Fisherman's email alert list

[Chris VR]

I love the idea of Cape Ann CSF but I already have a freezer full of meat from my meat CSA (Houde Family Farm), plus weekly deliveries June-Oct from my fruit/vegetable CSA (Farm Direct Co-op). I think having more things to cook coming at me on a regular basis would stress me out. When i saw a notice in my fruit/vegetable CSA's newsletter the other day about a commercial fisherman who was starting an email list, offering email alerts of his catches, with no obligation to buy, I was excited! Here's some of the info I received when I inquired:

"Whenever I have something to offer, I will send out a group email to everyone who is on the list. Once we get going, it may be as often as a couple of time a week. Unlike a typical "CSA" program, there is no obligation... it has just been caught, filleted and is on ice. It typically has a fridge shelf life of 4-5 days easy... I can take requests either for specific species, or for specific dates. If you have a particular dinner planned and want something specific for it, let me know a day or two ahead and chances are I can take care of it... The species I could possibly include: Cod, Haddock, Flounder, Mackerel, Pollock, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Dogfish (Fish 'n Chips in the UK), Tuna, large Jonah Crab Claws (think Stone Crab), Spider Crab clusters, and lobster."

He's offering pickup only in Marblehead or Salem, and he hopes to get started Mid-May.

His address is Randy Sigler <[e-mail]>.

[ParisLady]

THANK YOU! I'm on the list too! Looking forward to summer grilling. He responded immediately and seemed very happy.

[erinire]

Randy is great - I also was too late for the Pollock catch, but I'm looking forward to his next email!

[Gio]

Thanks for this information Chris. I like this idea too. In your communication with him did he say what time of day/night pick-up usually is? I have e-mailed him but haven't heard back yet...

[Small Plates]

Here is an excerpt from his email yesterday:

"I've got about 15 lbs available at $6.99/lb. The fish was caught and cleaned about three hours ago, and is filleted and sitting on ice. This is a first time offering Pollock through my list, so I hope you will enjoy it :)

It will be available for pick-up after 6:00 tonight, or anytime tomorrow am - pm."

[okra]

from the email:

"I will have fillets in bags, on ice, in the cooler in my driveway. " and "so all you have to do is swing by at your convenience and grab the bag w/ your name on it."

Sounds like the good old fashion New England honor system.

[Gio]

Thanks so much, Small Plates and okra. What a fantastic thing this is. And the fact that the fish is cleaned And filleted is just marvelous.

[Boston_Otter]

Thanks, this is great. This guy's brilliant; I can definitely see a lot of other fishermen (and farmers, and butchers) jumping on this idea.

[opinionatedchef]

chris, thanks so much for that info; terrific.

[Chris VR]

Got my first email today, he's got 15lbs of pollock at $6.99 lb, for pickup tonight in Marblehead. I'm catering my sister's baby shower this weekend and can't possibly deal with more food, but I'm excited to try this when I'm less crazed.

[pastrytroll]

Thanks! I love the Cape Ann people, but my husband wimpered that he just wasn't *that* into fish.... not that he ever seemed to leave leftovers!

[fesenjan]

I'm on the list too and was excited to see that come across. Last night didn't work for me either but I will definitely check it out another time.

[BostonZest]

I hope something like this comes to Boston. I'm carfree so my pick ups have to be on transit lines.

Pastrytroll, a full share would be a lot of fish for us but we have friends who share their Cape Ann fresh catch with us.

Next monday, it is all ours because they are busy. But, we've also cooked dinner together from our share and enjoyed a wonderful Monday evening meal with them.

I also buy fish from Cindy the Fish lady at the Brookline farmers Market. She has a pick up at the When Pigs Fly Bakery in Coolidge Corner all winter. Her email lists what she has available and you reply and reserve your fish. That email is:

[e-mail]

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[Small Plates]

Thanks!! What a great idea!