Went bottom fishing between 70 and 105’ and pulled in a nice haul with limits of BSB and similar of vermillion. We then did some free diving on mahi-dolphin in 80’ and managed a half dozen or so. After our scuba dives we pulled up some decent grouper, cubera snapper, spiny lobster, and slipper lobster. I didn’t bring my dive camera while diving so I only have pictures of the final haul from one of our boats. I also saved a big grouper head for fish head soup. I’ll let you guys know how it turns out.
Update:
As promised I am posting the results of my attempt at grouper head soup and man it was awesome. I won’t be tossing out any big grouper heads any more when I go fishing. The broth that the head makes is super flavorful; just remember to remove the gills and fins completely and then brine the head for at least 30 minutes. The basic recipe I used was a bit of a mix between Thai and Vietnamese recipes and not really that easy to make but very worth it and the soup feels lots of people.
Head just added to the soup base. Don’t worry, the final result doesn’t look back at you…
Cooked fish head about ready to have the meat pulled:
When the head was cooked I pulled it from the soup and easily picked all of the meat which I returned to the pot. I’d say this was easily some of the best meat on the whole fish and
quote:I also saved a big grouper head for fish head soup.
Gosh, that brings back memories..I had a Phillipino aunt that used to fix fish-head stew. Never brave enough to eat the head, but the broth poured over rice was pretty tasty.
had a great time yesterday, jordan. need to thank auggie dog who manned the boat while we were in the water and is a top notch fish cleaner to boot! also james and his crew who buddy boated with us as our reg capt was out of town. congrates to Ginny who made her first dive off chas. and caught a few slippers to out dive her two buddies on that dive! awesome day on the water with lots of color in the box including cuberra and a nice yellowmouth grouper and some gags and triggers. a hogfish for james and shooting mahi freediving! hard to beat the lowcountry!
