How to Choose Fresh Fish

Buying fresh fish doesn't have to be intimidating. Whether you're picking up a whole snapper for dinner or selecting fillets for a quick weeknight meal, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Here's our team's guide to choosing the freshest catch every time.

Check the Eyes

The eyes are the first thing we look at when assessing whole fish. Fresh fish have bright, clear, and slightly bulging eyes. If the eyes appear cloudy, sunken, or dull, the fish has been sitting around for too long. This is one of the most reliable freshness indicators and takes just a glance.

Inspect the Gills

Lift the gill cover and take a look. Fresh fish gills should be a vibrant red or pink colour, moist and clean-looking. As fish ages, the gills turn brown or grey and may develop a slimy texture. Bright red gills tell you the fish was caught recently and stored well.

Press the Flesh

Give the fillet or body a gentle press with your finger. Fresh fish flesh springs back immediately, leaving no indentation. If your fingerprint stays behind or the flesh feels mushy, the fish is past its prime. The texture should feel firm and elastic, not soft or flaky.

Trust Your Nose

Fresh fish should smell like the ocean: clean, briny, and mild. A strong fishy or ammonia-like odour is a clear sign that the fish is no longer fresh. This applies to fillets just as much as whole fish. If it smells off at the counter, it will taste off on the plate.

Look at the Skin and Scales

The skin of fresh fish should be shiny and metallic, with scales that are firmly attached. Dull, dry skin or loose scales suggest the fish has been out of the water for an extended period. For fillets, look for flesh that appears moist and translucent rather than dry or discoloured.

Buy from a Trusted Source

The easiest way to guarantee freshness is to buy from a fishmonger you trust. At Tasman Star Seafood, we source directly from our own fishing fleet and receive deliveries daily. Our team can tell you exactly when and where each fish was caught, so you always know what you're getting.

Next time you're shopping for seafood, keep these tips in mind and you'll bring home the freshest fish every time.