5 Ways to Cook Fresh Fish in Summer
5 Ways to Cook Your Summer Catch
Summer is a great time to get out with friends and family to catch some fish. If you live near one of the many rivers in Iowa, the current is always a safe bet during these hot summer months. Or If Lake fishing is more for you, then focusing on weeds and deeper areas of the lake will have you caching some fish. If you plan to eat your catch during these warm months you must leave the house knowing that to ensure proper care of the meat.
There are 2 ways to manage your catch during the summer, keep the fish alive, or put them on ice. If you have a livewell in your boat, keeping them alive isn’t hard, however, if you are on shore, bringing a cooler with ice is the best way. The next step in keeping your catch delicious is cleaning them as soon as possible. Knowing how to cook fresh fish in summer starts with proper handling, storage, and choosing the right cooking method.
How to Handle and Store Fresh Fish in Summer
Ideally, cleaning them at the lake is best. Many, but not all lakes and rivers have cleaning stations near the boat ramps. If you are going to an area that does not have a cleaning station, a cooler with ice will keep them in good shape until you get home. I like to freeze a 2-Liter bottle of water or smaller 24oz bottles of water to keep things cool. You could bring your cleaning supplies with you and get the fish cleaned before you leave the lake area, just make sure and dispose of carcasses properly. Again, no matter your process, keep the fish cold until you can process them and get them into a refrigerator. This way, you and your loved ones can enjoy some summertime fish. Here are 5 ways that I enjoy fish during these warm months.
Fried Fish
This is by far the most common way people like to eat their catch. Put some oil in a pan, batter the fish and let the cook on each side. There are a lot of different batters you can pick up at the store. No matter which one you like, try mixing in an equal amount of pancake batter with your fish batter. It gives the fish a light coating and the fish taste really comes through on the ½ and ½ batter mix. Frying fish in oil is a terrific way to prepare fish, but probably the unhealthiest way too. Fish, overall, is a great source of protein with no fat. When we cook it in oil that adds a lot of the fat back into your meal. However, it is hard to beat freshly fried fish dipped in some tartar sauce with a side of fries and ketchup!
How to Cook Fish Tacos
Fish and tacos, my two favorite foods, why not mix them! A lot of people fry their fish and then put it in a taco shell or burrito. I like to use baked fish on my tacos. It is really simple to do and a lot less mess in the kitchen too. Take 10 fish (good for about 2 people) and bake them (I typically use a toaster oven) for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
After the meat is flakey, just take a couple of forks and mix them up in a bowl. It will kind of look like shredded chicken. Add in your taco seasoning to your tastes’ desire, and you have your taco meat base. Add all your favorite taco toppings, don’t forget a bit of cilantro, and you have a great new way to enjoy fish. No frying smell, and a healthy way to enjoy that summer catch.
Fish Cakes
If you have ever been to the East Coast, you may have seen Crab Cakes on a menu. These are a knock-off of that long-lived tradition with the coastal towns. Fish cakes can be made quite easily with commercially bought packets. My favorite recipe for fish cakes actually came from this magazine over ten ago.
This recipe takes quite a few steps and spices from the kitchen cabinet, as well as much more prep time than the boxed version. It is the absolute best though! My favorite boxed version is the Zatarain’s Crab Cake mix. Very simple to make, bake the fillets, add the batter, egg and mayonnaise to the fillets and fry the patties on both sides until crisp. It is very refreshing with different dipping sauces too, not just your typical tartar sauce. This is such a unique and great way to enjoy some fish, no matter what species they are.
Fish Sandwich
This deli style version is for those that may have caught a larger game fish to eat. Walleye or Northern Pike make great sandwiches. The thicker meat fills up your favorite style of bun just like a restaurant. This does require you to fry the fillets, and with the thicker fillets you will need to cook them a bit longer than a bluegill or crappie. One mistake I see people, and restaurants make is not letting the fish drain and cook a bit before putting it on the bun. Absorb the extra oil off the fried fish before putting it on your bun. Add some fresh lettuce, onion, pickle, tartar sauce and cheese to make a perfect sandwich on a hot day.
Air Fryer
This one I just recently tried, and it takes a special batter to complete. Most people have an air fryer in their kitchen and this is as close to real fried fish as you can get without the smell and added fat. I have tried many ways to cook fish in an air fryer, nothing worked until I tried the Louisiana Crispy Air Fryer Fish. This batter creates a light coating on the fillets and again, it is the next best thing to actually frying fish. Coat the fillets and place them in the air fryer, you then lightly spray the fillets with some cooking oil. Olive Oil Spray works fantastic. This is a very quick way (10 mins) to enjoy some great tasting fish without all the mess and smell.
I hope these ideas will help you try something different with your summertime catch. I have used each of these many times to enjoy my catches. Remember, a successful summer time fish meal starts before you take the trip, plan ahead to keep your fish cool after you catch or clean them.
June 2026
Toddy Reed
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