Sat may 3rd

[OldTimer]

(04-23-2014 12:52 PM)Eli Wrote:  I don't understand how people eat pike. They do not taste good to me at all. I've had them from local waters, I've had them from remote northern (like REALLY northern) waters and they're just bland tasting.

I don't understand how people eat mutton or lamb. Each to his own.

But more seriously - I've eaten pike from many different locales and I can't say I had any that were "bad". But all fish vary by locale, time of year, and their recent major diet items. Open water Georgian Bay pike (Bustards/French River area) lead my list of the best pike to eat. Size makes a difference too........... the mid size (3~5 pounds) ones are best in my experience. Large fish are too coarse and may not cook uniformly.

Yes pike (and muskie) are not as flavourful as other species - but properly de-boned and lightly flour dusted then HOT oil deep fried, I like'em.......... a slightly chilled Pinot Grigio goes quite well.

I would note that I've had the odd mid-summer pan fried bass or trout that were not what I call good at all with strong river, or musty, or insect taste/smell. In fact a few I could not finish as it was unpalatable to me, and I've got a extremely strong stomach.

Cheers,

OldTimer