Snapper Fishing with Family

Today, we went snapper fishing at the New Jersey shore. It is a fun and easy pastime for the entire family, young and old.







We also caught some crabs.
(How to clean and cook crabs.)

In NJ, snapper fishing starts in August and is full swing by Labor Day or mid September. The last two weeks of August and the first 2 weeks of September are prime time for snapper fishing.

All photos - Copyright - ©2011 - La Casa e Il Giardino – picasaweb

Snappers are baby bluefish. They are fun to catch and delicious to eat.  Once they’re on the hook they can't get away.  Many people don't like the taste of bluefish and therefore, will not eat snappers.  But because snappers are baby bluefish, they do not taste fishy as the adult ones.  The meat is white, finely textured and delicious. 

Snappers are cleaned like any other fish.  First cut the fins with old scissors.  Then scale the fish with a knife against the grain, gut them and remove the head.

Snappers are good on the grill or floured and fried. I simply coat the snappers with flour and fry them in vegetable oil until golden. Be careful not to overcook them.

Eat around the bone. The fish meat will separate from the bone by simply lifting it with a fork.  

Now, go and give snappers a try.