At Junior’s Fish Market, the impressive display of fresh fish, lobster, and shellfish indicates that owners, Mike & Lisa Montella, are serious about seafood. From the many customers inside it is obvious that the public thinks so as well. With in-house-dining offered, you can also order your favorite selection cooked to please and enjoy eating at one of the squeaky-clean tables. Be sure to view their livelobster tank located near the front window.

“After thirty-years of fishing experience I know everyone in the seafood industry. My suppliers deliver daily and are always able to give us the freshest fish and shellfish available,” Mike says. Growing up with a charter boat captain father, it is only natural that Mike would be involved in a similar related business. In addition to owning the restaurant, Mike is also an active member in IGFA (International Game Fish Association) certified observer program. During catch and release tournaments, his group of dedicated officials ensure that all fish are released back to the wild unharmed. “They need someone qualified that can identify all species and act as the official recorder from the initial hookup to the time of release,” he says.

Junior’s Fish Market conducts seafood cooking classes. Although there is no set schedule, the classes are usually held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and continue to one hour before they close. There are usually 30 to 50 people that attend each nightly session, many traveling from as far as Lake Placid. As owner, coordinator, and chef, Mike says that the lessons are not just about cooking. “With my vast seafood and fishing expertise, it is more of a cooking extravaganza,” he boasts.

While at Junior’s Fish Market I sampled a delicious combination of Stuffed Crab, Oysters Rockefeller, Smoked Fish, and Jumbo-Peeled Shrimp. For variety, they also have an excellent selection of frozen items such as Dungeness and Snow Crab Clusters @ $8.99 per pound and King Crab Legs @ $14.99 (small) to $19.99 (large). Their brochure states, “Get Hooked On Us.” With Mahi-Mahi, Haddock, Salmon, Sea Bass, Tuna, Perch, Swordfish, Grouper, Catfish, Snapper, Mullet, Frog Legs, Gator Meat, Halibut, and Flounder available, that is easy to do. In addition, there are, Bay Scallops, Sea Scallops, Shrimp, Conch, Octopus, Crawfish, Mussels, Snow Crab, King Crab, & Florida Lobster Tail.

For Live-Shellfish, you can order Clams, Oysters, Maine Lobsters, and live Blue Crabs. Junior’s Fish Market offers creative sauces, salads, and homemade soups like their New England Clam-Chowder, Crab Gumbo, Smoked Fish Chowder, and Lobster Bisque.

For appetizers there are Clams Casinos, Stuffed Clams, Oysters Rockefeller, and Stuffed Mushrooms at $.99 each, or 6 for $4.95. Crab Cakes/Stuffed Crabs are $1.99 each or 3 for $4.99. You can order a Key Lime Pie for $10.99 (whole), or $1.99 per slice. For a treat, try their Lobster, Mushroom, Shrimp, & Spinach Turnovers for $.69 each or 12 for $6.95.

Junior’s Fish Market offers Custom Party Platters and the availability of a Full Catering service. With cooked seafood, try their Fish Sandwich for $5.00...Fish & Chips at $7.00...Fried Shrimp Meal (10), $9.00...Fried Oyster Meal (9), $9.00...Fried Strip Meal (10oz), $9.00...or Combo Platter at $13.00. Sides are Fries, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, and Mozzarella Sticks.

Mike suggests you RSVP your seafood orders and adds “offering my customers a steady flow of creativity, always changing the display to feature the best fish, and getting rid of cost prohibitive items for my customers is my overall goal. Worth noting is that Junior’s Fish Market has a toll-free number and offers their product via Nationwide, FedEx Overnight Shipping.

Junior’s Fish Market is located at 1341 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales, FL, 33853. Their hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday they are closed. Their phone number is 863-678-FISH... toll free is 866-GOT-FINS, and their Internet site is www.juniorsfreshfish.com.