What Does “Fish in Season” Mean?
Eating fish in season refers to consuming seafood at times of the year when specific species are most abundant and at their peak quality. Like fruits and vegetables, fish have seasons based on their natural life cycles and migrations. The availability of fish fluctuates due to breeding periods, water temperature changes, and food supply, influencing their taste, texture, and nutritional content.
Seasonal Fish Guide
- Bass Fish-All the year.
- Blackfish From April 1st to November 1st.
- Bluefish From May 1st to November 1st.
- Butterfish from October 1st to May 1st.
- Carp from July 15th to November 1st.
- Codfish is available All the year-round.
- Eels-All the year-round.
- Flounder-All the year.
- Haddock-All the year.
- Halibut-All the year.
- Herring-October 1 to May 1st.
- Kingfish-May 1 to November 1st.
- Mackerel-April 1 to October 1st.
- Mullet-June 1 to November 1st.
- Perch-September 1 to June 1st.
- Pickerel-June 1 to January 1st.
- Pike-June 1 to January 1st.
- Pompano-May 1 to August 1st and November 15th to January 1st.
- Red Snapper-October 1 to April 1st.
- Salmon-All the year.
- Salmon Trout-October 1 to April 1st.
- Shad-January 1 to June 1st.
- Sheepshead-June 15 to November 15th.
- Skate-September 1 to July 1st.
- Smelts-August 15 to April 15th.
- Sole-November 1 to May 1st.
- Sturgeon-June 1 to October 15th.
- Trout-April 1 to September 1st.
- Turbot-January 1 to July 15th.
- Weakfish-May 15 to October 15th.
- Whitebait-May 1 to April 1st.
- Whitefish-November 1 to March 1st.
Salted, smoked, and canned fish are never out of season.
How to Choose the Best Seasonal Fish
Selecting the freshest seasonal fish requires a keen eye and a few simple tips:
- Appearance: Look for bright, clear eyes, shiny scales, and firm flesh. The fish should look vibrant and healthy.
- Smell: Fresh fish has a mild, ocean-like scent. Avoid fish that has a strong, fishy odour.
- Texture: The flesh should spring back when pressed. It should not feel mushy or leave an indentation.
