Keeping fish fresh for as long as possible is the ultimate goal after reeling in your catch. That's why you should surround the meat with packaged ice to slow the deterioration process. After all, fish on ice will have the best flavor and texture, whether you're preparing to sell it or cook it at home. Here's a guide to different icing techniques to try while on the fishing boat, and after you get back to shore.

How to Store Fish on a Fishing Boat

For immediate storage while on the boat, gut the fish and then wash it down with cold water. This will prevent stomach acids and blood from contaminating the flesh. Next, put the meat in a cooler or fish bin that is filled with packaged ice. Use crushed ice instead of cubes, as the small chips take up a large surface area and can be densely packed. This allows the ice to cool quickly and keep the fish cold until you get back to land. 

In addition to icing, super-chilling is another method that will keep the meat fresh while on the boat. First, cover the bottom of an insulated cooler with a few inches of crushed ice. Keep the cooler drain open, as this will allow water to filter out as the ice slowly melts. Next, combine one pound of coarse ice cream salt with 20 pounds of crushed ice in a separate container. Put the gutted fish in the insulated cooler and then pour the mixture on top. This storage method keeps the fish fresh for five days. 

How to Pack Fish at the Cleaning Table

At the cleaning table, take the iced fish out of the bin or insulated cooler. Next, clean the flesh and then submerge it in ice water. When the fish is chilled again, rinse it off and use a towel to pat away the excess moisture. Wrap the fish in a layer of cling wrap, as the membrane will provide an airtight seal. Put the wrapped fish back in a cooler filled with crushed ice, as doing so will slow the deterioration process for five days or more.  

How to Store in the Refrigerator

Before you put fish in the refrigerator, adjust the appliance's thermostat, so the temperature is right above the freezing point. If you choose not to adjust the thermostat setting, so other food in the refrigerator doesn't freeze, put the cling-wrapped fish in a bowl and surround it with crushed ice. Use another sheet of cling wrap to cover the top of the bowl. Over the next few days, you'll need to drain the melting ice often and replace it with more crushed ice. You can use this method to keep the fish fresh for three to five days.

To keep your fish chilled to help it last longer in warm-weather conditions, reach out to locally owned and operated Hawaiian Ice Company. Since 1998, the Honolulu-based ice suppliers have gained a reputation for providing high-quality products and quick ice delivery to fishermen on Oahu. Learn more about the packaged ice options online, and call (808) 538-6918 to place an order.