Beer Battered Whole Bluegill Technique

DIRECTIONS

1. Scale Bluegills. You can do this with a standard kitchen spoon but we recommend use a scaling device such as THIS.

2. Cut head off right behind gill plate, angling up around gill plate.

3. Slice down middle of underside of bluegill to remove insides.

4. Rinse fish under cold water and put in bowl of ice water. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and let soak for at least 45 minutes. This removes remaining blood and takes away some of the "gamey" taste.

5. Pat fish dry. 

6. Pour 1 of your favorite beers in a bowl (not as tragic as it sounds...just wait), and add Whole Scaled Bluegills to the beer. 

7. Add brew covered 'gills to a bowl of Shore Lunch Beer Batter pre-made breading mix. Make sure entire bluegill is covered.

8. Add and heat your choice of oil (we like canola) to 375 degrees F. Add enough so the fish are 1/2 submerged in the oil.

9. Add breaded Bluegills to the oil, carefully laying them away from you so you can keep your Personalized Catch & Cook Apron fresh and clean.

9. Cook for 5 minutes on the first side, and 4 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.

10. Let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy! Remember to chew slowly to enjoy the flavor and be careful of bones. You will notice how the delicious flavor the bluegill skin adds a ton to the end taste. 

This recipe may be old fashioned but there is a reason it is making a huge comeback in the Catch N' Cook community!

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 Bluegill (per person)
• A beer of your choice 
• Beer Batter
• Canola oil (or oil of your preference)
• Extra brews to go with delicious finished product (obviously)

RECOMMENDED PANFISH SCALING DEVICE