Old Mate takes fish care and handling seriously, ensuring your catch is treated with the highest standards of quality and respect. From the moment your fish is landed, we follow best-practice techniques to preserve its freshness, flavour, and texture.

1. Humane Dispatch

   We use the Ikijimi method, a traditional Japanese fish dispatching technique, to ensure a quick, humane, and stress-free process. This method involves inserting a spike into the fish’s brain, resulting in instant brain death and minimising the release of stress hormones, which can negatively affect meat quality.
   - Reduces stress & lactic acid build-up
   - Preserves premium texture & taste
   - Ensures a humane & ethical process

2. Immediate Bleeding & Chilling in Saltwater Brine

   After dispatch, fish are bled immediately to remove blood from the flesh, which enhances flavour and prolongs shelf life. Once bled, fish are placed into an ice-cold saltwater brine, which:
   - Slows down decomposition
   - Prevents bruising & maintains flesh integrity
   - Locks in freshness while preserving the delicate texture

3. The Rigor Mortis Process

   Allowing the fish to fully go through rigor mortis before filleting enhances meat firmness and prevents mushy texture. We carefully time the processing to ensure:
   - Optimal firmness & clean filleting
   - Improved flavour development
   - Longer shelf life & higher quality presentation

4. Cryovac Packaging and Labelling

   To ensure maximum freshness and ease of transport, all fillets are:
   - Cryovac-sealed (vacuum-packed) to lock in moisture and prevent freezer burn
   - Individually labelled with species, catch date, and best-before recommendations
   - Kept chilled or frozen for easy storage and transport

The Result: Restaurant-Quality Fish, Ready for You to Take Home

By following these meticulous handling techniques, we ensure your catch remains as fresh and flavoursome as possible—whether you enjoy it that day or freeze it for later. From Ikijimi dispatch to cryovac packaging, your fish is treated with care, precision, and expertise.