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Fishing season is back. Get your rods — or spears — ready.
There is no shortage of fish around Marblehead, from striped bass to cunner. This week, I am featuring an often overlooked fish: the cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus).
Cunner are commonly found around structure, especially rocky coastlines throughout New England. They often stay close to rocks and tuck into crevices.
They are known for stealing bait from anglers and are often regarded as a nuisance fish. They are similar to tautog (Tautoga onitis), but they typically show more colorful patterns, ranging from red and orange to dark violet, with greenish-blue tones. They also have visible cone-shaped teeth.
My most remarkable catch was an orange cunner with distinct bluish speckled tones that I caught in Nahant. It measured about 16 inches. That is a rare size in my experience, since most cunners I see are under 12 inches.
Cunner are not listed among the Massachusetts recreational saltwater species with specific size or possession limits, but anglers should always check the latest state rules before heading out.
For spearfishing, move slowly in the water. Cunner spook easily, though sometimes you get lucky when one holds in a crevice. It takes practice to line up a clear, straight shot and not miss, because you only get one chance.
Curious how they taste? Their meat is white, firm and flaky. They are excellent fish to eat.
So dive right in, good luck and sea ya in the water.
