Delightful Dishes to Try
Sample such staples as Brunswick Stew and savor the simplicity of a classic Lowcountry boil. Treat your taste buds to the freshest snapper, grouper, oysters, and shrimp, all sourced locally from the abundant waters of the Golden Isles. And for those feeling bold, why not try catching or harvesting your own seafood for a truly adventurous dining experience?
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew is often served as a hearty side dish that’s filled with rich, smoky flavor. It usually contains potatoes, corn, and meat such as chicken or pork. Some recipes use tomatoes or tomato sauce to add some extra sweetness and acidity. The stew can be served hot or cold, depending on the recipe and preference.
Lowcountry Boil
This beloved dish showcases a mouthwatering medley of seafood from the enchanting low-lying coastal regions of South Carolina, also known as the “Lowcountry.” Cooked all in one pot, it has sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn for an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord.
Crabbing
Catch your own crabs either by actively crabbing with a hoop drop net or closeable trap, or by using “commercial” style crab pots. To attract the crabs, you can put a chicken neck in the hoop net or closeable trap, or fill the bait area of a commercial-style trap with fish remains. Under your recreational license, you are allowed to fish up to six crab pots. Be aware that stone crabs may also end up in your trap. Their population has been growing in recent years. Make sure to check www.gofishgeorgia.com for any additional requirements when setting crab traps.
Harvesting Oysters and Clams
During the cold months, one can collect oysters and clams by drifting in a johnboat around oyster-shell mounds and chipping off the legal-sized bivalves. When it comes to clams, individuals can muck around until they come across one with their feet, wearing either water shoes or dive boots. However, it is important to note that there are specific regulations regarding the sizes of oysters and clams that can be collected, as well as designated areas for harvest. To find a map of open areas and gather more information about collecting bivalves, refer to the sportfishing regulations and visit the Coastal Resources Division website at www.CoastalGADNR.org.
Shrimping
Shrimping is pretty much a two-step catch. Just toss out a cast net and troll them in. It’s a workout for your arms, but it’s so rewarding when you indulge in the freshest shrimp you’ll ever eat.
When on St. Simons Island, experience the powerful and celebrated flavors of coastal Georgian cuisine, guaranteed to leave you craving more. And don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to catch your own!
