Fisherman’s Shocking Discovery Near Scenic UK Seaside Town
A local fisherman experienced an extraordinary event off the coast of Falmouth, UK, this autumn. On September 28, Owen Mates sailed ten miles out from Falmouth Bay and made an impressive catch—a rare prehistoric wreckfish.
Owen Mates’ Remarkable Catch
The wreckfish is a deep-sea species that is seldom seen by humans. Named for inhabiting shipwrecks on the ocean floor, this fish measured between 70 and 80 centimeters in length and weighed around 10 to 12 pounds. This weight surpasses that of the average newborn baby.
- Catch Date: September 28
- Location: Falmouth Bay, UK
- Wreckfish Size: 70 to 80 cm
- Weight: 10 to 12 lbs
- Potential Record: Current UK record is 11 lbs 14 oz, set in 2001
Unexpected Discovery While Fishing
Originally targeting blue sharks, Mates stumbled upon the rare wreckfish unexpectedly. After laying out a chum slick, he witnessed a strange fish circling his boat. It eventually took a baited hook with a mackerel flapper.
“I couldn’t believe it when we got it to the side of the boat,” he remarked. Once back home, he discovered online that such catches are extremely rare in British waters, with the last notable record from 2001 off Poole.
Concerns About Marine Ecosystems
Mates released the wreckfish safely back into the ocean. He expressed concerns that its presence near Cornwall could indicate shifting sea temperatures around the UK. Warmer currents may be drawing species typically native to the Mediterranean and Atlantic, such as tuna and sunfish.
Wreckfish usually dwell hundreds of meters below the surface and can grow up to two meters long, living as long as a century. While juvenile wreckfish can occasionally venture into shallower waters, capturing one by rod in British waters remains a notable rarity.
Wreckfish Characteristics
- Habitat: Typically found at significant depths
- Lifespan: Up to 100 years
- Edibility: Known for its delicate flavor
Owen Mates has shared footage of his remarkable catch on his YouTube channel, Kayak Fishing Cornwall, showcasing the unpredictable nature of ocean fishing and the experiences it can provide.
