Striper fish, commonly found on the East Coast of the United States, are one of the best eating fish out there. But there are a lot of steps between reeling one of them in and enjoying a mouthwatering meal. If you’re looking to take your catch from rod to plate, here’s what you should do:
Handle the Catch with Care
Once you’ve landed a striper, it’s crucial to handle it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Begin by wetting your hands before touching the fish. This helps prevent removing the fish’s protective slime layer. Handle the striper gently to avoid any unnecessary stress or harm.
Bleed and Chill
For the best results, it’s recommended to bleed the striper immediately after catching it. You can do this by cutting the fish’s gills, allowing the blood to flow out. Next, place the striper on ice or in a cooler with ice packs to preserve its freshness. Chilling the fish quickly helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Prepare for the Culinary Adventure
When you’re ready to prepare your striper for cooking, start by filleting the fish. You can use a sharp fillet knife to carefully remove the skin and bones. If you’re new to filleting, there are plenty of online tutorials available that can guide you through the process.
Once you have your fillets, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. There are countless ways to prepare striper, from classic recipes like grilled striper with herbs and lemon to more adventurous options like pan-seared striper with a tangy sauce. It’s wise to know before you go fishing how you want to prepare it, so you’ll be prepared with all the right ingredients.
Of course, this whole process starts with actually catching a striper fish. Here at Morning Flight Charters, we’ll help you do exactly that while also showing you the beauty of the Maine coastline. With our expert guides and top-notch equipment, we’ll make sure your striper fishing trip is an experience to remember. Give us a call 207-831-2426 to start your rod-to-plate journey today!