Cabezon vs Bullhead

[Ambassadeur]

Hey all,

New to the island, but not new to saltwater fishing. Grew up on the ocean in an area where Cabezon were rare but very desirable, although I never managed to catch one. It could just be the guys that I know up here, but on the north Island it seems like bullhead is used as a generic term for sculpin. And that they're all thrown back, as they're considered gross. I've been catching lots of sculpin, and have managed to ID a couple species -- 1 pacific stag horn sculpin, a couple of red irish lords, and tons of another species that look like Cabezon to me?! The cirri above the eyes is small though. Are they that common around here, or are these fish perhaps another species I'm unfamiliar with?

I realize that without pictures a positive ID is difficult. But any input is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[seadna]

There's plenty of cabezon in the area - especially on the West coast of VCI but also on the inside too. Cabezon live near kelp and anyplace that holds shrimp and other shellfish, generally holds cabezon. Relative to other sculpins, they are 1) bigger and 2) more triangular when viewed from the top. The head is quite large and cabezon is taken from the Spanish word for head "cabeza". The flesh is usually green/blue but cooks up white. Many people highly prize cabezon and some claim that if one cooks it properly, it can taste like lobster. Those people haven't eaten good lobster. Personally, I think they are OK eating but not great. I've tried numerous preparations but would rather eat ling cod, rockfish, true cod, salmon or halibut. Given that we can catch plenty of these other species, I usually toss cabezon back.

 

[Dogbreath]

....they are OK eating but not great. I've tried numerous preparations but would rather eat ling cod, rockfish, true cod, salmon or halibut....

Yes Cabezon is a very meaty fish and the flavour isn't in any way exceptional-it's nice for a change.

 

[sir-vivor]

Cabezon,

 

[D24M]

I used to catch Bullhead galore in Point Roberts as a kid (all sizes) and I would cut up the large ones and put them in the crab trap - the crabs didn't even like them. You would have better luck with just about any other bait. I do not crab much anymore but note that our favorite crab bait was clams - we would get 5 times more dungenese than any other bait except salmon guts. We would dig up clams, boil them, and then drain the clams (without shells) and 'juice' into plastic cups and then freeze them. We would then drop 1-3 cups in the bait holder and voila! Anyone else ever use this method?

 

[Big_Shank]

Cabezon are ok. They are very similar in texture to crab and because of this, they make a great substitute. I've done them up now in fish tacos(not the best by any means), stuffed mushroom caps, and steamed chunks in garlic butter like crab legs... The roe is toxic though, don't eat that stuff.

 

[Dogbreath]

Being a dense fleshed fish it does well in soup especially a garlicky spicy brew.

 

[Ambassadeur]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the input! Much appreciated.

And next time I catch one, I'll take a picture to post here for confirmation

Cheers!

 

[NautiGirl]

three words- fish and chips