Even the freshest catch can sometimes taste a little… plain. Whether your fillet came from a local lake, a saltwater trip, or the frozen section, bland fish happens to the best of us. The good news? It’s an easy fix. With the right flavours, you can turn a “meh” meal into a plate that’s worth bragging about.

Here are three tried-and-true easy ways to make your fish taste better - more like a five-star dish.

1. Marinate with Bold Citrus and Herbs

A quick marinade can completely transform fish that’s lacking flavour. Citrus like lemon, lime, or orange adds brightness, while herbs such as dill, parsley, or cilantro bring freshness.

How to do it:

• Whisk together the juice of one lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  
• Add fresh dill or parsley.
  
• Let your fish marinate for at least 20 minutes before cooking.

Pro tip: This is especially good for lighter fish like trout or walleye. If you caught it using a Lucky Bug Bingo Bug, you already know it’s worth giving the same care in the kitchen as in the water.

2. Add a Flavourful Crust

A crispy, seasoned coating locks in moisture and gives every bite an extra punch. You can go as simple or as gourmet as you like.

How to do it:

• Mix breadcrumbs or panko with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a hint of cayenne for heat.
  
• Press onto the fish after dipping in beaten egg or milk.
  
• Pan-fry or bake until golden.

Bonus: This method works wonders if you’re cooking up a mess of perch or bass in a fish fry from your last trip. A crunchy crust makes even a mild fillet taste like comfort food.

3. Use Compound Butter for Richness

Compound butter is just a fancy term for butter mixed with herbs, spices, or other flavour boosters. When it melts over hot fish, it infuses every bite with richness.

How to do it:

• Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped chives, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
  
• Chill until firm.
  
• Place a slice over freshly cooked fish and let it melt before serving.

Fishing twist: Try adding a sprinkle of maple sugar for a sweet-and-savory Canadian touch;  it’s perfect for salmon you reeled in with a Lucky Bug Lucky Plug.

Final Cast

Bland fish doesn’t have to stay bland. With a little creativity, and maybe some inspiration from your tackle box, you can turn your catch into a flavour-packed masterpiece.

If you’re planning your next fishing trip, check out our Lucky Bug Lure collections to help you land a fish worth cooking. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for more fishing tips, recipes, and stories from the water.