So, my wife and I are traveling north over Christmas. Instead of packing the car full of never-to-be-used presents for the family, we thought that we would bring freshly harvested oysters. We’ve never harvested oysters before, but we’ve seen how to do it in a DNR video!!! But, we have no idea of how to keep them alive during a 12 hour car trip up north. So, I come seeking answers…anyone know how to keep oysters fresh and alive for 1-2 days?
thanks !!!
tom
If they are closed they are alive. When they die they let the muscle loose and open, when you steam them they may not let go but they are dead. I have kept them for a week in reasonably cool environment. Maybe a big plastic bin, some ice on the bottom, a laundry basket with the oysters over that, then a wet towel over the top, they need air too. A closed cooler isn’t good. Do not freeze them or put ice directly on them. Like the link says you can tap them to get them to close, but I have not experienced this, they stay closed for me.
I do it differently. I put ice on, and under them, but allow the water to drain. The best bet is probably call Paul at Sellsfish and ask his professional opinion. I am certain he won’t steer you wrong. (843)871-0640
Large cooler, drip pan that holds oysters above drain and water level, cool dark place, light ice layer over the top when needed. Keep em around 45 degrees and you should be good for 1-2 days easy. Oh yeah, keep a crack in the cooler for air circulation.
Thanks guys!! seems like keeping them in a cooler over ice with the top open might be the way to go!! Now all I have to do is see if what I learned from the DNR video works at harvesting them!!
Any one know a rule of thumb for how many oysters you need per person at a roast? 1/2 bushel? 3/4 bushel? Before you start in on me, I’m just throwing those numbers out, because I have no idea!
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Originally posted by EasyAny one know a rule of thumb for how many oysters you need per person at a roast? 1/2 bushel? 3/4 bushel? Before you start in on me, I’m just throwing those numbers out, because I have no idea!
It depends, if they are all like me, you need a bushel per person. Probably half bushel at least.
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Yeah, I can eat some myself! If you get away from the coast I’m thinking people won’t eat as many! They aren’t real familiar with them:face_with_head_bandage:
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Originally posted by sea tonicThanks guys!! seems like keeping them in a cooler over ice with the top open might be the way to go!! Now all I have to do is see if what I learned from the DNR video works at harvesting them!!
Best way to harvest oysters: go to local fish monger, purchase required amount of bushels of oysters. For the small amount they charge, it’s totally worth it. It’s fun getting oysters once in your life just to say you’ve done it, but otherwise it’s muddy back-breaking work. Best left to the professional oyster “barons” in my honest opinion 
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Originally posted by EasyYeah, I can eat some myself! If you get away from the coast I’m thinking people won’t eat as many! They aren’t real familiar with them:face_with_head_bandage:
Every Hooters I’ve ever been to sold oysters, even the ones away from the coast. 
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5 people per bushel is what we recommend. To travel…ice in bottom of cooler, a thick layer of wet newspaper, and oysters on top. When you stop, drain the water off. Fresh water will kill them if you let them sit in it.
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
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Originally posted by sellsfish5 people per bushel is what we recommend. To travel…ice in bottom of cooler, a thick layer of wet newspaper, and oysters on top. When you stop, drain the water off. Fresh water will kill them if you let them sit in it.
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NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
THANKS!!!
sea tonic ; Save yourself a lot of work and order them from sellsfish! Stop and pick them up when you leave on your trip. I’ll bet he will throw in the ice and newspaper. Don’t know how many people you intend to feed!
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Originally posted by Easysea tonic ; Save yourself a lot of work and order them from sellsfish! Stop and pick them up when you leave on your trip. I’ll bet he will throw in the ice and newspaper. Don’t know how many people you intend to feed!
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Originally posted by Easysea tonic ; Save yourself a lot of work and order them from sellsfish! Stop and pick them up when you leave on your trip. I’ll bet he will throw in the ice and newspaper. Don’t know how many people you intend to feed!
Yeah, I know that would be the best way to go…but there would be something special going out and harvesting some yourself to bring to the family on Christmas eve dinner! I mean…afterall, we could all make it easier on ourselves if we just went to ‘Sellsfish’ for our fish dinners instead of spending cold, wet 8hr days catching one troutl!!!
Well if that’s the way you feel about it! PM Penny and see if she can hook you up with MR. Penny’s Daddy Sir! If he can take you, after he gets you to do all the work you can buy some from him! He’s one of those rich Oyster Barons, you read about:smiley:
quote:Harvesting oysters out of Garris landing in Awendaw is not hard work. Pretty easy to do as a matter of fact. You guys must hold your mouth wrong? Would it be smart to substitute wax paper for newspaper...newspaper and water make a mess.
Originally posted by sea tonicquote:
Originally posted by Easysea tonic ; Save yourself a lot of work and order them from sellsfish! Stop and pick them up when you leave on your trip. I’ll bet he will throw in the ice and newspaper. Don’t know how many people you intend to feed!
Yeah, I know that would be the best way to go…but there would be something special going out and harvesting some yourself to bring to the family on Christmas eve dinner! I mean…afterall, we could all make it easier on ourselves if we just went to ‘Sellsfish’ for our fish dinners instead of spending cold, wet 8hr days catching one troutl!!!
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Originally posted by sellsfish5 people per bushel is what we recommend. To travel…ice in bottom of cooler, a thick layer of wet newspaper, and oysters on top. When you stop, drain the water off. Fresh water will kill them if you let them sit in it.
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>If you have a question about fish, ask Sells. Sure hope he never goes Hollywood.But, if you do… please leave us with a Sells 2.1.
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Originally posted by EasyWell if that’s the way you feel about it! PM Penny and see if she can hook you up with MR. Penny’s Daddy Sir! If he can take you, after he gets you to do all the work you can buy some from him! He’s one of those rich Oyster Barons, you read about:smiley:
Haha…I’m craving some oysters myself and may have to go get me a few off a bank this weekend, I too can put away half bag…really…daddy says rule of thumb…tourists not knowing oysters.10 to a bushel…a local…“2”
Mr easy…unfortunately daddy had surgery and is still a little down… But started back oystering yesterday. They would have entertainment while they picked with I’m…that’s for sure. He is a mess.!
At 76 he still goes and get 18-20 bushels a day when he goes and works his lease. I could not keep up with him that’s for sure…and he really whips my butt tonging for deep water oysters:smiley:…now that’s work! He and my brother in law got 47 bushels
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