How to Roast Fish in a Fire

Prepare the fish for cooking while it is fresh.

You can roast freshly caught fish in a fire using a variety of methods. Cooking fish over an open flame is a skill that adds value to any camping trip; in addition, this is useful knowledge to have if you're ever caught in a wilderness survival situation. You can add spices for flavor or cook the fish plain. Only roast and eat fresh fish, and clean the fish properly before cooking. Start your fire before you begin fishing so you can roast your fish immediately upon bringing in your catch.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Knife
• Spices
• Aluminum foil
• Fish

Instructions

1. Clean the fish by cutting open the belly with a sharp knife. Pull the guts out of the fish and discard. Use fresh water to completely clean the cavity. Cut off the head if desired.

2. Start a small fire and feed the fire with wood until you can see a layer of red embers. Contain the edges of the fire with rocks to distribute the heat upward.

3. Place the fish directly on the grill or in a foil receptacle or frying pan. Alternatively, place the fish on a skewer if no other options are available. Foil is the top choice since it will help the fish retain its natural juices.

4. Add spices, almonds, butter and other flavored ingredients if desired. Allow the fish to cook until it's done. Watch the fish carefully as it cooks very quickly.

5. Remove the fish from the fire and allow it to cool. Peel the skin from the fish and use a fork to separate the flesh from the bone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are roasting your fish in a skillet, use butter and almonds as flavorings; they are lightweight ingredients that are easy to transport in a backpack.

• Check the fish for sunken eyes and a rotting smell before cooking. Store your fish in a cooler area to prevent it from spoiling.

References

• Wilderness Survival: Preparation of Fish and Game
• Earth Easy: Campfire Cooking