AK fish shipping/transport?

[kmcintyre]

I asked about traveling to AK and am getting ready to book the ferry.

I really want to fish for Halibut and in doing research, it seems impossible to try and get the fish home (either in my truck and keeping it frozen OR shipping it which is cost prohibitive).

Has anyone had any success in driving home (10 days or so) and keeping fish frozen? My refrigerator freezer is quite small (6-10 fillets at most).

Thanks

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Kevin, I know people who have done that, but they literally took home style freezers in their truck beds. If you were planning on driving back, an Engel or other DC freezer is an option, as is a BIG cooler that can handle dry ice. Assuming you can get dry ice…

 

[kmcintyre]

Kevin, I know people who have done that, but they literally took home style freezers in their truck beds. If you were planning on driving back, an Engel or other DC freezer is an option, as is a BIG cooler that can handle dry ice. Assuming you can get dry ice…

That was my concern on the ferry as it's about 4 days and doubt they'll have dry ice but maybe they'd have a cooler I could put a cooler in for the duration! I might have to check that!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I’m going to be selling a 120 quart Yeti, let me know if you are interested.

 

[kmcintyre]

I’m going to be selling a 120 quart Yeti, let me know if you are interested.

I've got a pretty nice cooler, but thanks!

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

I answered this question in your other thread.

A friend visits his son in Fairbanks annually and brings home salmon. I don't know the logistics, such as packaging, maximum weight/fish allowed, etcetera. I just know that it's delicious after he prepares it with a special brine and slow cooks it on the barbecue over apple wood!

My friend flies, so transport is quick.

 

[kmcintyre]

I answered this question in your other thread.

A friend visits his son in Fairbanks annually and brings home salmon. I don't know the logistics, such as packaging, maximum weight/fish allowed, etcetera. I just know that it's delicious after he prepares it with a special brine and slow cooks it on the barbecue over apple wood!

My friend flies, so transport is quick.

With flying, you can check it in as luggage so it's easier ... I have 10 days on the road.

 

[PaulT]

If you have a successful halibut fishing trip that you chartered, contact your fishing charter company and ask for their recommendations. These chartering companies have solved the shipping catch issues years ago. Describe your needs & you can get your fish cleaned, frozen, wrapped & shipped to you to arrive after you return.

Not to say it is cheap, but the chartering companies earn their living taking care of customers & their catch. Be sure to leave the chartering company your phone number so they can notify you when it is shipped and you can go get it or arrange for someone at home to pick it up and put it in cold storage until you arrive at home.

Enjoy your trip & good luck. Don’t turn down any sablefish (black cod). It is as good or better than the halibut and may be a by catch with the halibut.

 

[jiminruskin]

Don't forget to save the Halibut cheeks!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Don't forget to save the Halibut cheeks!

 

[kmcintyre]

If you have a successful halibut fishing trip that you chartered, contact your fishing charter company and ask for their recommendations. These chartering companies have solved the shipping catch issues years ago. Describe your needs & you can get your fish cleaned, frozen, wrapped & shipped to you to arrive after you return.

Not to say it is cheap, but the chartering companies earn their living taking care of customers & their catch. Be sure to leave the chartering company your phone number so they can notify you when it is shipped and you can go get it or arrange for someone at home to pick it up and put it in cold storage until you arrive at home.

Enjoy your trip & good luck. Don’t turn down any sablefish (black cod). It is as good or better than the halibut and may be a by catch with the halibut.

I'm going to do a charter fishing trip and asked for lingcod; not sure if it'll be black and was told "Black Lingcod" is actually Sablefish as you stated... I should make sure of that when I book my charter (in the next few days for an Aug. trip).

 

[CPT Davenport]

+1 for the Sablefish. "Lings" are in a different category, Greenling I believe.

Black cod (AKA Sablefish) cheeks are yummy as well. Kind of a scallop vibe. Feel for the meaty part, go in with a thin fillet knife at an angle and rotate the blade clockwise in a circle to free the meat. Season and pan sear splashing with butter. Delicacy!

 

[PaulT]

Don’t be surprised if any lingcod filet has a bluish cast. I don’t know (or care) if it is diet or genetic, or sex related. They taste just fine.

The sablefish are very expensive in Japan. I won’t say they are a delicacy as a delicacy is something you wouldn’t eat yourself but might pay to see a tourist eat.