Ports of Call: Sportfishing’s Top Restaurants

Travel, culture and good food are part and parcel of the sportfishing experience. In a first for InTheBite, here is a chronicling of some of the best places on the sportfishing landscape to grab a bite and a cold drink. They come recommended by locals, traveling pros and other some regional headliners. Written by notable food writer (and captain’s wife) Karla Carreiro, we hope you enjoy it. If you don’t see your favorite port of call, send us a note – maybe it can make the next installment. Buen provecho. – ITB

By Karla Carreiro

Ahoy mates! Put the gaff away, pull up the riggers and reel in the dredges.

It’s time for the captain and crew to head toward the fresh, cooked scent of the sea. In our quest to uncover the sportfishing landscape’s best places to drop anchor, we’ve tapped into some worthy Captains from far and wide ─ Texas’ Kevin Deerman, Outer Banks’ Fin Gaddy and Kona’s legendary Marlin Parker along with the International Fishing Circuit’s Rob Moore, South Florida and Cape Cod’s Eddie Carreiro, New England’s Damon Sacco, and while fishing on the vessel, Grander Marlin, Kona’s Chris Donato.

Each of these captains share their favorite coastal fare at their favorite port of call. So, belly up to the bar, you might just hear a fish tale or two!

Sam and Omie’s Restaurant – Nags Head, NC

Captain Fin Gaddy is no stranger to the tournament fishing circuit having fished the Outer Banks since he was two-years old. This multi-tournament billfish winner knows a thing or two about casual hotspots.

Known for his love of shrimp, he starts his day with restaurant owner Carol Sykes’ short breakfast stack layered with “everything is better” with bacon at Sam and Omie’s. Brown and Charles, his 9-year old twin boys, join in for some killer steamed clams and grilled tuna.

This casual, shingled cottage, steeped knee-deep in fishing history since 1937 stays ready to “jaw” about days gone by. Barefoot and beachy, this local’s favorite is a fisherman’s hub for the annual Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only followed by the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. On any given day, rows of colored fishing hats adorn this lively dotted landscape. We’ve heard that Sam and Omie’s female anglers have quite the reputation “whupping” their manly counterparts on the Outer Banks. We caught up with one of them, Karen Sealock, with her own favorite go-to: the restaurant’s clam chowder.

228 S. Virginia Dare Trl.; www.samandomies.net

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – Destin, FL

For a restaurant that’s home of the Swordy Shootout and the Destin Flathead Classic, 2nd generation owner Miller Phillips, says the annual rush stays on to see what’s cooking. Chef Andi Bell has donned a Boshamps jacket for 10 years now with his coveted Rising Star of American Cuisine award. In what’s coined the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” there’s plenty of seating on four levels of decks while basking in fresh, soulful cuisine.

We’re told the Apalachicola oysters’ fresh, briny taste will always leave you hankering for more. Fresh, roasted or baked, you can choose up to six variations. Or settle in for “Oysters Boshamp” – slathered with caramelized onions, Alabama feta and dotted with homemade bacon marmalade.

The seafaring menu reads like a Captain’s log with a lengthy wine list for any boss and deck crew. Signature corn chowder is a must-have, first-generation recipe. The Gulf shrimp layered atop jumbo lump crab, aka “Putting on the Grits,” makes this Oyster House a favorite. Why? Visiting captains and crew like to dine on delicious southern fare with dynamite views of Destin Harbor.

414 Harbor Blvd.; www.boshamps.com

Back Porch Bar and Harbor Lights Grill at Woody’s Sport Center – Port Aransas, TX

Texas’ Kevin Deerman, Captain on the 74-foot Viking, Draggin-Up, is part of a new team now after 15 years with his mainstay crew. But one thing’s certain. This Texas-bred tournament winner and Biloxi blue marlin chaser likes to man up at his favorite bar. “It’s just a great gathering place,” Kevin says. “You can get a burger at Woody’s and head over to the back porch to eat.” But what’s Captain Kevin’s favorite dish? Those sinfully-good, blackened-redfish nachos from Harbor Lights Grill in a separate section at Woody’s.

The Back Porch Bar seems the perfect gathering for the Houston Big Game Fishing Club. Let’s get this competition party started with their annual “Shrimp Boil” and a “Beer Bash” for all. The bar sign reads, from “Beach Bums to Billionaires” so come one, come all. Just head over to sunny Port A at Woody’s Sport Center ─ the Sportsmen’s Headquarters for 50 years.

132-136 W. Cotter Ave.; www.pabackporchbar.com; www.portaransaslive.com

Chart Room – Cataumet, MA

Visiting yachtsmen will appreciate a bit of history while dining onboard this covered railroad barge nestled in scenic Red Brook Harbor. Once a machine shop on production vessels for the Army and Navy, the restaurant piano now strikes its seasonal chord from mid-May up to Columbus Day. After a long day’s run at the Canyons, Captain’s Sacco’s must-have: wicked fresh lobster decked out on Portuguese bread.

For this New England 2nd largest wahoo holder (a whopping 182.4 pounds), he knows all about good fish and “lobstah!” Chunks of this sweet crustacean – more meat than mayo – like to tease his taste buds. But lured by other stuffed favorites, (baked lobster or jumbo shrimp) always has Sacco and crew headed home for more.

The restaurant’s stuffed quahog reigns supreme with her dome filling of chopped clams and savory sausage. Sacco will tell you, the swordfish, harpoon caught – “with no long battle on rod or reel” – plates up flavorfully, too. Down the hatch with an easy libation! The Shipyard Island Time Session IPA will satisfy with its spicy hop finish.

Sit back. Enjoy quintessential Cape Cod on the restaurant’s lawn watching crews weigh in the big one at Kingman Yacht Center.

1 Shipyard Lane; www.chartroomcataumet.com

The Hook Up, Los Sueños Marina – Herradura, Costa Rica

Is it any wonder that the Hook Up in Costa Rica is the most sought after and not just for its namesake burger? This fisherman’s hotspot rallies 50 or so of the world’s most competitive billfishing teams each year for the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown posting.

After all, catching 997 billfish in the tournament is a good way to work up an appetite. Now, that’s a lot of hungry anglers hankering for a great caramelized cheeseburger layered with creamy dressing and topped with tomato and onion.

No worries at this family-style restaurant with a sports-bar vibe on the 2nd floor of the Los Sueños Marina entry building. They aim to please! Fill your morning taste buds with the ultimate breakfast or load up on nachos for lunch. At the end of the day, the Hook Up will gladly cook your catch (or burger!) while you chill on a cool draft beer or two. Slide up to the bar for a worthy selection of craft beers for any thirsty angler.

Nested at Playa Herradura on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, this Resort and Marina boasts beautiful sunsets. If that weren’t enough incentive, you never know who will be grabbing a beer at the bar at the time.

Solomon’s Landing Restaurant – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Fishing network fans like to flock to Solomon’s Landing’s four-sided bar to celebrate the restaurant’s mascot (a mermaid!) with food so fresh. But Kona’s legendary Captain Marlin Parker stays hot on this sushi bar’s trail with his trophy catch ─ cooked and served four delicious ways. We’re told the buzz around his table isn’t always about the day’s bite or the drag on the line! But the chef’s creative spin using fresh cilantro, barbecue butter, garlic-lemon or the spicy bite from Cajun.

Solomon’s riff on beef rises to new heights with its bodacious 20 oz. mesquite-grilled ribeye. This favorite restaurant – centered in the vibrant Cabo San Lucas Marina ─ caters to the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot and the Bisbee’s Black and Blue, with tournament crews, locals and the like.

Whether seated for a big party, a duo at Friday Night Live or just in dire need of a day’s wind down at sea, Solomon’s is the happy go-to. Authentic Mexican on this menu will please even the pickiest palate.

On the marina through El Tesoro Hotel Lobby; facebook.com/SolomonsLandingLosCabos/

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar – Charleston, SC

The thrill of making the on-water trek from Cape Cod to Jupiter – aka Doing the Ditch– for Captain Eddie Carreiro is to revel in the pleasure of a warm meal and cool libation. Posting 8-10 hours on the open waters, Captain and son are ready to dock the vessel and walk the historic melting pot of southern flavor. Housed in a former World War II U.S.

Navy debarkation station ─ with its maritime vibe and eclectic menu ─ the Fleet Landing is a favorable spot. Fluffy-fried hush puppies are this Captain’s choice with their center surprise of sweet lobster and shrimp.

The pan-seared grouper is also a must-have; its flaky-white meat always sweet on this Captain’s mind. The chef, Drew Hedlund, likes to draw his inspiration from local waters – having cast a reel any chance he can. But, he fires up the same flame for beefy burgers and steaks, too!

It’s easy to get caught up in this restaurant bug with its southern staples like pimento cheese. Gorgeous sunsets of the Charleston harbor with an easy dock spot at the Charleston City Marina.

186 Concord St.; www.fleetlanding.net

The Pickled Onion and Harry’s Restaurant & Bar – Hamilton, Bermuda

This 1800s wine-and-spirit merchant shop now sports a renovated, hip contemporary vibe. Overlooking Hamilton Harbor, this bar and restaurant hosts Captain Rob Moore and crew during The Bermuda Triple Crown. There’s a lot to celebrate with Moore making history as the first repeat winner of the Triple Crown on the vessel Fa La Me.

This Captain and crew have won three times! With the restaurant’s fennel-crusted, flash-seared tuna or the comforts of crunchy, buttermilk fried chicken, well-honed chefs won an Escoffier Cup award in 2004. But Moore laughs when he tells you, “Eat the Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese and take a big nap afterwards.”

It figures that this captain – along with many other hungry anglers ─ would opt for creamy, comforting fare as his favorite choice. Moore also touts the memorable goat cheese dip at Harry’s. With its reputable “Harry Burger,”– ground Wagyu and Miles aged Striploin – this waterfront spot is a flavorful go-to.

53 Front St.; www.thepickledonion.com

96 Pitts Bay Road, www.harrys.bm.

Sunset Grille and Teasers Bar – Ocean City, MD

Baja Lobster Tacos make their beer-battered debut at Sunset Grille and Teasers Bar, the host of Ocean City’s White Marlin Open and The Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Tournament. Eager crowds fill into this happy fishing mecca. Tap into this brotherhood of fishing at Ocean City Fishing Center or just sit back and enjoy lovely Sunset Marina. The Tiki Bar (now closed for the season) gets real busy in the summer.

Just the perfect hub for July’s $785,000 purse pay out at the 31st Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament. The menu is quite the all-American pleaser with its tuna mignon and blue-lump crab cake. Popular flame-kissed tuna stacks atop lovely basmati rice. For those still needing a juicy, big burger fix, the sky’s the limit here with all the fixings.

12933 Sunset Ave.; www.ocsunsetgrille.com

The Brass Ring and The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill – West Palm Beach, FL

Our fishermen have rallied around the Brass Ring Pub for its “Best Burger” bragging rights in town. There is a reason that this no-frills Palm Beach staple has kept crewmen coming for three decades – it’s the burgers. A cheeseburger from the Brass Ring in Palm Beach is a notch on the resume of a travelling captain. If you’re in town, or a local, make some time for one.

If you’re in Palm Beach and in the mood for a slightly different change of pace, check out the happiest of happy hour from 4-7 with an easy dock at Palm Harbor Marina. It’s a must-try. With its bevy of up to 24 rotating draft and bottled beers, this short walk to 6th street (off waterfront’s Flagler Drive) opens to a smorgasbord of flavor.

209 6th St.; www.butchershopwpb.com

Clam and Chowder House at Salivar’s Dock – Montauk, NY

Fishing fleets like to flock in the wee hours of the morning to this tasty spot that moved its diner digs, changed its calling and now serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and sushi too! Known by many as the former Salivar’s Restaurant, it was the place to go for clams and a cool brew after off-shore trolling for days on end. Fishermen like to rally dockside in what’s still known as the “Home of the Great White Shark.”

This now larger, yet casual restaurant, with open-air seating offers some of the best views of Montauk Harbor. A sashimi sampler takes center seat with the freshest tuna, sea bass and fluke garnished with crunchy cucumber, daikon and radish. The “Fancy” takes a tumble with spicy tuna, creamy avocado and salmon ‒ or the “Super Dave” which marries to the fresh, flavorful mix yellowtail and eel.

A shark’s head caught by ‘Monster Man’ fishing legend, Frank Mundus, (a local who snagged a 4,500-pound great white and inspired the creation of Quint in the movie “Jaws”) still hangs on the wall for all to see.

470 Westlake Drive, www.clamandchowderhouse.com

Ports of Call

We can all tip our hat to those who navigate their tournament GPS from port to port. But competitive fishing is far more than the thrill of the catch. For this hungry fellowship who travels the world for a slice of the sea, how fortunate to be able to sip and savor the varied coastal flavors. Now that surely leaves a lasting memory worthy of any day’s total catch.