Sautéed Lemon Pepper Shark

Shark Meat: dangerous and delicious...

For many folks sharks come with a bit of baggage. When I was young they represented something that was simultaneously admirable and intimidating. Around this same I seem to remember being under the impression that shark fishing was exclusively illegal. From where I sit now it appears that my adolescent mind made these assumptions from a combination of lunchroom rumors and my 5th grade gleanings from CNN student news. In these moments of looking back I return to similar feelings of caution and admiration.

My first foray into shark fishing was on a whim. I was planting sweet sorghum on a Thursday when my college roommate called. The phone call went something like, "Hey Pink you wanna go shark fishing this Saturday ?". To which I responded "I'll pick up the boys and meet you in Charleston tomorrow night". On Saturday our party went on to catch eight Atlantic sharpnose sharks and a blacktip AKA spinner shark. We retained three of the Atlantic sharpnose, and with the instruction of our charter, removed their inards and bled them. Retaining sharks is looked down upon by many. For an entire swath of folks I expect that their perception of retaining sharks for consumption is not to dissimilar to the misinformed perception that I had. It is true that some shark species have been the target of over harvest resulting in population decline but, many fisheries and species populations represent appropriate and effective management. Some fisherman take issue with the odor and the resulting preparation that many shark species require. Without a urinary tract species like Atlantic Sharpnose excret liquid waste through their flesh and skin. The Ammonia smell that this causes can be easily alleviated by thorough bleeding, icing, and the soaking of the flesh.

Surf fishing for sharks provide the prospect an exciting weekend outing with the hopes of excellent table fare. Their conservation, teeth, and preparation should all be taken into account. On your next surf fishing outing try this simple shark preparation. It's so simple that the "Dollar General: Catch and cook" guys would be proud.

"an exciting weekend outing with the hopes of excellent table fare"

Sautéed Lemon Pepper Shark

As is true with any dish, you can "go above and beyond", depending on what that means to you. I like to keep this dish simple. I can find myself fixing this dish in December week night, when I want a taste of summer, or on the bed of my truck at a campground. The ingredients could raided from your spice cabinet and refrigerator. You would also be hard pressed to not find these items at your most limited grocery store.

Ingredients

• Shark steaks (0z?)

• Lemon pepper seasoning

• Dried thyme

• Dried oregano

• Salted butter

• Garlic (minced or fresh)

• Fresh lemon

• Lemon juice

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