I PROMISE this will be my last post about my Florida vacation last week and then I will get a move on towards more accessible, make-able, bake-able recipes for the majority of you kind visitors. But, how could I NOT share this beautiful photo of my FRESH CATCH?! Just looking at it again revives my titillation from the little nibble nibble on the end of my pole, the reel, the fight and the surprise as your fish breaks the surface.
Now, I must say that I have major respect for the fish of the sea and do not take catching them lightly. I have decided that I must have been a fisherman… or a fish… in a past life. I have a primal draw towards fishing, which makes no sense because nobody in my immediate family even owns a pole.
Our half-day fishing trip on the Gulf of Mexico was planned for the last day of the vacation and I eagerly anticipated it like a 5-year old counting down to Christmas. From the moment we stepped on the boat, I had butterflies in my stomach and the minute I grasped the rod and cast into the deep blue, I was in heaven. I wish I could better explain what it is that gives me such extreme satisfaction and I certainly wish I had the chance to go fishing more than once every few years. It was a treat and the highlight of the week.
EATING FRESH FISH
We heated olive oil in a pan until very hot. We put the fresh filets in a little flour, salt and pepper, shaking the excess off and then fried them up. Topped off with some fresh lemon…. it was amazing. Fish that is just hours out of the water is so insanely different than grocery store fish.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:05 am
How did you eat that much fish on your last day of vacay? Did you give some away?
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 am
Dana – We had 6 people on the boat actually so we all split up the filets. The other fishers had house guests and my parents were there too. We actually didn’t keep all we caught – just what we thought the whole gang could eat! I hate wasting. Especially when anything gave its life for us.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Simple recipes for fresh fish are the best. What a way to spend the last day of your vacation! :)
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Maybe you were a mermaid. kath
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
gorgeous shot of your fresh catch! I must digress to a fond memory I have of fishing in FLA off the docks while playing slap jack with my partner in crime. We landed the biggest fish to live in those waters. good times….
March 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Linked to you via Lottie+Doof, and wanted to let you know that this BEAUTIFUL fish photo and accompanying post brought a smile to my face. Love the vibrant colors and the story is really evocative. Nice!
April 24th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I found your site on google, great site, keep it up. Will return in the future. Submitted this post to Google News Reader.