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Fishing Report 9-27-23 – Catching the Jumbo Porgies

We’re already on the cusp of October, and this has already been a surprising year with how frequently and how long we’ve been catching these huge porgies this season. They’re biting in large numbers, with some of our guests taking home 10+ for what amounts to probably months and months of food.

Don’t forget, Porgy still tastes DELICIOUS even when it’s been frozen,  so don’t be afraid to eat these for months:

Come on down and book your ticket with Marilyn Jean Fishing. You’re able to order your tickets right here on our website, or you can call or text Captain Anthony at 347-952-1442 or Captain Tony at 646-413-1643. Private charters are also available. Come down soon while the jumbo porgy are still on the hook.

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Fishing Report 9-17-23 – Night Fishing Has Been Good to Us

We’ve had to cancel some day trips due to weather, but going out at night we’ve had some pretty amazing catches. Check out these photos of some of the porgy that our guests caught in our night fishing trip on September 17th:

Porgies have been really biting for some of the people that join us on our 7:30pm to 12:30am trips. While we wish we were able to do more of the day trips, people are bringing home some really special catches during these nights out. If you joined us, don’t forget to freeze the ones you won’t be eating this week so you can have some delicious meals for the next several months.

Join us on one of our night fishing trips or watch our Facebook to see when the weather is good enough for us to start day fishing again.

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Do You Know the Types of Porgy Fish?

Of all the potential ways to improve your diet, seafood tends to be a very popular choice. As most fish are low in saturated fats and high in protein, it can be easy to see why. And of these popular choices, the porgy fish has become quite in demand recently.

An east coast saltwater fish, porgy can be caught in a large quantity quite easily and has a similar flavor profile to that of red snapper or tilapia. With delicious meat and skin that crisps well, porgy’s low price, large population, and high quality have made it quite a common restaurant fish in recent years.

Notable Species of Porgy

There are many different types of porgies in the ocean. Depending on what part of the Atlantic Ocean you are fishing in, what you pull out of the water could look or taste significantly different than what you are expecting.

It’s important to know what kind of porgy you are buying, as there is even a specific variety that can be hallucinogenic. We’ll be discussing that variant of porgy, don’t worry. If you would like to learn a little bit more about the different types of porgies out there in the ocean, some of them include:

  • Scup – The most common porgy on your plate, Scup is a popular species found in along the east coast of North America. Scup has a reputation for a delicate flavor and is often fished for both its recreational and commercial benefits.
  • Sheepshead – This species of porgy can be caught all along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean, but is commonly found along the eastern coast of the United States like Scup. Unlike Scup however, Sheepshead has firm flesh and boasts a sweeter, mild flavor.
  • Jolthead – Commonly fished in the western Atlantic Ocean as well, Jolthead are easily recognized by their large and protruding foreheads. This porgy is known for its fighting strength by different fish anglers, as well as its delightful taste.
  • Red Porgy – Red porgy are also found in the western Atlantic Ocean, but specifically in the Gulf of Mexico. With a firm texture and mild flavor, the red porgy is most commonly used for finer culinary meals.
  • Salema Porgy – This species of porgy is native to the east Atlantic Ocean, specifically the east coast of Africa. Studies have found that the effect of the Salema Porgy’s toxins are similar to taking LSD, potentially causing days of vivid hallucinations. Salema Porgy will never be served to you or available for purchase at a common fish market, but it is important to know the difference.

Understanding the different kinds of porgies is more than just knowing what part of the ocean your food came from. Porgies have a wide variety of flavors and consistencies, so understanding the different species available to you can help you plan nutrition plans and meals accordingly.

Whichever porgy you go with, you can count on finding an affordable and delicious fish that will play well with the rest of your dietary needs.

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Tips and Tricks for Preparing Porgy

Seafood can be a fantastic way to provide your diet with a little bit of extra nutrition. Recently, the porgy has become a popular option for many in the restaurant industry and at home because of its delicious meat and cheap price at the fish market. This Atlantic saltwater fish has a lot in common with snapper or tilapia, and can be used for everything from salads to fish and chips.

That being said, preparing a new kind of fish can often be a challenge if we are not experienced with cleaning and cutting seafood. Porgy as well is known to have quite a few bones in it, so taking the time to prepare the fish thoroughly can save you a lot of unnecessary effort in the kitchen later.

Cleaning and Filleting a Porgy

Despite its bony interior, filleting a porgy is usually a straightforward process. If you have cut and clean a fish before, you should not find it too difficult. There are still a few tips and tricks that can help you save some time.

Whether you are experienced or trying to figure out what to do with this fish for your first time, follow these directions below and enjoy your porgy:

  • Prepare Your Space – Make sure you’ve cleaned your work space thoroughly before pulling out the raw fish. You’ll need a sharp fillet knife and a cutting board for this process.
  • Descale the Porgy – The first thing you will need to is descale your fish. It is best if you start from the tail and scrape the scales slowly towards the head of the porgy, working on both sides of the fish as you move towards the head.
  • Cut the Gills – After the fish has been descaled, place the porgy on the cutting board, making sure to have its belly facing upwards. Make a small cut with your fillet knife behind the gills of the fish.
  • Gut the Porgy – Your next step will be to run your fillet knife across the belly of the porgy, from head to tail.
  • Remove the Guts and Head – After this you will need to remove the entrails of the fish, and if you would like at this point you may also remove the head of the porgy.
  • Fillet the Fish – To fillet your porgy, you will need to lay the clean fish down on your cutting board, with its back facing up towards you. Then, starting from the head, make shallow but long cuts along the fish’s backbone, from head to tail. It’s important to use smooth, consistent motions to remove the meat from the bones.
  • Extra Tip About the Bones – If you are having too much trouble with the bones of the porgy, a good way to deal with a bony fish is poaching them in a broth before flaking the meat out. While this method will destroy a potential fillet, the porgy can still be used to make soups, salads, or fish cakes.
  • Clean and Trim the Porgy Before Cooking – Lastly, you will want to trim away the extra fat from the fillets. You can also remove the fins and skin at this point.

It can be a little bit of extra work to prepare a porgy yourself. But the mild and sweet flavor of the white, tender porgy meat is sure to make it well worth it in the end.

The skin of a porgy fish also crisps easily and flakes with a delicious finish as well, so be sure to save the skin during the cleaning and filleting process. With a little practice and a bit of care, you’ll be making delicious meals with this popular fish before you know it.

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Tips and Tricks to Prepare for a Fishing Trip

A successful fishing trip is all about preparation. The items you pack and the information that you gather ahead of time for your trip can mean the difference between a fun outing for everybody or an ill-prepared excursion out on the water.

There are many different aspects to a fishing trip as well, and they all need your consideration. You need to take in account the weather, what kind of waters you will be sailing on, and whether there is any chance that you may need to call off the trip early? There is also the type of fish that you are actually going to be looking for, and making sure that you have the correct resources to catch that particular fish.

All these aspects make a huge difference in not only your preparation, but also the type of fishing trip that you’re going on.

What Should I Do Before a Fishing Trip?

Every fishing trip is going to have its own unique set of requirements and preparations. These are not necessary for every trip, but it is important for you to know where you are going, what you will be fishing, and what your expectations should be for that trip. If this is a private trip, you can discuss this between you and your friends or family before heading out on the water. If this is a chartered fishing trip, reaching out to the organization hosting it is a great way to find out what to expect.

We can’t explain every different potential ecosystem or situation in one list, but we can go over some of the basic preparations you should take into account before going fishing. These tips make for a great beginners checklist so that you are able to enjoy your fishing trip with a degree of confidence:

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before the Trip – Preparing yourself the day before a fishing trip is a fantastic way to get ready. The number one thing you’ll want to do is make sure you get a proper sleep. Besides, most fishing trip starting quite early and this will allow you to be more alert while on the boat. Being well rested can also help fight off seasickness if that is something you are worried about. On top of this, it is also smart to avoid alcohol or caffeine the day before.
  • Packing the Right Gear – There are many different items that you can bring on a fishing trip, and it is important to make sure that you pack the correct gear for the day. Make sure you bring sunscreen, as you will most likely be out in the sun for hours if not all day. A solar generator can also be useful if the trip is going to be longer. This can help power smart phones, depth finders, or even coolers if you want to keep your catch fresh for a longer trip. A basic survival kit is also a great addition to your packing list, and of course you will want to make sure that you bring all of your fishing gear. Fishing kits often include baits, lurers, line cutters, fishing line, reels, and several fishing rods as well as the aforementioned coolers for your fresh catch of the day.
  • Brush Up on Essential Fishing Skills – Whether you are experienced at fishing or this is your first time out on a boat, it is still important to brush up on the basics of fishing. Going over different knots, and making sure you are at least familiar with them is a smart preparation. It is smart to give water reading an overview as well. Water reading is the term used to describe how those who are fishing are able to gauge not only the presence, but also the location of different fish in the water. Finally, casting and hooking are the basics of any fishing excursion, and it can be important to give them a review before going out. For casting, you can practice by throwing a line six feet out and making sure that your reel settles comfortably underneath your dominant hand. As for hooking, you will need to make sure that the fishing line does not break under the weight of the fish you are attempting to catch. A good way to practice this is to apply moderate pressure onto your line and then move that pressure back up the rod, and watch to make sure your line stays taught the entire time.

A little bit of preparation for fishing trip can go a long way. It is important to always have a respect for the environment you are fishing in. By bringing the correct resources and supplies, you’re able to better ensure that you are not going out unprepared. As we said before, this is only a basic overview for a fishing trip. Once you have more information like where you are going, and what you will be catching, it is important to research those specifics to have a more accurate picture of what your day out on the water will be like.

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Fishing Report Monday, 8/14/23 – A Great Day for Porgies

Our 8 AM trip on Marlyn Jean IV got off to a fantastic start with lots of jumbo porgies caught. It was a lively and successful outing that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Our nighttime trip was just as successful. The porgies have really been biting recently. You can find some photos from yesterday, below.

We have more trips scheduled for the rest of the week. On Thursday and Friday, full-day trips are planned from 7 AM to 3 PM. In addition, we are offering nightly excursions every evening from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

For those interested in booking tickets, they can be obtained at mj2fishing.com or by calling Captain Anthony at 347-952-1442 or Captain Tony at 646-413-1643.

Join us at Sheepshead Bay for more fishing adventures.

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Fishing Report – August 6th, 2023

What a day for porgy fishing in the famed Sheepshead Bay! Our 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. trip was a success with ample catches and lots of excitement. Participants enjoyed the beautiful waters and the abundance of porgy, a true reflection of the area’s rich aquatic life. Private charters and other options are available for those eager to join the fun. For more information, visit MJ2FISHING.COM or call Capt Tony at 646-413-1643 or Capt Anthony at 347-952-1442. It was a day to remember, and we look forward to more unforgettable experiences!

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Answers to Common Porgy Questions

For many years porgy, also known as scup, was largely ignored by local fish catchers on the east coast. Much more similar to snapper than anything else, porgy has since become a favorite selection for its ability to adapt to most flavor profiles and its current large and wild population.

7 Things You Should Know About Porgy

There are still a lot of questions many have about porgy however. Because it has become the catch-of-the-day so recently, many of the cooking facts we know about salmon, halibut, tuna, snapper, and other seafood are not commonly understood about this east coast fish. Thankfully, those answers are easily found here:

  • What is the Flavor of Porgy? – Porgy, also called scup, has a mild and sweet flavor with white, tender meat. The skin easily crisps and flakes with a delicious finish, and the fish overall is commonly compared to snapper in terms of flavor and quality.
  • Does Porgy Have a Lot of Bones? – It is important to know that porgy does have a lot of small bones. When choosing your fish, it is good to try and buy larger porgy. This will result in a better meat to bone ratio, and make the bones much easier to remove when preparing.
  • Is Porgy Good for You? – Rich in vitamins B6 and B12, as well as niacin and phosphorus, porgy has quite a bit of nutritional value. As a lean fish it is also low in sodium, while a great source of low-fat protein.
  • Is Porgy a Red Snapper? – While commonly referred to as white snapper along the gulf coast, porgy itself is not a true snapper. Despite having many similarities to red snapper, porgy is part of over 100 species of fish called seabream, while snappers are part of an inland variation referred to as bream.
  • How Long is Porgy Good For? –Cooked porgy can be stored for roughly three days in most household refrigerators. However, if you want to freeze your porgy, it will last a little over a month before the texture and flavor are affected by the cold.
  • Where are Porgy found? – Abundant from Massachusetts and Long Island down to Cape Canaveral in the Florida Keys, porgy is a populous east coast fish. They prefer reef habitats, ranging from 100 to 240 feet deep.
  • How Do You Cook Porgy? – Any way you want to, honestly. We have a great recipe guide here that covers some of the more classic uses of scup, but truly if there is a seafood dish you enjoy, porgy can most likely be used in the recipe with minimal tweaking.
  • Is Porgy Hallucinogenic? – Salema porgy can contain hallucinogenic toxins. Native to the African east coast, these are not the porgy or scup we are discussing in this article, but they are commonly mistaken for our porgy in conversation, so we feel it is important to make the distinction. Scientists have equated the effect of these toxins to the same as taking LSD, causing days of potentially scary and vivid hallucinations. Salema porgy is not a fish you will ever be served, but it is important to know the difference.

So, as the food industry pursues new flavor profiles and recipes based upon the once overlooked but always delicious porgy, it is important that we understand the seafood we are working with. Our friendly scup makes a delightful substitution when snapper or tilapia is unavailable or overpriced. We hope you find many ways to enjoy this slightly sweet finish as it makes its way to your fish markets, restaurants, home kitchens, and plate.

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Fishing Report – Weekend Recap – 7-31-23

The past weekend offered plenty of opportunities for all of our guests. Saturday’s trips from 8 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM showed a nice collection of Porgys, with everyone aboard leaving with a tasty dinner for the evening. We also started to spot some Trigger fish, adding to the variety of catches. Check out some of the photos from the weekend:

Unfortunately, our nighttime fishing from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM was a bit slower this weekend. However, we’re taking this as a challenge rather than a setback, and are out tonight with a small crowd to try our luck in a different area.

Looking ahead, we will continue with our regular schedules tomorrow. Day trips are from 8 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM, while our nightly sail is from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. If you’re interested in a unique fishing experience under the starry night sky, come on down and join us.

To secure your spot, book your tickets at mj2fishing.com or reach out to Captain Tony at 646-413-1643 or Captain Anthony at 347-952-1442. Remember, private charters are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

We strive to provide a fulfilling fishing experience for all skill levels, from the seasoned angler to the enthusiastic beginner. Hop on board and make lasting memories with us in the serene waters of New York City.

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Fishing Report – July 16, 2023 – Great Catches

Today’s 8 AM trip provided good fishing for Porgys. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel the 2 PM trip. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Tomorrow, we’re back on track with both trips scheduled from 8 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM. If you’re looking to spend a day out on the water and reel in some impressive catches, be sure to join us!

Check out some of what we caught:

 

For those seeking a nighttime adventure, we’re also sailing tonight from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. The night fishing experience offers a unique opportunity to catch different species and enjoy the tranquility of the waters under the moonlight.

One of the highlights of fishing with us is our fully air-conditioned cabin. Even during the hottest days, you can stay cool and comfortable while focusing on the thrill of catching fish. As the only fishing boat in Brooklyn with such amenities, we strive to make your fishing experience as enjoyable as possible.

Secure your spot on our upcoming trips by booking your tickets at mj2fishing.com or giving Captain Anthony a call at 347-952-1442, or Captain Tony at 646-413-1643. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner looking to try something new, we welcome everyone aboard for an exciting day of fishing in the beautiful waters of New York City.