Page 47 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

story and photo by John N. Felsher
CATCHING AND COOKING MISSISSIPPI REDFISH
inland waters rival the adrenaline-charged exhilaration of a bull redfish smashing a floating lure like setting off an explosive charge.
“When those big bulls come inshore, they are feeding up for the spawn,” Wright advises. “They will eat anything they can swallow. We look for mullets about five to 10 inches long because that’s the size we usually find in redfish bellies. If I can find small mullets or large concentrations of pogies in shallow water, that’s where I’ll fish.”
Big redfish also hold a particular fondness for blue crabs. Hook small live crabs through the back near the rounded “swimmer” fins. For giant redfish, use a whole adult blue crab. Leave the top shell intact, but crack it to let the succulent juices ooze out. A half crab will also entice big redfish.
For saltwater fishing limits and other regulations, see the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources website at dmr.ms.gov/recreational-catch-limits.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
July 2025 | 47
Redfish
Courtbouillon
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 5-6 oz Mississippi Gulf redfish fillets
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 1 medium onion,
finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery,
finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 large tomatoes, peeled and quartered (or 16-oz can)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • 3 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a deep skillet over low heat, mix the butter and flour
together until smooth, and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add the onions, celery and garlic, and sauté until
tender.
3. Add the tomatoes, cayenne and water, and season with
salt and pepper.
4. Simmer covered for 20-30 minutes.
5. Add fillets and cook until tender and flaky, about 15
minutes.
Note: The amount of cayenne here is for a moderate heat. It can be increased up to a full teaspoon for the full nuclear version!
Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice with carrots or green beans.
For more Gulf Fresh Mississippi Seafood recipes, visit www.msseafood.com.
Redfish Courtbouillon.