Red Cod may not be the most sort after fish from a surfcasting sport point of view, but if treated properly they can be a very acceptable table fish.

If you are prepared to take on a little experiment then try this: The next time you catch a good sized fish, as shown in the picture, whip the fillets off as soon as possible, preferably after you make the next cast. Place the fillets in a bucket (or polythene bag) containing sea water. The fillets will quickly firm up as if they had been dropped in a marinade. They can now be fried, used in a fish pie, or even smoked.

If you leave them whole and wait until you get home then the meat isn't worth much at all, they remain soft and mushy.

Give it a try, anything is better than going home after scoring a blank for the day.