After enjoying the Holiday season, we all begin to think about modifying our eating habits. This is the perfect reason and the perfect season for eating more rockfish. After all, it is time for the Maryland Rockfish Celebration!

Maryland rockfish fits perfectly into any diet plan. A three ounce cooked portion contains only 105 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, zero carbohydrates and many good vitamins, minerals and .8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good health. They help in lowering cholesterol and have many other important benefits for eyes, skin and even mental health.

Rockfish may be prepared in a variety of ways. A favorite is to simply brush the fish with a small amount of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes per inch of thickness of fish. They are also delicious stuffed with crab imperial or an oyster dressing for special occasions or cut up into strips and fried for a tasty treat.

For the best taste and quality look for the following when purchasing fresh rockfish:

• Fresh fish should have a mild sea breeze aroma.
• Whole fish should have bright, clear and shiny eyes. Scales should be shiny and cling tightly to the skin. Look for bright pink or red gills.
• Steaks and fillets should be moist with firm and shiny flesh. The flesh should spring back when pressed.

Now is the time to enjoy delicious Maryland rockfish and join the celebration. The Maryland Rockfish Celebration is taking place in restaurants, grocery stores and seafood markets throughout the state. They will be offering specials on this delectable fish during the Celebration which lasts through the end of February. The Maryland Rockfish celebration is sponsored by Maryland commercial fishermen, seafood processors and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Winter is the prime time for the succulent fish caught in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean by commercial fishermen. The striped bass, known locally as rockfish, is the official state fish of the state of Maryland because of its wonderful flavor and exquisite, firm texture.

Click on the links to the right to try a wonderful recipe for Potato Crusted Rockfish, courtesy of the Fisherman's Inn in Grasonville, Maryland or Grilled Marinated Rockfish.