by Mary Teresa Fowler

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: February 01, 2009

The Fresh Scoop On Saltwater Fish

The ultimate fish is a fresh fish. Nothing excites a fish lover more than a fish fresh from the ocean. Anglers may seem a little superficial at times. Yes, they do put amazing emphasis on appearance and size! But let's cut them some slack, they are in it for the long haul.

And they are committed to their fish's best interests. They want to make sure that their fish arrives safe and sound at their desired destination. Yet despite their good intentions, some anglers just don't know how to treat a good catch.

A poorly treated fish will tell everyone about the angler's neglect. The eyes tell the tale. Clear bright eyes speak of tender loving care.

The flesh of a fish should ideally be solid and bouncy to the touch. Soft, saggy, or bruised flesh is a sign of improper care. Fresh fish smell clean and pleasant.

When a fish is not in good condition, it has a strong and very unpleasant odour. Unloved fish won't provide good meals or quality mountings. It pays dividends to love and care for your prized catch.

Some anglers make the mistake of thinking that all fish are the same. Freshwater and saltwater fish have different needs. Saltwater fish don't like aerated live wells, fish baskets, or stringers. Saltwater fish like ice and lots of ice and preferably dry ice!

All fish have certain preferences though before they meet up with any ice. They like to transition from their ocean home to another dimension by the quickest and most humane manner. Fish like a very prompt and thorough cleaning. They would prefer to be filleted nicely before they enter any icy domain.

Saltwater fish like dry ice because it provides them with a flashy experience. Flash freezing is a fast and efficient way to preserve a fish. Dry ice has a temperature of -109 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most home freezers are only at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Flash freezing prevents large crystalline structures from forming in fish. A fish doesn't like to have large crystals because they turn its flesh to mush.

Fish and dry ice are very compatible because dry ice acts as a a biocide. Dry ice helps to preserve fish for much longer than slushy ice. Fish forced to spend time in slushy ice will lose some of its taste and texture. Fish like to stay as cold as possible until they can reach their destination.

An angler's work is still not finished as soon as the fish arrives at its desired location. His efforts then will be determined by the next phase in the transition. Is the fish going to be on tonight's menu? It should then stay in the coldest part of the refrigerator until dinner time.

If you plan to use the fish somewhere down the line, then the freezer can be its home. Fish of course love a vacuum sealed look for their stay in the freezer. An angler's work load is a little lighter if the fish is being turned into a mount. The taxidermist will then take over once the angler delivers the best possible product.

There are two steadfast truths for anglers to remember if they want to preserve fish at their best. Heat and air are the dreaded enemies of any fish. Avoid them at all costs.

The best fish is the one which goes from the ocean to its destination in the quickest time at the coldest temperature. The best fish is the fresh fish. Preserve your fish. Preserve its freshness.

And most of all, preserve the memories! A fish may be part of a spectacular meal or memorialized forever in the comfort of your den. A fish provides an angler with the experience of a lifetime. Such a special fish surely deserves some tender loving care. Keep it fresh!

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