We are experts when it comes to the chesapeake Bay.

We hand cut every fish that comes to us for processing. Each fish is sorted, processed and portioned with care and the utmost attention to detail. We process fish for foodservice, retail and institutional dining under the Tilghman Island Seafood brand as well as some private label packaging.

Strict Quality Control Starts On The Water

It goes without saying that ice is vital when it comes to fish quality. The watermen fishing for Tilghman Island Seafood know that they must have the fish on ice as soon as it is out of the water. To ensure this happens, Tilghman Island Seafood has installed bespoke ice machines at the four launch/landing sites that the fishermen currently work from. With a simple, free of charge tote exchange system, the fishermen take fresh ice out on the water each trip ensuring the highest quality of fish straight out of the water.

Immediate Processing

Once the fish is off loaded, they are immediately cleaned, cut and packed. This timely processing ensures the best quality for the meat texture as well as superior shelf life.

USDA & FDA Oversight

Our processing facility is in full compliance with FDA as well as USDA catfish processing regulations and controls.

Wild Blue Catfish

Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish is mild and flaky, with a clean fresh taste. In fact, most diners and chefs find it tastier than any other catfish. Why are they so delicious? Wild Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish are not bottom feeders and thus don’t acquire a muddy taste. 

They actively feed on aquatic prey, including other fish (Menhaden, American Shad, White Perch, and River Herring) and shellfish (crabs, clams, and mussels). This is good for developing the flavor of the Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish but bad for the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay.

Wild Catfish Products

Tilghman Island Seafood produces a range of both fresh and frozen wild capture blue catfish products.

Whole Gutted — Fillets — Portions — Value Added

Wild Chesapeake Oysters

Tilghman Island Seafood and their sister company Whittman Wharf, produce a range of wild Chesapeake Oysters and are available year-round both live and shucked. All Tilghman Island oysters are hand shucked and packed for foodservice and retail. Contact us for pack details and availability.

Wild Capture Chesapeake

Throughout the year we will process seasonal wild capture fish from the Chesapeake such as rockfish, flounder and yellow perch.