Puffer fish

[Juan]

Does any one eat these things? I've been catching quite a few lately and ever since I was a kid, I was told they're poisonous but I know a guy who actually targets them and he claims they're delicious. I did a Google search and it seems the only poison ones are in three areas in Florida and the Panhandle isn't one of the three. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try one yet but I was wondering if any one else keeps them and if so, how do you clean em?

[FUTCHCAIRO]

WHAT IS REALLY FUN IS TO PULL THAT SEA-PRO WITH THAT HARLEY.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PA
SEMPER FI

[xXLoneBowmanXx]

I've never tried them, because I heard they were poison. But I've also heard they are really good to eat. A couple years age we got into them at Ochlockonee shoals. Vicious little creatures would hit anything we threw at them. We must have caught 30 of them that day.

[Juan]

This from the FWC:

In the waters of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties, the taking of fish commonly known as puffers, Genus Sphoeroides, is prohibited.
Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History-New 7-15-04
*Eating puffer fish (also called blowfish) can cause saxitoxin  poisoning which can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness, drowsiness, incoherent speech and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the poisoning can cause death. Cooking or cleaning the fish will not destroy the toxin. This toxin also has no taste, color or smell. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, contact your physician or visit the emergency room immediately.

[Apalachee Inshore]

This from the FWC:

In the waters of Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties, the taking of fish commonly known as puffers, Genus Sphoeroides, is prohibited.
Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History-New 7-15-04
*Eating puffer fish (also called blowfish) can cause saxitoxin  poisoning which can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness, drowsiness, incoherent speech and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the poisoning can cause death. Cooking or cleaning the fish will not destroy the toxin. This toxin also has no taste, color or smell. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, contact your physician or visit the emergency room immediately.

I think I would just not eat them after reading that.

[DixieReb]

Do not eat them. Carry plenty of jig tails if you get into them, they will destroy a grub tail.

[eightwt]

Caught one on the fly and wasn't aware of the inflate. Took me aback at first. Have caught several "different" species since coming to the Bend. Makes the catching more interesting. Plus adds to a species list!

[zload]

I wouldn't try it and not sure its the same species but...

http://www.kobejones.com.au/the-art-of- ... adly-fish/

[Juan]

I wouldn't try it and not sure its the same species but...

http://www.kobejones.com.au/the-art-of- ... adly-fish/

I'm showing that to a guy on another forum that fishes for them.