*Richard and Corinne Thornton, owners of Anchor Charter Boats*

While there are lots of ways to play at the edges of the ocean here in Mendocino County, there are fewer opportunities to get out on it, away from the land, atop that vast expanse of blue. With Anchor Charter Boats in Noyo Harbor, you not only spend half a day out among the beautiful waves, but you can also come home with dinner. From May through December, the charter company offers half-day trips where guests of all ages and experience levels climb aboard with high hopes of returning with a haul of rockfish.

Many different types of rockfish can be found in the waters beyond Noyo Harbor. Some live along the ocean floor in shallower intertidal areas to depths exceeding 1000 feet, while others live at midwater levels. Many weigh in at 3 lbs, but they can exceed a hefty 40 lbs. The company claims a 90% chance of coming back with a catch. Boat guests can each bring home a maximum of 10. The fish possesses a rich, nutty flavor with just a hint of sweet, making it particularly versatile for all sorts of recipes.

Company owners Richard and Corinne Thornton make the excursions a fun and relaxing outing for everyone. Be sure to dress warmly—summer mornings on the coast are typically in the 40s when it’s all aboard at 6:30am. The bonus? A stunning sunrise over the ocean. The trip is usually 5 hours, and you never know what you’re going to catch. Besides rockfish, you might pull up a halibut, an octopus, a wolf eel, or even a box crab. You might even win the fish pool, where each guest throws in $5 and the biggest haul by weight wins it all.

One hazard of the open water is motion sickness, so Corinne recommends taking a motion sickness pill the evening before and the morning of your voyage. Then prepare to make new friends, enjoy the wide open sea, catch some fish, and possibly fall in love with your new favorite pastime.

*Two happy guests display the Rockfish they caught.*

Fish & Chips

When Corinne gets a chance to get out of the office and onto the waves, she loves to prepare her rockfish with a classic fish & chips recipe, using the Sea Harvest Fry Mix, available in 5 lb bags at Harvest Market in Fort Bragg.

Ingredients

1.5-2 c Sea Harvest Fry Mix
1 bottle dark beer
Spices and herbs of your choice (oregano, chinese five spice, or garam masala, for example)
2 lbs fresh fish fillets, skin removed
Peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Add Sea Harvest Fry Mix, herbs and spices of your choosing, and beer into a medium bowl. Mix until the consistency of pancake batter. Cut fish into serving sizes, then heat the peanut oil in a deep pan to 375°. Coat fish pieces well with the batter.

Using tongs, slowly add pieces of fish to the oil, allowing the oil to recover its heat after each addition before adding more. Keep the temperature around 350°. Fry until fish pieces are golden brown. Remove fish with a slotted spoon or strainer and drain on a plate with paper towels. Peek inside to confirm the fish is cooked through. Serve with lemon, tartar sauce, and some fresh chips for the ultimate reward after your day on the waves!

Anchor Charter Boats
32450 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg
(707) 964-4550 | AnchorCharterBoats.com

Photo credit for ocean: Elizabeth Lies of unsplash
Other images courtesy of Anchor Charter Boats