Currently, there are more than 32,000 different species of fish in the world. And endless ways of preparing this enjoyable culinary delight. So, for those who love fresh fish but have a hard time finding it at local markets or if you are looking for a perfect gift to support a healthy lifestyle, a fish of the month club is the ideal option.
The importance of fish cannot be overstated. Fish has been a vital part of our diet for more than 2 million years. And it is believed to be one of the reasons for human evolution and brain development.
During an archeological dig in Africa, archeologists uncovered that early humans enjoyed a diet of fish, turtles, and crocodiles. Shortly after this find, archeologists discovered a growth in the human brain.
But fish as a brain food didn't stop once humans involved into the beings we are today. An article published by Harvard Health Medical School fatty fish is stated to be abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which are scientifically connected to reducing a specific protein known to be responsible for Alzheimer's disease.
Additionally, fatty fish is linked with improving cognitive abilities due to the increase in blood flow associated with diets rich in omega-3s. Fish known to be high in fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.
But it isn't just brainpower getting a boost from fish. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential to maintain healthy muscles, repair tissue damage, and it is a vital building block of cartilage, skin, and bones.
Fish also aids in improving heart health and may reduce risks of and symptoms associated with:
- Depression
- ADHD
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Strokes
All these benefits make it clear that fish should be a critical part of our diets. These fish of the month clubs are an easy way to enjoy fresh fish regularly.
Table of Contents
Fish of the Month Clubs
- Vital Choice
- Ocean Box
- Katie's Seafood Market
- Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke
- Alaska Gold
Vital Choice
Vital Choice was founded in 2001 with the belief that Alaskan salmon is “nature's most perfect food.” The founders of Vital Choice understand the importance food choices have on our health. But they also want to ensure that as they help feed the people, they don't hurt the planet in the process.
Vital Choice only sells sustainably sourced seafood and they donate a portion of their profits to programs focused on protecting our planet. Vital Choice only procures premium seafood, so you can always trust when you order from them that you are receiving the best while at the same time giving back to a greater cause.
Vital Choice has two Vital Fish Boxes:
- Wild Salmon. $129/box for 14+ servings per shipment. Contains items like single serve filets, salmon burgers, salmon dogs, salmon sausage, and smoked salmon.
- Wild Fish. $169/box for 15+ servings per shipment. Contains items like salmon, halibut, cod, tuna, sole, sablefish, salmon burgers, salmon dogs, and salmon sausage.
The selection is hand-picked to ensure you receive the best quality and variety available. Each month, after the initial order, boxes are sent out the 2nd week of the month.
You will receive an email confirming the shipment before it leaves the warehouse. When you receive the email, you can choose to confirm the delivery, skip it, or cancel the subscription. If you miss the confirmation request, they will not ship your Vital Box until you approve the next shipment.
Ocean Box
Ocean Box delivers fresh, sustainable fish from “dock to door.” All of their fish is sourced from sustainable trusted fishermen. The fish you order from Ocean Box comes from the same boats that bring in the catch for premium seafood restaurants.
All of Ocean Box's subscriptions are full of healthy individually portioned fish fillets. It is their goal to help you eat healthier and cleaner, without a lot of extra effort.
The fish is always sustainably sourced and packaged using “advanced breathable film packing technology” that maximizes the freshness and shelf life of the fish. Additionally, the packaging is recyclable, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
Plus, when ordering through Ocean Box, you will receive fish that is five days fresher than when you shop at a market.
Ocean Box has three different box sizes available:
- Small: 4 Servings of 5-oz each with up to 2 selections $42/box
- Medium: 8 Servings of 5-oz each with up to 4 selections $79/box
- Large: 12 Servings of 5-oz each with up to 6 selections $115/box
You can choose to recieve the boxes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Some of the fish that you can choose from include Canadian salmon, king salmon, tilapia, black sea bass, red snapper, bronzini, monk fish, Norwegian salmon, yellow fin tuna, brook trout, arctic char, cod, and halibut.
Finally you pick your first delivery date.
Ocean Box does not deliver to all zip codes. To ensure the freshest fish possible, they have facilities set up to help get your deliveries to you as soon as possible.
Katie's Seafood Market
Katie's Seafood Market, founded in 1998, was Buddy Guindon's dream come true. Buddy, his wife Katie, and his brother Kenny started Katie's Seafood Market after Buddy left his career as a commercial fisherman.
Buddy Guindon has always been passionate about protecting the sustainability of seafood. He even presented in front of Congress regarding the importance of preserving and safeguarding the seafood industry.
Afterward, he was approached by a producer from National Graphic. They wanted to create a reality show about Katie's Seafood Market and its efforts to protect the seafood business. And, in 2015, “Big Fish Texas” aired for the first time.
If in the event, you are ever in Galveston, Texas, you should visit Katie's Seafood Market to see and buy from the largest seafood display in the city. Katie's gets most of their seafood from local fishermen and shrimpers. However, if you aren't able to make it to the gulf, you can order their fresh catch online.
Plus, if you are looking for a regular supply of fresh fish from the Gulf of Mexico, Katie's offers three different fish subscriptions:
- Small starts at $50 and contains 1 pound of fish fillets, half a pound of shrimp and recipes for that month's selections.
- Medium starts at $75. It contains 2 pounds of fish fillets and 1 pound of shrimp, along with the recipes.
- Large starts at $140. It contains 4 pounds of fish fillets, 2 pounds of shrimp and monthly recipes.
The fish of the month club is only available to be shipped within the state of Texas.
Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke
From protestant minister and business executive to fisherman extraordinaire, Captain Mike has been fishing the cold North Pacific for over thirty years.
Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke is not only a fishing company, but the captain also smokes his catch over Alderwood coals, creating a culinary delight recognized by many including the Sunset Magazine, New York Times, GQ, Frommers, and Serious Eats.
Captain Mike first started selling his smoked fish at the local farmers market in Redwood City. At that time, Mike didn't have labels or even pricing on his fish, but he sold his whole inventory in under an hour.
Since his first time selling at the farmers market, Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke' has grown into a lucrative online business that ships their fish all over the US. But, don't worry, you can still find them at the local San Fransisco's farmer's market. If you ever want to find out where and who will be there, you can check out their online schedule.
For those looking for a monthly supply of Mike's smoked fish, you can choose from two different smoked fish of the month clubs.
- The Captain's Choice for $85/month on a 12-month subscription. This subscription contains two hand-picked fresh and fabulous smoked fish options.
- The Custom Shop Price TBD. You choose what fish, how often you want deliveries, and for how long.
The price of shipping is dependent on the weight of your order. All orders are shipped using two-day air via FedEx.
Alaska Gold
Alaska Gold is part of the Seafood Producers Cooperative, which is made up of 500 family-owned and operated businesses. The co-op has been around for more than 70 years aiding fishermen to get their catch to market. Its members run the co-op.
When you order from Alaska Gold, you are supporting small business fishing companies that use boats with minimal impact on the environment. Many of the members, like Linda Behnken, advocate for small fuel-efficient fleets and sustainable seafood. The members all work together to protect and support a sustainable fishing industry.
Alaska Gold's online store offers an array of fish such as salmon, cod, halibuut, and rockfish.
To receive a monthly supply of Alaskan caught fish, sign up for their loyalty program to receive a discount on your order. Plus, in addition to your monthly subscription, you will also receive a 15% discount on all other frozen fish.
There are five loyalty plans to select from:
- King Salmon starts at $185/month and offers a 5 or 10-pound box
- Keta Salmon starts at $105/month and offers a 5 or 10-pound box
- Coho Salmon starts at $130/month and offers a 5 or 10-pound box
- Sablefish starts at $165/month and just offers a 5-pound box
- Halibut starts at $155/month and offers 5 pounds portioned
Shipping is included in the prices above.
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