Sea Robins: No, they Aren’t Trash Fish!

Sea robins are one of those weird species that gets no respect. Sure, they look strange. No, they aren’t number-one on anyone’s target species list. But these odd little critters have a lot more to offer than one might expect.

Why should you care about these ugly little fish? First and foremost, because they usually show up in the exact same places where you’ll catch flounder. We all know that flounder lay on the bottom, and sea robins generally crawl right along the bottom on their weird, leg-like appendages. So both species are looking for places and conditions where they can grab a meal at or very close to the bottom. Since they often dwell together, catching sea robins should always be taken as a sign that there are probably flounder nearby. Secondly, the flounder know this, and they like ’em – a sea robin’s white underbelly, cut into three- or four-inch strips, is an excellent flounder bait. Slide a hook through the end of the strip and let it flutter along the bottom, and… WHAM! Third, sea robins are actually not bad to eat. Yes, they look unappetizing with their creepy-crawly legs and their spiny heads. But sea robin fillets taste pretty good. True, it’s rare to catch one big enough to make much of a meal, but the next time you bring up a big one, consider dropping it into the cooler and giving it a shot.

Are sea robins likely to become anyone’s prime target? Nah. Most are small, and many anglers simply can’t get over the ugliness factor. But that doesn’t mean that when you discover one on the end of your line, you should rip it off the hook and toss it overboard in disgust. Quite the contrary. Giving the sea robin a bit of respect will help you catch more of those flounder you’re after. And the next time a big one comes up to the boat, it’ll make a good meal all on its own.