If you’re a first-time angler, then thawing out a frozen fish might seem like an impossible task. You’re just hanging out there in the wild, and all of a sudden, the fish are swimming, jumping, and splashing around you. One angler describes the moment when he first caught a fish and thawed out in Arctic waters:
“It was like a scene from a movie. The fish was leaping out of the water, trying to escape. It was a wild salmon, and I was really excited. Then the ice started melting, and the fish started to lose its fight against the cold, making it easier for me to catch. I was so relieved that finally, after all that waiting, I could do something to help protect wild creatures and my source of food.”
While movie magic may be overrated, there’s no doubting that a freshly caught fish is a wonderful sight. Once the fish are defrosted, cleaned, and gutted, you have a meal that will fill you up and warm you up both inside and out. Plus, there’s something truly magical about bringing a frozen fish to life. Especially if you’re a first-time angler.
The Good News
Even if you’ve seen a million fish videos on YouTube, you’ll still enjoy the thrill of making a catch. Allowing you to interact with wild creatures and getting a bit of revenge on the winter months is certainly an incentive to reel in some fish.
Fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. From kids to adults, anyone can fall in love with the simple act of casting a hook and trying to entice a fish to bite with a bait. The possibilities for newbies are endless, which is great because the world needs more positive, fishing stories.
The Bad News
If you’re anything like me, then you know how quickly the joy of fishing can turn to frustration. Especially if you’re a first-time angler. The problem is that defrosting, cleaning, and gutting a fish isn’t as easy as it seems. Especially if you’re not used to working with different specimens or have a lot of animals around you. The struggle is real, and it can take a while for a beginner to get the hang of it.
When you’re dealing with fish that have been frozen for a while, it’s important to remember a few things. First off, the fish will stick to whatever surface you cast out on. Which means that if you’re trying to defrost a big bass, then it will be near impossible to do so without getting any on the line in the process. Second, and probably the most important point to keep in mind, fish that are this cold have stopped functioning as living creatures. As soon as you pull them on the line, they will start breathing again and hopefully swim away. It’s a lot like bringing a statue to life. Except with much more blood, guts, and fish innards.
How Long Does It Take A Fish To Thaw Out?
Even for an experienced angler, the task of bringing a fish to the table can take several hours. The key to quick thawing is to catch fish soon after their thawing time is over. Just a few hours after you’ve pulled them from the water, they will have started to defrost and become manageable. This is when you can start cleaning and gutting the fish, and then you can prepare them for cooking. Of course, depending on the size of the fish, this may take a whole day or more. Bringing a large fish all the way from the water to the table can take some time.
There are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First off, you can use a fishing net to corral your catch. Second, you can use a fish freezer bag to store your fish in. Third, you can use a scale to determine the weight of your haul. Fourth, you can use ice blocks to keep your fish very cold. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re new to this. The more you know, the easier it will be to catch fish and the more enjoyable the whole process will be. Plus, who knows – maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two along the way.