As autumn approaches and the shoals make their way inshore, Simon Smith sticks his neck out and makes the case for the humble, and much maligned, whiting
Before any debate on this topic can begin, it must be acknowledged that even reading the phrase ‘the perfect fish’ is bound to ignite division and burning differences of opinion. For one thing, the use of the definite article ‘the’ is definitive, leaving no room for debate or grey areas of crossover. However, perhaps even more divisive, ironically, is the adjective ‘perfect’. Is there such a thing as the perfect fish? Surely, it’s subjective, right? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and so it stands to reason that the same must be true of all things finned and fishy.
So, where do you stand in the debate? Perhaps you’re one of those who’s keen on fighting prowess in your fish, in which case the bass, with its jagged runs may feature heavily, or perhaps it would be shouldered out of your thinking by the adrenaline-fuelled steam train that is the smoothhound, protagonist of so many summer smash and grab raids. But then, size isn’t everything, so perhaps the pocket rocket that is the golden-grey mullet might nudge its way into the debate at this point, or even the muscular dover sole as a left-field, last minute addition.
Speaking of size, if that’s your key criteria then maybe the rock-loving bruiser that is the conger eel is the way to your heart, or perhaps your heart always races when encountering a big blonde, as one of those meaty rays settles over your bait. Not for you? Ah, perhaps, then, you’re of a more nostalgic disposition, preferring that cornerstone of British shore fishing, the cod, or maybe you’re of a more adventurous temperament, and like the exotica, chasing trigger fish, the red mullet and gurnard across a season of species hunting? Whatever is, or isn’t, true for you and your fishing life, the one thing upon which I think we’ll all be able to agree is the fact that the matter of which is the perfect fish is entirely up for grabs, and utterly dependent upon the individual angler. What about you? I hear you ask. What, in your eyes, is the perfect fish? Well, after weighing up all the options, and considering the question from every angle, my perfect fish is the humble whiting. What? I can practically hear the gasps echoing from Falmouth to Filey, feel a collective shake of the head from an entire angling community. ‘Is he mad?’ I hear the voices say. Well, that’s another matter, and something you’ll have to ask my wife, but for the time being, hear me out as I explain why I think the whiting is the perfect fish.
MAKING THE CASE
Firstly, they can be found in most habitats. Whether you’re fishing from a flat, sandy beach, a remote clifftop or a promenade, the whiting can be found
