Bait to Plate

Kev Collins

Well known Restauranter and co-owner of Fish D'vine & The Rum Bar in Airlie Beach. When Kev's not working he's out fishing in the amazing food bowl of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park or in his tinnie in the estuaries crabbing! His blog imparts wisdom, tales and info on all things fishing and food.

First Bait to Plate long Lunch on 28th February

January 29, 2021  /  Kevin Collins

Going to be a fun challenge doing my first Bait to Plate lunch at our beautiful new venue and after just announcing the event yesterday we already have over 1/2 the tickets sold.

February is usually right in the middle of our wet season, which has, this year started a little early, but it is the season of plenty for the inshore fishery. The barramundi season opens on Feb 1st, the river pours fresh water into Repulse Bay and the whole system comes alive and is replenished for the coming year.

It is a time I love going fishing myself, having grown up with mangroves and mud in my veins. Despite all the enjoyment I get from blue water and reef fishing there is still something emotional and evocative about a Mangrove creek and the gurgle of the tide which will stay with me forever.

With the event still a month off it is too early to hone in on a menu just yet but I am already thinking about options. Barramundi, Mud Crabs, Threadfin and Banana Prawns. Maybe a Mangrove Jack, a Grunter or hopefully even a few of the mythical Triple Tail. I look forward to seeing just what our fishermen are catching in the week leading up to the 28th.

I love doing these events, sharing my knowledge and stories, educating our guests about the how, where and why of each of the species and ingredients we use and ultimately broadening peoples horizons, beyond the restaurant “staples” to the delights of the great variety of inshore species at out literal “front door step”. Book early if you want to be part of this event. It will sell out very quickly.

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