Fishing for your supper was a way of life for a lot of people in many parts of the world for centuries before industrialisation made it the job of just a select few. Nowadays, with increasing innovations in boating, capture and processing techniques, fewer and fewer fishermen are needed to travel our seas to bring us those delicacies from its waters. Don’t fear, this doesn’t mean that fishing or love for seafood is going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, it’s quite the opposite as we are all developing more of a taste for the fruits of the sea and the abundance of incredible seafood available both in local and international waters.
Considering that fish has the lowest carbon footprint of any animal protein and is a more environmentally-friendly food than many plant sources that require extensive processing to make them palatable. It’s possible that fish is the most viable protein of the future and many countries and territories are taking more care than ever of their marine ecosystems and building seafood tourism industries to increase awareness and sustainability. Whether you are fishing in exotic waters from the back of a fleet of comfortable power catamarans, you’re choosing what to have from a fancy seafood restaurant menu or you like to enjoy more simple home-cooked seafood meals, there are some countries in the world that you need to visit at least once as a seafood lover of seafood.
Let’s take a look at just a few destinations around the world that are always a big hit with fishermen and foodies alike.
Sweden
Known for succulent and abundant seafood, west Sweden in particular is home to some of the world's best fishing spots. The ice-cold west coast waters are home to crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels, herring and lobsters and those are just the common varieties. Mackerel, sea trout, European flounder and turbot can be found regularly in the waters too.
You can experience deep sea fishing in the area with no permit needed and many friendly professional fishermen who offer their services part-time if you’d prefer their insight and experience over a larger charter service. When you make it back to land, be sure to find a local restaurant or food experience that showcases how to prepare shellfish the Scandinavian way.
Sicily
Sicily has been a well-known seafood spot since the days of the Greeks and the Romans. While the tuna population has declined over the years, this Italian Island is still home to most of Europe’s sardine population, shrimp and the converted bluefin tuna. The array of white flesh fishes is where the fun is, the water off the main island is teeming with sea bass, grouper, swordfish, Mediterranean snapper, and Amberjack and you may see the occasional fisherman fighting off a barracuda as well.
It’s possible to fish here all year round due to the fair climate and structural shoreline which naturally attracts Mediterranean game fish. Given the island's proximity to both Europe and Africa, the local seafood is cooked up with influences from both regions for a flavour fusion you can’t find anywhere else. The seafood market is a once-in-a-lifetime sight to see if you want to witness the process from line to plate.
Belize
Belize relies on the Caribbean sea for economic stability and nutrition. The glistening waters are home to one of the world’s largest spiny lobster populations, conch is the second most popular fish in the region's waters and dishes. Local fishermen have been implementing sustainability techniques for centuries and while new initiatives may be needed in the coming years to tackle illegal fishing activities, Belize provides any fish-focused individual with a prize bounty that resides in unique seascapes rarely travelled by most fishing fanatics.
To ensure good practices and population retention the locals do not consume certain varieties during their closed season. The option for pole, fly or deep sea fishing should stop you from feeling bad about the varieties you may not get to keep online. From local jerk-fish BBQs to shark parades and don’t forget to try lionfish; the local predator of these seas is very similar to Grouper in taste and is always an enjoyable treat.
Nova Scotia
The Canadian east coast is native to some of the most sought-after seafood in the world. With crab, oysters, and char being fished and processed locally.‘The king of seafood’ better known as the white full-flesh lobster, is why people come from far and wide and the taste doesn’t disappoint. For those interested in going on a local deep sea adventure, peak tourist season runs from May to July, come and partake in summer festivals that celebrate this mighty crustacean and savour its delightful flavour.
Japan
One of the most iconic seafood destinations in the world is Japan. If you get the chance to visit Tokyo city, be sure to stop by the Tsukiji market, the largest fish market in the world. Showcasing fresh produce as you’ve never seen it before. Beautiful sashimi, thick cuts of tuna, red salmon and fresh shrimp appear almost too good to be true.
If you fish for sport, Tokyo bays offer a unique saltwater experience off of Kanto or Edgowa where many charters depart from here and lots of locals still use traditional Japanese fishing techniques like slow jigging. For those looking to put their angling prowess to the test, explore these waters in the autumn, going further out in the bay will reward you with everything from seabass to Mahi Mahi and the whole spectrum of tuna. With grassy flat beds and man-made fishing structures, the bay offers diversity you won’t find anywhere else.
Find Your Own Slice Of Seafood Heaven
If you’re a fan of seafood, there are countless destinations that you can explore. While the list above is certainly a great place to start, it’s important to think about the type of seafood and accompanying flavours you enjoy the most. With a little thought and by focusing on what you enjoy, you can be sure that you will find your very own slice of seafood heaven that you will truly be able to enjoy.
