I cook everything from panfish to catfish the same way. I usually freeze fillets until there's enough for a fish-fry, and I use a propane turkey-cooker to deep-fry them in.

In a bowl mix: 1-can of beer, 1-egg, 1-heaping tablespoon of mayo. Whip with a fork well, you'll still have some lumps of mayo. To be honest, if you can't use beer, I don't know what to suggest, maybe milk?

Rinse & pat dry fillets, dip in the bowl described above, then add coating. The best mix I have ever found is called Fry-Magic....I've tried several others which aren't near as good. Atleast here, most grocery stores carry the Fry-Magic brand.

I dump a box (or 2, depending on the amount of fish to fry) into a large zip-lock baggie, add a handful of fillets & shake to coat. Add to hot oil & cook until golden-brown. I use a large tray lined with papertowels to put the cooked fish on to help absorb excess oil.

Dad's 85, and fished all his life.....and claims this is the best fish he's ever had

Sound's good to me.I thought beer was for drinking,not cooking lol.Welcome from KY.

It makes some tasty fillets, I got it from a friend years ago after eating fish he'd cooked, and been using it ever since

Oh, no worries.....slaving over a hot deep-fryer gets the cook thirsty too, and I always seem to have several extras left-over from the batter mix , and thanks for the welcome!

Now That Makes Me Hungry.

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Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths.

Putting fish, chicken, or any fried food directly on a paper towel can lead to one side losing it's crispness and geting soggy. I put all my fried foods on a wire rack over paper towels. They never get soggy. If you need mobility, put the paper towels on a cokie sheet and then put the wire rack on the towels. Works like a charm.

Also, never put your freshly fried foods in a container with lid in an attempt to keep them warm. They will turn to mush.

7-up works as well.

Beer does great in making hush puppy's also. And if you have a fifth of wild turkey hanging around. It does even better in them.
AS for the batter for the fish after you dip them in the beer.
2 cups meal
1 cup self rising flower
salt and pepper and a dash of garlic powder.
I use this above on mine.
And I will be cooking catfish for between 300 and 400 at the end of the month. And have not had anyone not like them yet.
But you can bet I try some crappie like your using.
Pete

I cant help myself,,i got to stink up the grease with some onions while frying fish,,,just gotta!

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its a great day to fish!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand completely. I'm guilty of adding onion to french fries when they start to brown. Use that oil to fry chicken the next night. The onion gives it a good flavor. I'm also known to add onion and hot dogs to the oil when french fries start to brown.