Presentation of the brown scorpion fish
With its numerous spines and imposing head, the brown scorpion fish (Scorpaena Porcus) is present on all the French coasts even if it is found in greater numbers on the Mediterranean coasts. The brown scorpion fish is an omnivorous fish which feeds on small fish, shrimps or other invertebrates. Solitary and sedentary, it frequents the benthic zone (at the bottom). It can thus be found in about twenty meters of depth or in very little water.
Like all scorpion fishes, the brown scorpion fish has the particularity to blend in with the bottom thanks to a very developed mimicry. It mainly frequents rocky areas, but it can also be found on very specific areas such as dykes.
Fishing for brown scorpion fish
It is possible to target brown scorpionfish by determining the areas to fish. If you are fishing in rocky areas or on a seawall, the brown scorpionfish should be looked for mainly in your feet. Indeed, the brown scorpion fish is very often found in very little water on the lookout, ready to pounce on a prey. This fishing technique is easier to implement in calm seas. Always try to remain discreet in your movements to put all the chances on your side. Whether you use small soft lures in rockfishing mode or simply a lightly weighted line with a worm or a shrimp, explore the crevices to find a nice specimen.
Beware of thorns
Once the fish is stung, you must beware of the venomous spines that cover the brown scorpion fish. The easiest way to do this is to use a pair of pliers to take the fish and unhook it easily. However, it is possible to unhook a scorpion fish without pliers by holding the mouth of the fish firmly between your thumb and index finger. Thus you will damage less the fish to better release it. In case of sting, often painful, know that the venom is thermolabile. That is to say that it loses its action when you approach a heat source on the impacted area.
