Seafood sold at Margate Jetty snapped up for Christmas dining

Tasmanians have been rushing to get their seafood fix ahead of the festive season. What you can expect to pay for a crayfish this Christmas.

Bryce Way of Aussie Lobster Hunters on board the vessel Chieftain who is selling live crays at Margate. Picture: Chris Kidd

Fisherman Bryce Way and the crew aboard Aussie Lobster Hunters cleared the last of their 500kg lobster haul at Margate Jetty on Sunday, with customers rushing to get their seasonal seafood fix.

“We expected to sell out over three to four days which is exactly what has happened,” Mr Way said.

“Another boat before us sold out of over 800kg.”

The crew, featured in 7Mate show Aussie Lobster Men, are busy in the December Christmas period, taking their trawler out again during this coming week to ensure enough stock for last- minute sales before Christmas this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Prices for Aussie Lobster Hunter’s rock lobster sit at $65kg, with Mr Way stating this price is on par with previous years.

Bryce Way of Aussie Lobster Hunters on board the vessel Chieftain who is selling live crays at Margate. Picture: Chris Kidd

“You can tell that people are definitely struggling financially this year as they are only getting one small lobster for their family,” he said.

“People are saying that it’s expensive, but there are definitely things more expensive than lobster.”

If you’re looking for some cooking inspiration, Mr Way recommends steering clear of boiling.

“Too many people boil them, it’s like boiling pasta and eating it,” he said.

“Chuck it on the barbecue with some garlic butter or lemongrass dressing if you can swing it – even bake or grill it with some cheese on top.”

Xueqi Lu and her family travelled from Glenorchy to the Margate jetty to get their lobster, with Ms Lu saying her visiting relatives often ate seafood at Christmas and were enjoying the Tasmanian produce.

Ying Chen, Yili Chen and Xueqi (Denny) Lu after buying live crays at Margate. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We saw that they were selling fresh, live lobster here and wanted to get it from the source,” she said.

“My family are visiting and they enjoy Tasmanian food and especially seafood, so it was well worth the trip.”

Seafood Industry Tasmania CEO Julian Harrington said Christmas was a popular time for Tasmanians to stock up on seafood.

“Everyone loves eating fresh Tasmanian seafood at Christmas, but we definitely want to encourage people to eat seafood all summer long,” he said.

“There will be that rush of people wanting to get the best of the best for their Christmas dinners or lunches – but there is more than enough supply to go around of everything in the state.”

While lobster has become a staple for many Tassie family Christmas lunches, Mr Harrington said bumper supplies of salmon and oysters were a great option for families.

The final season four episode of Aussie Lobster Men will air this Tuesday, with Mr Way promising a special series for viewers.

“We have filmed a three-episode special with all of the Tassie fisherman where we sit down and bag each other out,” he joked.

“But other than on TV, people can always catch more of our behind-the-scenes on our YouTube channel where I film us fishing and out on the water.”

Lobster price lists

Tasmanian Gourmet Seafoods – $80kg live or cooked.

Aussie Lobster Hunters – $65kg

Salamanca Fresh – special $55 per lobster

Hill Street Grocer – 500g to 700g – $55 each or over 1kg – $89.95kg.

Mures Tasmania – $109.90kg.