From shrimp to fish, here are some seafood markets to check out in the Wilmington area

For the uninitiated, stepping into a seafood market can be daunting. Maybe you don’t know how to navigate the selections or what questions to ask. But, for many chefs, fisherman, and others in the local food business, it’s well worth it to check it out.

“A local seafood market supports a lot of people,” said Michael Overman, chef at South Beach Grill in Wrightsville Beach. “It supports the family that owns it, and all their workers. It supports multiple fishing vessels and their families. And it supports sustainability.”

Plus, many local markets have a high turnover that results in fresher options and employ staff willing to help. Here’s a look at some of the local seafood markets in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties.

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Seaview Crab Company: This business started with 50 crab pots and a commercial fishing license and has now grown more than 60 fishmongers and seven locations, including those near Carolina Beach (6458 Carolina Beach Road), at Biggers Market, in Castle Hayne (2009 Castle Hayne Road) and Belville (580 River Road S.E.). There’s also a market and kitchen at their headquarters at 1515 Marstellar St.

Motts Channel Seafood: This family-owned business has been serving the Wrightsville Beach community (120 Short St.) since 1990. In addition to working with local and regional purveyors, they also have their own hook-and-line and dive boats to bring in local fish.

Potter’s Seafood: Come for the seafood, of course. But also for the stories from five generations in the local industry and a business that dates to 1899. Find it at 94 Yacht Basin Road in Southport.

Blackburn Brothers Seafood: In addition to a variety of seafood, you can also buy bait, ice, crawfish, alligator and sausage at 440 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, 

Eagle Island Fruit & Seafood: Yes, you can buy oysters, fish and more here. But this business at 2500 Hwy 421 in Wilmington has so much more, it’s become a bit of a local legend -- part market, part produce stand and part old timey country store.

Coastal Seafood & Propane: This market has been selling fish, crab, oysters, shrimp and more for more than 40 years at 301 Village Road, Leland.

Ronnie’s Crab Shack at Zora’s: This locally owned seafood market at 1411 Castle St. in Wilmington also has an onsite kitchen serving a variety of fish and crab plates, as well as burgers, hot dogs and a variety of house-made desserts, from classic chocolate cake to banana pudding.

Lewis Seafood: At 822 Carolina Blvd. In Topsail Beach, you can find an indoor/dockside market selling fresh fish seasonally, as well as some other necessities. There’s also an onsite food truck serving fish tacos, chowders and seafood plates.

Island Seafood Company: At 6778 Beach Drive S.W. in Ocean Isle Beach, this popular market sells a variety of seafood and is often home to the Nana’s Main Ingredient food truck.

Clem’s Seafood: In addition to a variety of seafood, including local options like shrimp and trigger fish, you can find produce, eggs, and prepared dishes like crab dip, key lime pie and pimento cheese. They’re at 4351 Long Beach Road S.E. in Southport.

Atlantic Seafood Retail Market: Hampstead has a long tradition as a fishing village. And this market, business since 1964, has been a part of that history for decades. You can find them at 95 N.C. 210 West.

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Haag & Sons Seafood: This retail and wholesale market has been locally owned for more than 25 years, by a board member of the Brunswick Catch local seafood initiative. They’re at .7901 E. Oak Island Drive in Oak Island.

Garland’s Fresh Seafood: This market at 2 Fisherman Road in Supply specializes in shrimp, but you can also find other fish and crabs there.

Capt’n Pete’s Seafood: Another popular family-owned market, this one has been proudly serving locally caught fish and more in the Holden Beach area at 101 South Shore Drive.

Vaught's Seafood: Look for fresh seafood "fresh off the boat" at this local roadside seafood stand. It's at 6995 Beach Drive S.W. in Ocean Isle Beach,

Old Ferry Seafood: If you come by car or by boat, you might find local mullet, shrimp, clams and a variety of fresh fish at 1069 Songbird Lane in Supply.

High Rider Seafood: With a location at 3 Fisherman Road in Supply, and a few shrimp boats at their disposal, you know you're in the right place at this Brunswick County fish house.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Places to buy fresh seafood in Wilmington, NC