#BEST TASTING FRESHWATER FISH SKIN#

Variable flavorДrum fillets are not bony and the firm texture can be an asset if prepared correctly, but one bad-tasting bite is enough to make most fish-eaters swear off a species for life. Blackening is another way to take advantage of firm fish, which also stands up well in fish tacos or fish kebabs (teriyaki or shrimp-on-the-barbie recipes are my personal favorites). Ohio Sea Grant offers a Guide to Utilizing the Freshwater Drum and includes instructions for preparation. However, cutting the meat into smaller shrimp-sized bites before boiling or grilling can make for a great shrimp substitute. In fact, traditional methods of frying or baking do not work well for large drum because of their odd texture. Larger drum vary from firm to decidedly tough in texture, which is very unusual for fish. The texture of small to mid-sized drum (12 to 17 inches) can be described as firm or somewhat meaty in comparison to the more flaky texture of walleye and bass of a comparable size.

#BEST TASTING FRESHWATER FISH SKIN#

As with other gamefish, the dark red meat near the skin (sometimes called a mud line) should be removed along with the skin to improve flavor and reduce contaminants. Although the fillets are mostly bone free, they are also thin relative to the size of the fish. As with most gamefish, the fillets will contain nothing more than a few вЂњpinвЂќ bones вЂ“ small secondary ribs that can be eaten, removed after cooking, or removed before cooking with a V-cut depending on your preference. Not bony, but not meaty eitherДЇreshwater drum can be filleted in the same way as any other fish. Both ends of the spectrum make sense based on my own experience and the limited science-based literature available on the subject.

Some people report regularly eating and enjoying freshwater drum, and others report trying it once and never again due to a bad experience. Sometimes.ДЄ quick Internet search reveals a lot of conflicting information on the merits of drum as table fare.

Although some anglers have caught on the sporting qualities of this unique native fish, very few are aware that freshwater drum can make a surprisingly good meal. Joseph and Grand, drowned rivermouth lakes like Muskegon Lake and Lake Macatawa, and any pier along the coast of Lake Michigan can be very productive for fish ranging from 2 to over 12 pounds. The lower section of large rivers like the St. sheephead) provides a nice way to fill the weeks before salmon start congregating near river mouths for their annual spawning run.Дrum activity peaks in early summer in west Michigan. Rivers and streams have yet to settle into summer lows that are ideal for wading or bank fishing in the predictable spots fish congregate in low water. Inland lakes have settled into summer patterns after post-spawn fishing for bass, walleye, pike, and panfish. Late June and early July can be a slow time on the calendar for Michigan anglers.

Best tasting freshwater fish