Lent is a busy time for businesses selling fish

Starting today, local shoppers can expect longer lines in the seafood aisle of their local grocery store, drivers will see a little extra traffic around churches and Knights of Columbus halls, and diners can look forward to an abundance of fish specials featured alongside other fare. The season of Lent has begun.

Those who observe Lent practice self-reflection and fasting, and they abstain from meat, except fish, every Friday.

This temporary pescetarianism means increased business for local fishmongers and restaurants.

Famously, the Lenten season means the yearly revival of a longstanding tradition: the Lenten fish fry.

Local churches and organizations will offer fried fish, hush puppies, slaw and other meatless victuals to the masses.

Gary Ziegler, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus in Scott City, said the organization will order 500 to 550 pounds of fish every week to feed their patrons.

"We serve real, American catfish," Ziegler said.

The proceeds from their sales, like many other fish fries, are donated to various charities.

Restaurants, too, see an increase in fish sales during the Lenten season and prepare accordingly by stocking up on seafood and promoting Lenten specials.

On its website, Long John Silver's says for the seafood restaurant, "Christmas comes in February and lasts for 40 days and 40 nights," citing Lent as its most profitable time of year.

Michelle Butler, a cook at Babe's Fish Wagon in East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, said the restaurant prepares for its biggest crowds on the Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Thursday through Saturday year-round, Babe's serves catfish, buffalo and tilapia caught from the Ohio River and Kentucky Lake. But consistently in the 15 years the business has been open, "we do our biggest business during Lent," Butler said.

Grocery stores also see an increase in sales.

Jon Townsend, manager of Schnucks in Cape Girardeau, said there's a definite uptick in sales at the store's delicatessen, which serves fried catfish and fish sandwiches. But the increase is especially noticeable on any given Friday in the seafood section, where there often is a line of people waiting to order.

Townsend said what brings people in is the desire for fish dinners beyond fried fare.

"The seafood department is knocking the sockeye out of it," Townsend said.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

28745 U.S. 61 Scott City, MO

472 State Highway 146, McClure, IL

19 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau MO