There are three basic ways to market fish. The most common method is to sell the fish wholesale to a processing plant. This method is usually the least profitable for the fish culturist unless large quantities of fish are sold. Fish can also be processed by the fish culturist and sold retail. The best approach for most 4-H projects is to sell live fish directly to consumers.
Processors offer a reasonably predictable price.
Contracts guaranteeing a minimum price may be agreed upon before production begins. A processor may transport the fish to the plant for a fee. Some processors also provide custom harvesting service. This charge may be avoided by taking the fish off feed three days prior to harvest. Prices at the low end of this scale may not cover production costs.