The Waters of Sarasota and Your Catch

By Joshua Kitchel

Sarasota Preservation and Fish Recipe

As an angler in the waters of Sarasota Bay, conservation efforts are one of the causes I mainly follow. This movement supports the longevity of angling and fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico in the first place. Not only is that the reason, but seeing our oceans and other bodies of water in a very healthy condition will lead to all other benefits in terms of health, economy, and taking care of the world we live in. We only have one, after all. In this case, anglers like us can surely enjoy the best saltwater fly fishing in Sarasota Bay's waters.

For example, As I own the top fishing charter operation in Sarasota, I support one of the most popular non-profit organizations locally called Captains for Clean Water. For those reading this without the slightest clue about Captains for Clean Water, the organization's two founders started in 2016 as two fishing guides who had "had enough" of Florida's terrible water management policies destroying the estuaries that the community depends on. The two founders believed that if everyone had been aware of these existing problems, they would have been resolved long ago. Though the answer is obvious, it has been years since it was implemented due to a lack of political will and public knowledge. We, therefore, set out to alter it.

Captains for Clean Water's main goal is to create solutions based on science, empower people like me to speak out and share information about the state of our waters, and hold our elected officials accountable for taking action. More people are becoming aware and joining the fight for clean water thanks to the cooperation of the outdoor industry, environmental organizations, the corporate sector, and concerned citizens. As a result, development is advancing at a record rate, but there is still more work to be done, and I believe we will eventually be able to achieve their aim together. I also support any other efforts to clean our oceans, like Oceania.

Today, we're facing problems like a lack of fresh water, which could prove dangerous because there could be a shortage of drinking water for Floridians. Not to mention that the damage done to the seas has significantly decreased the wildlife population in the area, putting fishing tours at risk. Massive numbers of seagrass are dying, fish are dying, and algae frequently bloom, all because of the water's hypersalinity.

For the sake of living, breathing humans who are the primary consumers of the ocean, we must strive to preserve both these priceless resources and our way of life. Not just for us but for future generations as well. Wouldn't we want our future kids and grandkids to linger in the beauty of the oceans and all they can give? Our fishery is very fragile and will deplete without proper care and attention. And for Florida, a state surrounded by multiple bodies of water with Singer Island fishing charters, spearfishing charters in Florida, and many more, the ocean is the most important thing to protect. In this way, a lot of people can also experience discovering Sarasota Bay's fishing wonders.

Aside from the satisfaction of landing a large fish, the sport of fishing also provides enjoyment in the form of food for later consumption, especially if you love seafood and don't have time to place an order at a restaurant. Make no mistake, I am no cook per se, but cooking with your best is a way of thanking the fish for its sacrifice and paying respect.

For a recipe with various choices, you can never go wrong with Southern Fried Fish. Although the dish is simple, it brings out the fish's flavor, whether tuna or mullet, which is more than a simple angler like I can ask for. So for this dish, all you need is the fish, some buttermilk, Hot Sauce as a seasoning and dip, Cornmeal for the breading, Flour, Creole Seasoning, Kosher Salt or Table Salt, and Oil. And yes, there is no need for you to chop an onion or lemon, or add some cheese, cooking wine, and butter for this dish. What an easy dish, as you can get everything from the town market. Also, the preparation would take you way less than 15 minutes.

The first step, of course, is to filet the fish. But if you don't have the time for that, that's fine too. Next is to rinse the fish and dry them with a paper towel. This is important to keep that first oil dip from smearing all over you. After this, you can start the marinating process. Put some buttermilk in a Ziploc bag, add some hot sauce, and mix both inside the bag. Once the mixture is formed that you can't tell the difference between the buttermilk and the hot sauce, you can throw the fish inside too. Let them sit for 30 minutes, making sure every piece of fish is coated evenly. Set that aside. While the grouper or any fish you choose is soaking in the buttermilk mixture, add the cornmeal, flour, Creole seasoning, and some salt to a large shallow bowl or pie plate. If pepper is a must for your food, you can add a little bit of it. Use a whisk or fork to combine them all. The amount of salt and all the other seasonings can differ according to taste. After 30 minutes of marinating, take some of the fish and let the excess marinate mixture drip before dipping them into our coating mixture.

Ensure the fish pieces are thoroughly covered, then repeat until you can coat everything. After coating them, though, let them rest for a while just to let them stick before we cook them in oil. Now, it's time to fry. Add oil to a pan or skillet where the oil is an inch deep. Heat the pan in medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it gets 375, put a single piece of fish. Note that when putting things in oil during frying, you must put them in a motion directed away from you. Wait for the oil to come back to 375 before you put the next piece, and do this until you run out of space in the pan. Do not crowd the fish. You can cook by batch if your pan or skillet is small. Fry the fish for 2 or 3 minutes on one side until the crust is golden brown and crispy. After that, turn the fish pieces over and cook for one to two minutes more or until the fish pieces start to float in the oil. Lastly, just put it on a wire rack and let the excess oil drip before serving. You can never go wrong with this recipe. Make sure to serve them warmly and add some hot sauce to the side. Depending on how long you marinate your dish, the process would probably take less than an hour. You can even cook this light meal if you have visitors or just for yourself in any year's season.

If you want to learn more about fishing or fishing charters I provide, you can check out my Facebook and Instagram, where I share most of my trip and fishing photos. I hope we may go on a fishing charter in Sarasota Bay one day together.