Cook Your Own Catch-Florida Keys

(updated March 2024)

 If you plan to go fishing during your visit to the Florida Keys, you'll be pleased to know that many restaurants offer the option to cook your own catch.

Imagine bringing your fresh catch to a restaurant and having it cooked to perfection. The result is a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly fresh. The taste of the fish is enhanced by the fact that you caught it yourself, and it's cooked to your liking.

This is an experience that you shouldn't miss out on, and we're here to help you find the best spots to bring your fresh catch.

our favorite spot for hook and cook

One of our favorite places to cook your own catch is at the Key Colony Inn near Marathon on Key Colony Beach. They offer a variety of sauces, and we particularly enjoy the Italian twist they put on fresh fish. Additionally, they have a fantastic happy hour that takes place daily, as well as specials for those who arrive early.

For just $15 per person, you can choose one style of preparation (with a maximum of 1lb per person). During our first visit, we brought Mangrove Snapper and had it prepared in two different ways: Mangrove Snapper Parmigiana and Marsala. It was a unique and delicious experience that we have returned to many times since.

helpful tips for a hook and cook

Here are some helpful tips for a successful hook and cook, as some call it, in the Florida Keys.

Only bring in the amount of fish you plan to eat, as you will be charged for the entire weight you bring in. For example, if you bring in 5 pounds of fish, you will be charged for five meals. Therefore, do your math carefully before bringing it to the restaurant.

Make sure to prepare your catch before you arrive

Your fresh catch needs to be cleaned and fileted before you bring it in to be prepared. Many fishing charters offer this service at the end of your trip, so you can enjoy your catch without worrying about the cleaning process.

Also, as soon as you arrive, inform the hostess that you have fresh fish. You don't want to get sick on vacation, so doing this will help them keep it cold before preparation. We've seen visitors bring in little coolers or have them out for just a few minutes before bringing them into the restaurant. The cost is generally around $15-20 per person, and this is a popular offering in most restaurants. There's nothing better or fresher than cooking your own fish you caught.

other recommended spots

lazy days islamorada/south (marathon)

We prefer the Islamorada location for tarpon feeding in the back, but both restaurants offer a water-side dining experience. If you bring your catch, Lazy Days can prepare it for you for $19.99 per person for up to one pound of fish or two lobster tails. You can choose between soup or salad, potato, French fries, rice, or vegetable of the day, and enjoy our homemade tropical bread and fresh dinner rolls.

Our favorite preparation here is the “Lazy Way” with Japanese bread crumbs, sautéed, topped with fresh diced tomatoes, scallions, shredded Parmesan cheese and topped with key lime butter

As I mentioned above, most of the restaurants in the Florida Keys offer to cook your catch for a minimal fee, and our first time was memorable. We've included a few more to add to your list, and we hope you enjoy your vacation in the beautiful Florida Keys!

key west

Hogfish Bar and Grill-Stock Island

(voted best fish sandwich in the Florida Keys)

Filets only, Fried, Blackened or Grilled) with Rice or Fries & Veggies for just $18/pound/person! Add $6 per additional pound.

Dantes Key West

$10 PER PERSON, UP TO ONE POUND PER PERSON

Grilled, Fried, or Blackened. Served Family Style With Choice Of Hand Cut

Fries, Black Beans & Yellow Rice, Cole Slaw