Does Whataburger Have a Fish Sandwich? A Guide to the Whatacatch

The Whatacatch Sandwich features a fillet of wild-caught Alaskan pollock and will be available until April 2024.

US-based fast food chain Whataburger has announced the return of its Whatacatch Sandwich and its dinner platter counterpart.

The items will be available for a limited time between 13 February and 2 April 2024.

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Whataburger opened a new location at 3752 S Las Vegas Blvd in Las Vegas, Nevada, in February 2024, bringing its business to its 15th US state.

The location, next to the Waldorf Astoria, is the result of a partnership with the Panda Restaurant Group, a franchisee. It shares space with Parry’s Pizzeria.

It will serve the brand’s signature foods, like Whataburgers, Breakfast On A Bun, Dr. Pepper Shakes, and a special Whataburger made just for Las Vegas. It will operate 24/7 to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

As a Whataburger super fan, one of the most common questions I get is “Does Whataburger have a fish sandwich?” The answer is yes! Whataburger’s famous fish sandwich is called the Whatacatch, and it’s a limited-time offering that comes and goes throughout the year.

In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Whataburger’s elusive fish sandwich, including

  • What’s in the Whatacatch sandwich
  • When and how often it’s available
  • How to order the Whatacatch meal
  • Tips for getting your hands on this limited-time menu item
  • Why the Whatacatch has a cult following

As a Whataburger enthusiast who eagerly awaits the return of the Whatacatch every year I’ll share my best tricks for catching this sandwich before it’s gone again!

What’s in the Whataburger Whatacatch Sandwich?

The star of the show in the Whatacatch is the lightly breaded, wild-caught Alaskan pollock fillet. Whataburger coats it in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before frying it up into a giant, golden fish patty.

The fillet gets stacked up on a regular bun along with:

  • Crisp lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Tangy tartar sauce

You can also customize your Whatacatch with extras like:

  • Spicy Creamy Pepper sauce
  • Melty American cheese
  • Jalapeños for a kick

The Whatacatch comes as a sandwich combo with fries and a drink or as a dinner platter with two fillets, fries, tartar sauce and toast.

When is the Whataburger Whatacatch Available?

The biggest challenge with the Whatacatch is its limited availability. Whataburger only brings it back for short stints 2-3 times per year.

Here’s a rough timeline of when to expect the Whatacatch on the secret menu:

  • Early Lent Period (February – April)

  • Summer (July – August)

  • Late Lent Period (September – November)

Each time, it’s only back for 6-8 weeks before the wait begins again!

How to Order the Whataburger Whatacatch

When the Whatacatch is available, the easiest way to order it is:

  • In person at a Whataburger restaurant
  • Via the Whataburger app for pickup or delivery
  • Online at Whataburger.com

Since it’s a limited-time item, it won’t be pictured on main menus. But employees should know about it and have signage indicating it’s back.

The Whatacatch is not a customizable option yet on Whataburger’s online ordering platforms. So you’ll have to add special instructions if you want cheese or peppers.

Pro tip: Ask nicely and employees may sell you the breaded fish fillet a la carte on the side!

Tips for Catching the Elusive Whatacatch Sandwich

As a Whataburger fanatic, I’ve mastered the art of landing the Whatacatch before it sells out. Here are my best tips:

  • Check Whataburger’s social media or blog for announcements of its return. They’ll share specific dates.

  • Set a calendar reminder on your phone for the beginning and end of each availability window.

  • Follow food blogs like this one for info on limited-time offerings.

  • Don’t wait long once it’s back – go ASAP before they run out!

  • Ask nicely and some locations may sell you extra fillets separate from combos.

  • Order via the app for your best shot – it may sell out in person.

With proper preparation, you can beat the crowds and get your hands on this coveted catch!

Why Does the Whatacatch Have a Cult Following?

For Whataburger fans, the Whatacatch has achieved an almost mythical status. It’s prompted diehard loyalty and buzz for several key reasons:

Nostalgia – The Whatacatch has been on the secret menu since the 1970s. For longtime fans, it’s a beloved blast from the past.

Novelty – Fish sandwiches aren’t common at burger joints. The breaded fillet offers a unique, seafood twist.

Flavor – Its crispy outside and flaky inside texture is a crowd-pleaser. The tangy tartar sauce adds bonus flavor.

Scarcity – With extremely limited availability, the Whatacatch has intrigue and exclusivity. Fans scramble to get it before it’s gone.

Tradition – Enjoying the Whatacatch is a habit for many during Lent and summer. People eagerly await its return.

Thanks to its taste and elusiveness, the Whatacatch has earned a legendary reputation. Hopefully these tips help you reel in this catch next time it’s on the menu!

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Alaskan pollock caught in the wild is covered in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and served on a bun with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tartar sauce.

Optional additions include creamy pepper sauce or a slice of American cheese.

You can add jalapeños to the Whatacatch Platter, which comes with two fish fillets, French fries, and tartar sauce.

Customers can use the Whataburger app and the company website to take advantage of kerbside pickup and delivery.

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Whataburger opened a new location at 3752 S Las Vegas Blvd in Las Vegas, Nevada, in February 2024, bringing its business to its 15th US state.

The outlet, adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria, is the result of collaboration with franchisee the Panda Restaurant Group and shares space with Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse.

It will serve the brand’s signature foods, like Whataburgers, Breakfast On A Bun, Dr. Pepper Shakes, and a special Whataburger made just for Las Vegas. It will operate 24/7 to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In January 2024, the chain announced the opening of its 1,000th restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.

Whataburger Whatacatch #4 Fast Food Fish Sandwich Season Review

Does Whataburger have a fish sandwich?

(Jody Horton, Whataburger) HOUSTON – The Whatacatch Sandwich and its dinner platter counterpart are back on the menu at Whataburger from Feb. 20 through April 10. Whataburger said in a news release Tuesday that its classic fish sandwich starts with a filet of Alaska pollock coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

How do you make a fish sandwich at Whataburger?

Whataburger’s classic fish sandwich starts with a filet of wild-caught Alaskan pollock coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Then we add crisp lettuce, two slices of juicy tomato and tangy tartar sauce, all conveniently sandwiched on a bun. For extra oomph, add Creamy Pepper sauce or a slice of American cheese. The Build: Whatacatch Platter

When is the Whataburger & Whatacatch platter coming back?

Whataburger welcomes back a pair of seasonal seafood favorites with the return of the Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter through April 2, 2024.

What is a Whatacatch fish sandwich?

Whataburger’s classic Whatacatch Fish Sandwich starts with a filet of wild-caught Alaskan pollock coated with seasoned panko breadcrumbs, topped with two slices of juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, and tangy tartar sauce, all sandwiched on a bun. Whataburger suggests adding Creamy Pepper sauce or a slice of American cheese for extra oomph.

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