Preheat the oven to 350F. With a sharp knife make several incisions along the back of the monkfish and insert the garlic strips. Pour the olive oil into a large shallow ovenproof dish and put the fennel seeds, bay leaf, and thyme in the base of the dish. Place the monkfish in the dish and pour the lemon juice over it. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when poked with a fork.
