Tips for Keeping Your Fish Fresh After Catching

Tips for Keeping Your Fish Fresh After Catching

With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to break out your fishing pole and head out to the water! There is an incredible amount of anticipation when we release our cast in the water. If you’re lucky enough to reel in a great catch, make the most of it by bringing it to the table! Follow some of these tips to help keep your fish in excellent condition while preserving its superior taste!

Keep Your Fish on Ice

Filling an insulated cooler with crushed ice is a great way to temporarily store your fish. However, you should make sure to leave the cooler’s drain plug open for the water from the melting ice to run out. If the water stays trapped in the cooler, it may end up spoiling the flavor of your catch. Don’t forget to continue to add ice to your cooler as the water drains!

Refrigerate Your Fresh Fish

Before you refrigerate your catch, wash the skin in cold water and dry it. Then wrap the fish in waxed paper, foil, or plastic wrap and place it back into the fridge, leaving it on ice. The cooler you keep the fish, the better! Continue to drain and replace the ice often, so the fish is not sitting in water.

You can leave your fish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. The flesh will slowly start to deteriorate, leaving you with a flavorful fish.

Freeze Your Fish

Another common way to store your fresh catch is by freezing it! When you store your fish in the freezer, it can last significantly longer than storing it in the refrigerator. Typically, a frozen fish can last from three to 12 months.

To ensure freshness, make sure to clean the fish before wrapping it. After you cover it, you can store it in a Ziploc bag, but make sure you’re removing all the air within the bag. A fish can lose its flavor when it meets air. You could also consider using an airtight package sealer to remove all air from the package!

Now that you know how to store your fresh fish properly, you’re ready to plan your next fly-fishing trip! If you’re looking for fishing in a premier location, visit Mattice Lake OutfittersContact us today to schedule your next fishing trip!

Leave a reply