Have the Crew Clean Your Catch
When the boat gets back to the dock:
- The crew fillets your fish, usually on a cleaning table right at the boat.
- They rinse the fillets and hand them over in bags.
- You put the bags straight on ice in your cooler.
On our partner charters, cleaning at the dock is included. Other charters may charge extra, so ask when you book. A few extra dollars in the crew tip is a nice thank-you for a big catch. See our tipping guide.
Tip: bring a marker and bag fillets by species. It helps at the border and in the kitchen.
Clean Fish Yourself
For shore-caught fish:
- Bleed and ice right away. Cut through the gills and let the fish bleed in a bucket of seawater, then put it on ice. This makes a big difference in flavor.
- Scale if keeping the skin on. Scrape from tail to head.
- Fillet. With a sharp, flexible knife, cut behind the gill plate down to the backbone, turn the blade toward the tail, and run it along the backbone to the tail. Flip and repeat.
- Remove ribs and skin if you like.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse quickly in cold water, then pat completely dry.
Freeze Fish the Right Way
- Pat fillets dry. Water makes ice crystals and freezer burn.
- Portion them into meal-size packs.
- Seal flat. Vacuum seal, or use zip-top freezer bags with the air pressed out. Flat packs freeze faster and stack better.
- Label each bag with species, date, and angler.
- Freeze solid, at least overnight, before packing for the drive.
Lean, white fish like cabrilla, grouper, and corvina freeze best. Oily fish like sierra are best eaten fresh during the trip.
Pack for the Drive Home
- Pre-chill your cooler with ice the night before.
- Layer frozen fish flat with ice between layers.
- Fill every gap with more ice or towels. Air is the enemy.
- Keep the lid closed until you are home.
- Declare all fish at the border.
Frozen fish packed this way stays frozen for the roughly 4-hour drive to Phoenix or Tucson. See bringing fish back from Mexico.
Use the Lodge Freezer
The lodge has a freezer for your catch, so your fillets stay frozen for the whole trip, not just the last night. Bring your own coolers for the drive home. See the lodge →
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the charter crew clean my fish?
Yes. Our partner captains clean and fillet your catch at the dock. Other charters may charge extra, so confirm when you book.
How do I freeze fish for the trip home?
Pat fillets dry, vacuum seal or double bag them flat, label with species and date, and freeze solid before packing in a cooler with ice.
How long will frozen fish last in a cooler?
Solidly frozen fish in a well-packed, closed cooler with ice typically stays frozen for the 4-hour drive back to Arizona.
How long does frozen fish keep at home?
Vacuum-sealed lean white fish keeps well in a home freezer for several months. Oily fish is best used sooner.