20 Delicious Recipes for Wild Caught Fresh and Saltwater Fish
By Carissa Stanz
Whether you’re rocking on a boat far out to sea or casting a pole from the dock, there is nothing like casting a line and reeling in the catch of the day. Loading up the bait and tackle before the sun rises over the horizon, the possibility of bringing home dinner leaves the mind to wonder about all the ways to prep the catch.
Miles from shore, we were out at sea scouting kelp beds, waiting patiently for the opportunity to reel one in. I looked over the edge to catch a glimpse of a brightly colored Yellowtail swimming around, and then slip, there went my Ray Bans sinking down into the deep depths of the ocean. A bummer, but a small sacrifice for a delicious Yellowtail that was about to become dinner.
Whether you’re rocking on a boat far out to sea or casting a pole from the dock, there is nothing like casting a line and reeling in the catch of the day. Loading up the bait and tackle before the sun rises over the horizon, the possibility of bringing home dinner leaves the mind to wonder about all the ways to prep the catch. The usual staples are always a hit, but should you run the risk of a new recipe that may only turn out to be so-so?
Take the guessing out of the work and try something new with one of these salty fresh recipes. From expert anglers to first time fishermen, these 20 recipes will showcase your catch in all its glory.
1. CEDAR PLANK SALMON WITH BROWN SUGAR AND BLACK PEPPER
There are endless ways of cooking salmon, and they are all good.
Rather than mask the flavor with heavy creams or extra ingredients, let the filet shine with this cedar plank salmon recipe.
2. WHOLE BAKED TROUT WITH HERB SALSA
This whole baked trout takes the intimidation out of cooking a whole fish.
If it’s your first time cooking your catch whole, start with this recipe.
3. GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH MEDITERRANEAN PASTA
Swordfish is an angler’s dream catch. If you so happen to reel in this trophy fish, you need a recipe that is as impressive as the fish.
Honor your accomplishment with this Grilled Swordfish recipe.
4. COD WITH TOMATO AND HERB BUTTER
If fish and chips sound like too much work, keep it simple.
Let the oven do all the work with this fresh Cod with Tomato and Herb Butterrecipe.
5. BLACKENED CATFISH OVER CAJUN RICE
Do your catfish Southern-style with this Blackened Catfish Over Cajun Rice recipe.
6. FRIED WALLEYE
If you live in Minnesota, then you are probably very familiar with Walleye.
The official state fish, try it fried with this crispy recipe.
7. SNOOK AND GRITS
Snook can be found swimming in saltwater as well as fresh. If you are lucky enough to snag one, put a little soul into your recipe and pair it with cheesy grits.
Get the recipe here.
8. ARCTIC CHAR GRAVLAX
A cross between trout and salmon, Arctic char has a pink flesh that makes for excellent Gravlax. Coarse salt, brown sugar, grapefruit zest, and a splash of gin add a little something special to this Nordic dish.
Get the recipe here.
9. CAST IRON BLACK DRUM
Sometimes, simple is best. Use a cast iron skillet to cook your black drum to perfection.
Get the recipe here.
10. SALT BAKED SEA BASS 
Looking for a way to cook sea bass whole? How about stuffing it with lemons, thyme, garlic, and ginger, then rubbing a mound of kosher salt on top for a moist, flaky fish.
Let Adventures in Cooking show you how with this recipe.
¨Miles from shore, we were out at sea scouting kelp beds, waiting patiently for the opportunity to reel one in. I looked over the edge to catch a glimpse of a brightly colored Yellowtail swimming around, and then slip, there went my Ray Bans sinking down into the deep depths of the ocean. A bummer, but a small sacrifice for a delicious Yellowtail that was about to become dinner.¨
11. MEDITERRANEAN GROUPER
Feel like you are eating seaside with this freshly caught grouper topped with capers, green olives, and lemon zest recipe.
12. CARIBBEAN GRILLED WHOLE RED SNAPPER
Nobody can prepare red snapper quite like the Caribbean. Do yourself a favor and grab your spices, fresh lemon, and a couple plantains to experience the flavors of the islands.
Get the recipe here.
13. MAHI-MAHI FISH TACOS WITH CHIPOLTE CREMA
Also referred to as Dorado or dolphinfish, Mahi Mahi are a beautiful shade of green and blue – and they taste even better than they look.
Add some lime and spicy jalapeño for killer bite sized Mahi Mahi fish tacos.
14. HALIBUT CEVICHE
Unless you sashimi your fish on the deck of the boat, it does not get any more fresh than ceviche. Best prepared when using a firm white fish, halibut makes for killer ceviche.
Learn how to make your own with this recipe.
15. SEARED AHI TUNA WITH CHIMICHURRI
If you are lucky enough to reel in one of those bad boys, then please, cook it right. Slightly searing both sides and leaving the middle pink is how it should be. Add Chimichurri and slices of avocado, and you have Ahi done right.
Get the recipe here.
16. HAWAIIAN ONO WITH PINEAPPLE GINGER SALSA
Also commonly referred to as Wahoo, Ono pairs well with tropical flavors.
Try this Hawaiian Ono recipe for a real treat.
17. PAN SEARED MARLIN
If you are an angler good enough to catch this trophy fish, then you need a recipe as good as the catch. A little bit of black garlic, lemongrass, and red chili ought to do the trick!
Get the recipe here.
18. BAKED TREVALLY WITH STICKY COCONUT RICE
Hooking trevally is a feet to tackle.
Common to the Indo-Pacific region, if you are skilled enough to catch one then you are skilled enough to cook this Baked Trevally with Sticky Coconut rice.
19. BAKED ROCKFISH WITH FENNEL AND BLOOD ORANGE
The mixture of blood orange, clementines, and lemon zest compliment rockfish like none other.
Get the recipe here.
20. BROILED POLLOCK WITH A LEMON PARSLEY PESTO
Easy, elegant, and downright delicious, top your catch of the day with lemon parsley pesto for a fine-dining experience in your very own home.
Get the recipe here.
