While relatively unknown, this is one of the best eating fish in the ocean. Market price is around $20 per pound, when you can find it. The Tile Fish is a saltwater fish found in tropical or temperate waters around the world. They can grow from around 2 pounds to as much as 65 to 70 pounds. The major fishing grounds in the US are off eastern Florida, and the North East Canyon edges along the continental shelf. They got their name from the lovely colors they have while in the sea: blue, green, rose and yellow. These colors fade when they are out of the water. The tilefish is a white, low-fat meat, and a taste similar to a lobster and crab. The tilefish meat holds well, it is great for baking, broiling, frying, grilling, poaching and steaming, and can also be used in soups and stews, offering us different options to prepare it. There are two species along the east coast of the USA; the Golden Tilefish and the Blueline Tile Fish. The Blueline Tile is typically found in 300 to 400 feet of water. They usually weigh less than 20 pounds. The meat is more delicate, having the consistency of a crab claw. The Golden Tile is typically found in 400 to 1300 feet of water. These fish can weigh in excess of 60 pounds, however typical weights are around 30 pounds. The meat is more firm than the Blueline, having the texture of a Lobster tail it is ideal for the grill.
To continue and discover more about these fish and how we fish for them, follow Reel Draggin' Tackles "Tilefish Papers" located here.