From Dock to Dinner: 5 Underrated Catches That Make Delicious Meals

Most anglers go out into the water with the goal of catching a trophy fish, like a snook or a monster tuna. However, if your goal is to reel in something you can take home and fry up for dinner, those aren’t your only options. On the contrary, a lot of underrated catches make for delicious dishes packed with flavor. 

Here are seven fish you don’t want to overlook next time you go fishing if you want a scrumptious meal fresh from the sea. Whether you’re cooking on a small boat or bringing home your catch to share with the family, they won’t disappoint.

1. Sheepshead

If you’re a fan of kayak fishing, consider taking home this Sheepshead has a mild and sweet taste profile with a touch of shellfish flavor, since that’s what these fish eat in the water. However, don’t be intimidated by this kayak fishing staple’s hard and thick scales. Just grab the sharpest knife you have to fillet it to perfection.

Cooking sheepshead is pretty simple; all you really need is some lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, butter, and your favorite herbs. Marinate your fillets with everything and bake them for 12 minutes (or grill them for five if you’re starving!). Drizzle some leftover lemon butter on it, and serve.

2. Cobia

The firm texture and rich, buttery flavor Cobia has to offer make this unassuming fish an amazing choice for sushi. To bring out that taste a little more, season it with salt and pepper and slightly sear it before serving.

You can also grill or broil Cobia fillets for a more filling meal. Cajun flavors or a classic blackened seasoning suit this fish well. Then, pair it with some spicy mayo or soy sauce. Just make sure you don’t overcook it in the pan, as it tends to dry out pretty fast on high heat.

3. Black Drum

Next time you go fishing in shallow waters near structures like docks and bridges, keep an eye out for some Black Drum. Go for the small and young fish, which are mild and sweet, unlike larger, adult drum that can be tough, coarse, and have a fishy flavor that’s difficult to mask.

The easiest way to prepare Black Drum for a meal is by baking it. Season it with herbs like rosemary and thyme, olive oil, and lemon juice. Then, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Easy peasy!

4, Pompano

Pompano is considered a specialty fish in Florida, where some of the best fishing and boating spots for families are. This light and delicate fish has a buttery and slightly sweet flavor that chefs love to play around with, and if you can catch it on your next fishing trip near sandy shores, you can, too!

You can cook Pompano however you wish, whether by baking, grilling, or frying it. The important thing is to cook it whole because the fish is quite small, and the meat is incredibly tender and delicate. We recommend stuffing it with delicious herbs and broiling it for 8-10 minutes per side.

5. Silver Trout

Silver Trout, which is milder and softer than speckled seatrout, can be quite fragile, like Pompano, so it’s best for light frying or a quick and simple sauté. To get that crispy, golden brown touch on the outside, dredge it with flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, fry it in a pan for one to two minutes on each side.

Endnote

Next time you’re out on the water and catch one of these underrated fish above, think twice before throwing them back. If you know how to prepare and cook them, they could be a delectable dinner after a long day of fishing. From sheepshead to cobia to pompano, there are tons of unassuming fish that could give you the most unforgettable eating experiences. Grab your fishing gear, fire off a cast, and bring home a delicious catch for the whole family.

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