There’s something truly satisfying about catching your own fish and then preparing it for a delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newbie with a fishing rod, this guide will take you through the steps to catch your own meal on the water, and a delicious recipe that works great with any catch!
Gear Up, Choose the Right Location and Cast Your Line
First, gather your fishing gear. You’ll need a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, hooks, bait, a tackle box, and a fishing license if required in your area. Research the best fishing spots in your area. Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are great places to start. Ask locals for recommendations or check online forums for advice. Depending on your target fish species, choose an appropriate bait. Common options include worms, insects, or artificial lures.
Find a suitable spot along the water’s edge, and cast your line. Be patient; fishing often requires waiting for a bite. Once you feel a tug on your line, gently reel it in. Carefully handle the fish to avoid injury or damaging its scales.
Where to cast a line? Fishing bridges and docks will produce in winter.
Clean Prep and Enjoy Your Catch
After catching your fish, you’ll need to clean it. Use a sharp knife to gut and scale the fish. Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Fillet your fish by removing the flesh from the bones. You can leave the skin on or off, depending on your preference.
Season your fish with your favorite herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can grill, bake, pan-fry, or even make a delicious fish stew. Savor the fruits of your labor by enjoying a freshly cooked fish meal.
Serve it with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad for a well-rounded dish.
Local favorite, Mahi Mahi with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a simple and wildly delicious way to prepare and serve this tender, flakey, and popular white fish
4 (4-6 ounce) Mahi Mahi Fillets
Salt – to season
lemon pepper – to season
1 lemon – thinly sliced
1 lemon – juiced
5 cloves garlic – minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoon salted butter
2 tablespoon capers – drained (optional)
2 tablespoon fresh parsley – minced
INSTRUCTIONS
Season the mahi mahi. Gently pat each mahi-mahi fillet dry with paper towels and generously season both sides of each fillet with salt and lemon pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the ingredients for the Lemon garlic sauce. Thinly slice one lemon and juice the other lemon into a small bowl so that you have approximately 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mince the garlic and set it aside so that it is already ready for when it’s time to cook the butter sauce.
Pan sear the mahi mahi. Add the olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the olive oil is nice and hot, carefully add each fillet. Sear, undisturbed, until nicely golden brown on the bottom, and the sides are cooked just past halfway up the fillets, about 4 minutes depending on the thickness of your fish (the fish is cooked when it’s no long opaque-looking). Flip and continue to cook on the other side until just cooked through, about 2-4 minutes more (mahi-mahi should reach an internal temperature of 137°F). Remove from heat and transfer fillets to a serving plate.
Prepare the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet (or in a new one), heat the butter, lemon juice, and lemon slices over medium heat. Heat until the butter is melted and just starting to bubble. Stir in the garlic, reduce heat to low, and continue to cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic is lightly golden. Stir in the fresh minced parsley and drained capers (optional).
Combine and serve. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the mahi-mahi and serve immediately.
Not Interested in Cooking Yourself?
It’s a time honored Florida tradition: seaside restaurants that will Cook your catch after a long day on the water. For the avid fisherman, there’s nothing better than taking your proud catch you’ve worked hard for that day and turning it into a delicious meal right from the water.
Call ahead to let the location know you’d like to cook your catch at the following restaurants near your home Gulfstream Boat Club, then relax and enjoy!
EAST COAST
Deck 84 – 840 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 – (561) 665-8484 – https://www.deck84.com/
Sailfish Marina Tiki Bar and Restaurant – 90 Lake Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33404 – 561.844.1724 –https://sailfishmarina.com/tiki-bar/
Frigates – 400 US-1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 – (561) 855-7497 – https://www.frigatesnpb.com/
WEST COAST
Friendly Fisherman – 150 John’s Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, 727-391-6025 www.gofriendlyfisherman.com
Crabby’s on the Pass – Inside the Johns Pass Marina – 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island, FL 33706 – (727) 300-0191 http://www.crabbysonthepass.com/
Sea Critters Café in St. Pete Beach – 2007 Pass-a-Grille Way, 727-360-3706, www.seacritterscafe.com
Maritana Grille – Inside Don Cesar Hotel – 3400 Gulf Blvd., 727-360-1882, www.loewshotels.com/don-cesar/dining
Catch Your Own Meal with Gulfstream Boat Club
Fishing is a skill that improves with experience. Learn from each fishing trip, and experiment with different techniques and bait to increase your chances of success. Catching and cooking your own fish is a rewarding outdoor activity that connects you with nature and the food on your plate. It allows you to appreciate the journey from water to table and the satisfaction of a meal well-earned. So, grab your fishing gear, head to the nearest water source, and embark on a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.