There’s nothing like a day of fishing to enjoy the amazing Florida landscape. You get to soak in the sun, hang with your buddies, and catch your dinner all at the same time.
But, once you’ve reeled in the big one, what do you do with it? Well, Fishmonger Approved is here to help you figure that out.
These are our favorite catch to cook experiences in Florida so you can hook the big one and enjoy it that same day.
1. Catch to Cook in Stuart, Florida
While you may be thinking ‘fishing is fun in Stuart but I’ll just have to release my sailfish back into the water,’ there are tons of other literal fish in the sea here that make delectable eating.
In addition to the legendary sailfish, you can catch a plethora of Snook, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Amberjack depending on the time of year you come down.
Once caught, there are plenty of great spots that will cook up your catch for you in style. Conchy Joe’s, found in Jensen Beach, is just a short distance from the charter boat marina. Bring them a fish and they’ll be happy to cook it up for you.
Another great spot on Manatee Pocket is King Neptune’s in Port Salerno. Bring in your catch and they’ll make quick work of it turning it into a delicious dinner. If smoked fish is more your style, bring your catch to Mrs. Peters Smokehouse and Catering where she will expertly smoke your fresh fish.
This is a great idea if the fish is too big for one sitting.
2. Fishing and Feasting in the Florida Keys
Fishing off the Keys results in many different amazing varieties of fish that are ripe for the feasting. Luckily, the majority of restaurants are willing to cook up your catch if you bring it to them.
You’ll catch a lot of yellowtail snapper and spiny lobster when fishing in the Keys. If you’re lucky you’ll hook your very own mahi-mahi before heading back to shore. Ask the captain where he takes his fish to catch and cook to get some great suggestions.
Some of our favorites are Lazy Days Islamorada and Lazy Days South in Marathon, Stock Island’s Hogfish Bar and Grill, and Buzzards Roost Grill and Pub in Key Largo.
3. Hooking for Cooking in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is an angler’s paradise. You can expect to catch fish like red drum, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, different grouper species, Spanish mackerel, and pompano.
Located in the fishing village of Cortez, the chef at The Swordfish Grill will do your catch proud. They sit right on the Sarasota Bay and serve up fresh fish every day from right outside their window.
4. Capture for Caramelization in Naples/Marco Island, Florida
Fishing along the Southwest Coast of Florida offers some of the best scenery in the state. Explore the labyrinth of mangrove jungle along creeks, bays, and islands.
Enjoy catches like snook, redfish, and speckled trout along with mangrove snapper, pompano, and sheepshead. There are a few different spots we recommend to run with your catch once you step back onshore.
You can’t go wrong with Riverwalk at Tin City, Kelly’s Fish House, The Dock at Crayton Cove, Bay House, or Snook Inn. All will do a phenomenal job of honoring your catch and serving up a great meal.
5. Dapping to Dine in Daytona Beach, Florida
Crabbie Joe’s is the best spot in town for a catch to cook experience in Daytona. Located right off the Daytona Beach Sunglow Pier, walk in your catch and they will hook it up.
Fishing off the pier will land you whiting or pompano, perhaps flounder or trout, or even Spanish mackerel and bluefish. All delicious.
If you’ve been offshore enjoying a day on the boat, you’re most likely coming back with the deepwater fish common to Daytona. You should expect catches of vermillion snapper, Mahi, and cobia.
No Matter What You Call It, Catch to Cook in Florida is Incredible
Florida is synonymous with fresh, delicious seafood. Anywhere along the coast, you can get the best of the best grilled, broiled, steamed, fried, however, you’d like it we serve it that way.
For the avid fisherman, there’s nothing better than taking your proud catch you’ve worked hard for that day and turn it into a five-star meal right from the water. Sit down, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor at any of the locations we have mentioned and more.
One of the benefits of having a professional cook your catch instead of taking it home is knowledge. Every fish is different. Fat content, thickness, flakiness, and more are all considerations of the ways they should be cooked.
The chefs at these restaurants are experts in the local seafood around their restaurant. They will be able to scale it, skin it, and de-bone it perfectly. They’ll also know the way to cook it to bring out the best flavor in the fish.
Leave the cooking to the pros and you can stick to getting the fish in the boat.
Have some leftover fish from your catch? Head on over to our recipes section here to check out some more ideas on what to do with your prepared filets.
Looking for more locations not to miss? Click here for more blogs about all the great adventures to be had around Florida and on the water.
What’s your favorite place for catch to cook in Florida? Share in the comments below!
Hello Fish Monger – I’m Rich Lientz with Otto Wilde Grills. We are looking for fishing/chef ambassadors. If anyone comes to mind we are looking from Key West to Maine in key markets – please contact me directly.