How to Catch & Cook Striped Bass (River-to-Table Napa Style)

alexosen
20 hours ago
3 min read

Happy Thanksgiving! And just in time for this wonderful holiday, here is the best striper recipe I’ve developed over the years.

Striped bass are a staple of the Napa River, and on a good day of trolling, it’s not unusual to catch several healthy fish. While most outings end with catch-and-release to keep our fishery thriving, every now and then the river gifts you the perfect keeper - ideal size, clean fight, firm meat.

When that happens, it’s an opportunity for a genuine river-to-table experience.

This guide walks you through the whole process: catching, filleting with almost zero waste, cooking with simple ingredients, and making use of the entire fish.

🎥 Watch the video:

A Productive Day on the Water

This particular outing delivered steady bites, classic Napa River action. Among the fish was a perfect 22-inch striper—my favorite size for cooking. Once back at the dock, the gear got rinsed, rods got racked, and attention shifted from catching fish to honoring the fish.

Filleting the Right Way (Minimal Waste, Maximum Flavor)

I start with scaling the fish. The skin is perfectly edible, delicious, and full of nutrients. I don't want to waste it. A clean, efficient fillet begins with a sharp knife and a deliberate first cut.

Start with a deep cut behind the head—there’s more meat here than most anglers realize.
Make a shallow slice along the spine to create a guide track for the blade.
Work slowly, letting the knife follow the bones rather than fighting them.
The result: a thin, clean carcass with very little waste.

Next, trim the rib cage from the fillet by running the blade gently along the ribs. Smooth, controlled strokes preserve meat and prevent unnecessary holes in the flesh.

When you're done, you should have two clean, beautiful fillets ready for seasoning.

Simple Seasoning Done Right

Striped bass doesn’t need much. The prep is intentionally minimalist—letting the fish speak for itself.

Ingredients:

Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Paprika

Lightly coat the fillets in olive oil so the seasoning sticks. And keep the skin on. Striper skin is rich in healthy fats, minerals, and nutrients—plus it adds texture and flavor when cooked properly.

Season both sides evenly. No marinades, no complications. Just clean, bold flavor.

Cooking: Crisp Skin, Tender Meat

Heat a skillet until it’s good and hot, then add a touch of oil.

Lay the fish meat-side down first to caramelize the surface.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until you see a golden crust forming.
Flip the fillets.
Add butter and fresh lemon juice to the pan.

As the butter melts, spoon it over the fish—a simple basting technique that deepens the flavor and helps the fillets cook evenly. When the meat starts to flake under gentle pressure, it’s done.

Plating + Using the Whole Fish

The finished fillets come off the skillet tender, flavorful, and beautifully crisp. On this day, I plated them with blistered shishito peppers—an easy, tasty pairing.

But the process doesn’t end at the plate.

Instead of tossing the head, I simmer it into a simple broth and mix it with kibble. It’s packed with nutrients and makes a fantastic, sustainable treat for the dogs.

Zero waste. Maximum respect for the fish. The striper soup lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. We add a ladle worth into the kibble for each doggy meal.

A True River-to-Table Moment

From morning trolling on the Napa River to a clean fillet and a perfectly seared meal, this approach reflects everything we value at Catch Happy:

Respect for the fishery
Using only what you need
Cooking with purpose
Honoring the catch

Simple ingredients, a light hand, and a little butter magic create a wholesome, unforgettable holiday dish.

If you’ve never cooked your own Napa River striper, give this one a try. It might just become your new Thanksgiving-week tradition.

Catch Happy, my friends — and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🔥🎣

🎣 Got a question or photo of your best catch? Tag us @CatchHappy - we love seeing and sharing your success stories.

Catch Happy!