From Deep Waters to Your Plate: The Story of Black Cod

January 9, 2025

Alaska. The name alone conjures images of rugged wilderness, towering glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife and, of course, freshly caught seafood. 

The food is such a huge part of our yacht cruise experience! We serve halibut, salmon, rockfish, black cod, cod, muscles, shrimp, clams, Golden Crab, Dungeness crab, tuna, and whatever else we catch and find in season! 

In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting world of black cod fishing with Captain Harley aboard the M/V Last Chance and how we prepare the fish to savor their unique flavor in a truly unforgettable culinary experience for our cruises aboard the Northern Song – Alaska Sea Adventures.

Captain Harley started his career as a commercial fisherman with over 40 years of experience. He fishes black cod from October to December, Dungeness crab from January to March on the M/V Last Chance, and then runs the M/V Northern Song with Alaska Sea Adventures from March to October for Alaskan and San Juan Island cruises.

Guests gain valuable insights into seafood sourcing, including how it’s caught and what fishing vessel types are used, current industry trends, sustainability practices, and the future outlook for wild and farmed fish.

Black Cod: A Deep-Sea Treasure

Black cod, also known as sablefish, is a deep-sea dweller that thrives in the icy waters of the Alaskan and Washington coasts. Typically found at depths ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, catching these fish requires experienced fishermen and specialized gear. 

These fish are known for their impressive lifespans, with some estimated to live over 90 years. 

The high oil content in their flesh gives black cod its signature rich, buttery flavor. This oil helps them survive their deep-sea habitat’s intense pressure and cold temperatures. Its rich, buttery flesh and delicate flavor have earned it a place among the world’s most coveted seafood. As Captain Harley says, “It’s the best fish you’ve never tasted!”

Fishing for Black Cod with the M/V Last Chance

Once the October cruises aboard the Northern Song wrap up, Captain Harley moves to fish black cod off of the coast of Washington aboard the M/V Last Chance. Harley and a crew member set out to catch thousands of pounds of black cod. An average fish weighs 5-10 pounds. 

Here is a HUGE black cod fish Harley caught in his earlier commercial fishing days!

Black cod fishing in November and December can be challenging due to the weather. These brown bags sitting on the side of the boat below are squid. The bait is placed inside a bait jar and put in a slinky pot to attract the fish and protect the black cod so the sperm whales don’t eat the fisherman’s catch. 

Watch here as crew member Ryan Walker demonstrates how black cod is caught in a slinky pot.

Once the fish is caught and processed, Captain Harley services it aboard the M/V Northern Song for the cruises and sells it to local seafood distributors in Washington and the Bellingham Dockside Fish Market, which happens two Saturdays a month! If you are in the Bellingham, Washington area, this is a fantastic way to learn more about locally caught seafood and pick up some of the freshest seafood directly from the fisherman. 

Harley demonstrates how to cook black cod at the Bellingham Dockside Market in Bellingham, Washington.

 

A Culinary Adventure

Did we mention that cuisine is a large part of our cruise experience, so be prepared to indulge? We incorporate Harley’s commercial fishing experiences into our culinary offerings, serving a variety of delicious black cod dishes. Here is an Alaska Sea Adventures favorite!

“Burn the Hell Out of It” Black Cod

Ingredients

1-2 black cod fillets from Jean C Family Fisheries

Soy sauce or soy sauce alternative

Directions

Defrost your black cod. Once defrosted, cut the fillet into individual portion sizes (one whole fillet will cut into 4-5 portions, and many people eat 2 portions).

Marinate the portions in soy sauce or soy sauce alternative (we use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos) for 1-3 hours.

Heat your oven or grill to 450-400 degrees. Place skin side down right on the grill or on a pan. We use parchment paper in the oven on top of a baking sheet.

Cook for 12-18 minutes until the fish can easily flake. Serve hot with your favorite side or on top of a salad.

Conclusion

Is your mouth watering and ready for a true Alaskan adventure? 

Join us for a journey filled with incredible seafood, fascinating insights into Alaska’s history from a local commercial fisherman, breathtaking sights like calving glaciers and massive icebergs, encounters with humpback whales and porpoises, the forging of new friendships, and an all-around unforgettable experience. Let’s make some memories!

Book your Alaskan Adventure & Culinary Delight today!