Grow bigger veggies and honor every part of your catch — the Surf Hunter’s way.

If you’re a surf angler who gardens, you’re sitting on gold—fish scrap gold. For generations, coastal cultures have used the remains of their catch not just as food, but as fuel for the soil. From the indigenous peoples of California to homesteaders by the sea, fish composting is one of the oldest and most effective ways to grow rich, productive gardens.

At Red Sky Surf Hunters, we believe in respecting the ocean’s bounty—not just at the grill, but in the garden too.

🐟 Why Compost Fish Scraps?

Fish heads, bones, guts, and skin are packed with:

• Nitrogen, which plants need to grow big and green

• Phosphorus, which strengthens roots and helps flowering

• Calcium, for cell walls and strong growth

• Micronutrients, like potassium, iron, and magnesium

When broken down properly, fish scraps become powerful organic fertilizer—and help you grow lush tomatoes, big squash, and super-flavorful herbs.

🛠️ How to Compost Your Catch Scraps (3 Easy Methods)

1. Bury the Whole Fish (or Scraps)

🔸 Old-School, Low Effort=

Dig a hole about 12–18 inches deep. Drop in fish heads, bones, or guts, cover with soil, and plant above or nearby.

✅ Best for: Corn, tomatoes, squash
⚠️ Tip: Deep enough to avoid scavengers like raccoons or stray cats.

2. Fish Emulsion DIY (for Liquid Fertilizer)

🔸 Fast-acting plant booster

What You Need:

• A bucket with lid

• 1 part fish scraps

• 1 part brown matter (leaves, sawdust, cardboard)

• A splash of molasses or sugar

• Optional: EM-1 or bokashi starter

Let it sit for 2–3 weeks, stirring occasionally. Strain, dilute 1:10 with water, and pour around your plants.

✅ Best for: Leafy greens, herbs, seedlings
⚠️ Smells strong—keep it covered and far from the porch!

3. Bury in Your Compost Pile

🔸 Balanced and long-lasting

Layer fish scraps with carbon-rich materials like straw, shredded paper, or dried leaves. Keep your compost pile moist and hot.

✅ Best for: General garden use
⚠️ Flip the pile regularly to reduce smell and speed up breakdown.

🌱 What Plants Love Fish-Based Fertilizer?

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Corn

• Zucchini

• Leafy greens

• Herbs like basil, parsley, dill

♻️ Pro Tips for Fish Composting

• Freeze your scraps in a bag until you're ready to bury or brew

• Never compost cooked fish (can attract pests)

• Add sawdust or brown leaves to balance nitrogen-rich scraps

• Use gloves and clean tools after handling raw fish

🐾 Final Cast: Honor the Whole Catch

When you surf fish, you're part of a bigger cycle. You pull from the sea—but you can give back to the land. Composting your catch scraps isn’t just smart gardening—it’s coastal stewardship. With every plant you grow, you’re honoring the fish that fed you.

Red Sky Surf Hunters
Chasing the tide, outsmarting the fish—and feeding the soil, one hook at a time.