If you love the outdoors and enjoy foraging or fishing, learning to clean a whole fish is a valuable skill. I grew up attending an all-girls high school and a women’s college, and I believe everyone should feel confident tackling tasks often labeled “manly.” Women don’t need to rely on spouses or handymen to get things done. On a recent trip to Nantucket I fixed a leaky toilet and taught a local teenager how to remove a hook and clean a fish — my friend Leo was impressed.
I’m among the women who truly enjoy fishing. I’m especially thrilled by catching fish, and a memorable celebration was my fortieth birthday when I took my family to Alaska to fish for salmon and halibut. We returned home with 400 pounds of fillets.
Catching and cleaning salmon.
Recently I went out on a party boat and nearly won the jackpot — my barracuda missed the top prize by only a few ounces. I did, however, catch the greatest variety of species that day.
Friends and family showing some of the catch.
Nantucket is a forager’s paradise on land and at sea. With guidance from local anglers I’ve learned what the waters offer. I’ve landed stripers, bluefish, porgies (scup) and recently my first bonito. I’ve also learned to clean squid, gone crabbing for blue crabs, and foraged for mussels and scallops. When fishing doesn’t go as planned, Glidden’s Seafood in town is a reliable fallback for fresh catches.
If you plan to visit Nantucket, I recommend renting gear or hiring a guide and getting out on the water. You can also try surf fishing for porgies or scup at Brant Point, where locals are often happy to share tips.
I decided to share a guide on what to do when you catch a fish. Cleaning and preparing a whole fish soon after it’s caught is one of the best ways to enjoy truly fresh seafood. This post shows the steps to clean and prep a whole fish so you can take your catch from boat to plate while it’s at its best. Enjoy!