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Greater Weever(fish), Trachinus draco

Introduction: The Greater Weaverfish is a species to be avoided due to the poisonous spines in its black dorsal fins. There may also be poison glands associated with spines on the gills covers (with thanks to Thorke Ostergaard).  This is a much larger species than the Lesser Weever(fish) and can reach 3 lbs (> 1 kgs) in weight.  Typically found over sandy marks, it can inflict a painful injury. The only way to treat their protein based poison is to steep the injury in extremely hot water (as hot as you can bear) as this will "cook out" the poison.  As unpleasant as it may seem, this is a far less painful option than leaving poison in the wound, untreated.  

Boat tactics: A nasty fish, one to be avoided!  It has never been recorded captured by rod and line in Irish waters, but it does live here and may show up when fishing for flatfish.   Use a strong glove on the spines. 

Shore tactics: Never been a report of one caught from the shore but avoid them - the only tactic you need to know is how to recognise one, preferably before it injects venom into you or a curious unfortunate child.