July 22nd, 2011
Hook ‘Em & Cook ‘Em, Bait, Tackle, Seafood, Fishing, Indian River Marina, Delaware Beaches
I had to go and check Hook ’em & Cook ’em out. Mel is one of my fellow walkers; he is religious about his walking, more so than I. Some time ago, I told him I had a website. That I wrote about the area. He told me I needed to visit Hook em & Cook ’em. That they were so nice and the seafood so fresh. Okay, okay I am going. On a sizzling day, I took off for the Indian River Marina which is south of Dewey Beach and just before Bethany Beach.
To get to Hook ’em & Cook ’em is a little tricky now. Due to all the construction of the new bridge, detours are driving us all crazy. But, they are there, just like they have been for 8 years. Yes, Hook ’em & Cook ’em is inside the north side of the Delaware State Park at the Indian River Marina.
Their telephone is 302-226-8220. The website? www.hookemcookem.com. The owners? Bert & Deanna. Please note that they have an on-line store, as well. At the York Beach Mall in South Bethany there is another location; no seafood is sold there, but everything else is.
I have to tell you that I had not been back there in so long. It really looked beautiful; a gorgeous setting. The boats, the water and the Marina itself.
Camera out and the first thing I saw was a gentleman getting some flounder off the hooks. One of the kids’ catch.
I finally went in. The shop was very well stocked and busy.
Fishing gear and everything that has to do with fishing, surf or otherwise. I really don’t fish but do appreciate others that do.
I introduced myself to Deanna. She knew exactly who I was talking about; Mel. The same Mel that has not been there in some time.
Deanna was making a crabcake so I was happy to get the picture. She is limited to what she can cook at the shop. She makes Cream of Crab Soup, Crabcakes, using only jumbo lump meat, shrimp salad, tuna salad and Rock Fish Chowder. They can also steam seafood.
You can order take-out, or just sit outside on one of their picnic tables.
Hook ’em & Cook ’em has, pretty much every day, tautog, flounder, rockfish, and black seabass. They have fillets or whole fish for sale, as well.
Lobsters are a bit scarce this year. If you are interested in lobster call them ahead of time to make sure they have them.
On one of the freezers, bait is what you will find; the other had frozen seafood. Tuna is bought from commercial fishing boats. This is due to licensing laws.
It was time to go outside because the flounder I first encoutered was going to be cleaned by Christopher. He is quite young but an expert; also Deanna and Bert’s son. He cleans fish for everyone.
If you like to fish and would like to have that opportunity at the beach with either your family and friends, Deanna and Bert own Judy V. This is a 65′ fishing boat. Don’t worry if you are not an expert because their staff will guide you every step of the way. There are 1/2 days or full days of fishing. You can visit the website, www.fishjudyv.com. You can also call 302-226-2214 or 877-613-6022. The website will have the rates and departure schedules.
Then, there is Capt. Bob II. This is a 55′ fishing boat which is also available for private charters. You can get all the info. for this boat also on the website above mentioned.
I got some tuna for dinner and it was delicious. I had not had a nice piece of tuna steak in a long time.
Deanna was so friendly and I thank Mel for pushing me to go and meet them.
You need to save the date of Saturday, July 30th. Right at the Indian River Marina the Third Annual Seafood & Arts will be taking place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is free!! You will find Lollipop the Clown, live music, fresh seafood and platters and fun for the whole family. For more details, please call 302-227-3071 or visit www.destateparks.com/marinas.
Even though it was so hot, walking around the Indian River Marina was a pleasure. I got close to the Indian River; people were fishing and having a grand old time.
If you are in the area stop by because you will be impressed.
As I am finishing this post, I almost forgot a most important member of the staff at Hook ’em & Cook ’em; Spencer. It was nice meeting you too.
Have a good one…talk to you later…
Tags: Activities, Bait & Tackle, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Delaware State Parks, Events, Fishing, group fishing, Hook 'em & Cook 'em, Indian River Marina, review, seafood, Seafood Market, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
Do you sell launch permits there, and can I do this online?
Thanks
Randy
Please call them directly to the telephone provided.