia! Icky, yet so yummy! (haha)

I guess research is the key. To educate oneself. Again, thanks for posting such a unique and great question. It made us think.
_________________
"I just got a new fly-fishing rod and reel for my wife. It was the best trade I've ever made!"

[ShawnQ]

I too noticed a ton of urchins on the mansfield jetty this weekend...but on the surf side. The tide was so low you could see them stashed inside the rocks.

I, however, am not sure about the fish...I would probably eat them without a question.

What were you catching the trout on?

Shawn

[Dufish]

Thanks guys, for the information. As to yer question on what I was catching the Trout on. I was using a Johnson "catchall" gold spoon.