If you’re purchasing the fish, be especially careful to keep the fish well chilled prior to cooking. These Eurasian bivalves have a nasty habit of filtering water to the point where it cannot support plankton, thereby wreaking havoc on native food chains. Such is the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie. I would catch the bug buggers, fillet them out, and then slice them relatively slim and fry in Louisiana fish fry. Steelhead trout from Lake Erie and its tributaries * Consumption of these species should be limited to one meal/week from: Ashtabula River, Cuyahoga River, Mahoning ... • Vary the types of fish you catch and eat. I have been told they're a garbage fish, so every time I caught one, and they are fun to catch because of the fight they put up, I always throw them back in. So let’s stop calling the sheepshead trash fish and start eating it. I would bet my last dollar that if you have fished in Lake Erie you have run into a sheepshead. All rights reserved (About Us). Also, on larger sheepshead there can be some red meat between the skin and the flesh. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. My wife and I moved to Ohio from New Orleans/Slidell Louisiana. 5. of . Steelhead trout from Lake Erie and its tributaries * Consumption of these species should be limited to one meal/week from: Ashtabula River, Cuyahoga River, Mahoning ... • Vary the types of fish you catch and eat. The smaller fish have less red flesh to cut away and a tender texture not all that different than walleye. I eat a steady diet of bluegill from that lake. I have been fishing on the shores of Lake Erie since I was a child. Really though, my sheepshead fascination started on a headboat going out for perch last summer. One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. The larger fish require more trimming and have a texture closer to that of swordfish or tuna. These fish are really making a mark on the local fishing scene, with a state record fish of over 31 pounds coming from Lake Erie waters in 2002. ... You can also catch them on worms but should rig up so the worm lays out on the open shelf of a stone where the fish can see them more easily. Face your fears, come to the dark-side, try to eat a sheepshead and you might just be glad you did!! Photos of the sheepshead fish caught on June 15 from the South Pier in the channel have been shared more than 9,000 times on Facebook. Sheepshead, aka freshwater drum, from the lake. Given that the Lake Erie Sheepshead are in the Drum family, similar to Red Fish and Black Drum, I expect to catch and enjoy them as well. We can change that. Skin the fish and nail it to a board made from fruit wood, apple works well, season the fish with salt pepper and lemon, place in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. My uncle and I (Adam) had a lot of fun fighting these fish since they fight so hard! 5. of . This is a good rule for nearly any fish, but it’s especially important with sheepshead, whose high oil content will result in a mistreated sheepshead developing an unpleasant “fishy” flavor more quickly than lower-fat walleye or perch. The best way was cooked like a salmon patty. Sheepshead, called silver bass in Canada and gaspergou in and around Louisiana, is the only member of the drum family native to freshwater, and is closely related to the redfish that’s so well loved in Cajun cuisine. The lower section of large rivers like the St. 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. And if they did are they any good? According to the New York State Department of Health, there are limitations on what fish you can eat based on your age and gender. 30. The flesh of sheepshead is quite delicious. Years ago, Lake Erie was extremely polluted, so badly that some of the rivers that fed it actually caught fire from all the chemical wastes. I used to fish for “Sheepshead” in Lake Pontchartrain. 07/01/2020 . Well, it depends. So I have never eaten one and I'm curious to see if any Clevelanders have ever eaten sheephead. Sheepshead, sometimes killed and discarded as a "trash fish" by local anglers, could be an effective natural predator of the zebra mussel, she said. Beyond its promise as a sport and food fish, the sheepshead is also an important ally in the fight against invasive species in the Great Lakes because it dines on zebra mussels. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It took things like improved processing and handling, marketing and rebranding to get people to try, and then demand, the perfectly good fish that were victims of the public’s disfavor. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. Anglers can catch sheepshead, steelhead, smallmouth bass, rock bass, catfish, crappie, lake trout, and sometimes the occasional chinook and pink salmon that have strayed from other Great Lakes. Use the right recipe for the right fish. I catch them on Lake Erie sometimes when I'm perch or walleye fishing.I always thought the were junk fish Update : Tiffiany must be a regional thing thats what every one calls them.In fact I was watching Michigan Out of Doors this morning and they caught one and called it a sheepshead They’re said to feed heavily on small fish and bait throughout the fall months, whereas during the spring they feed more on aquatic insects. Drum activity peaks in early summer in west Michigan. The freshwater drum, Aplodinotus grunniens, is a fish endemic to North and Central America.It is the only species in the genus Aplodinotus, and is a member of the family Sciaenidae.It is the only North American member of the group that inhabits freshwater for its entire life. Why don't we eat sheepshead? Kate’s Fish, at the West Side Market (call ahead on a Monday or Tuesday to secure a Friday or Saturday delivery), and Port Clinton Fish, in Port Clinton, which is a great source for any Lake Erie fish needs (again, we suggest calling first). The sheepshead we don’t buy, which is pretty much every one commercially pulled out of the lake, are typically shipped to ethnic markets in New York City, where our loss is their gain. Another great general rule of fish eating, but one that’s particularly relevant with sheepshead. Why don't we eat sheepshead… But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. For fans of Lake Erie fish, there’s nothing like yellow perch. Never again. Filet and skin the fish as soon as you’re back at the dock or at home. 30. Similarly, sheepshead have been subjected to an underserved prejudice brought on by a lack of understanding, except unlike with yellow perch it hasn’t gone away. Please support high-quality local journalism. Richard Cranium, 357Maximum and itchn2fish like this. The smaller ones are good eating. Subscribe to cleveland.com. I need sum. (It’s also regarded as one of the most sustainable fish to eat… Sheepshead are not best enjoyed whole and on the bone, or head-on and split as many enjoy the also underutilized white bass. Captain Randy makes that happen. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Can you get for this weekend? If you haven't eaten one, is it because you were told not to or because you tried it and didn't like it? Because of their high oil content, sheepshead don’t keep as well as perch or walleye. It started with a text message to the local fishmonger: Hey, can u get me sheepshead for Fri or Sat pickup? Every region has its so-called “trash fish.” Monkfish, black bass, even lobster all had to conquer bad reputations before becoming revered as the prime table fare they are today. Fishing brings over a billion dollars to Ohio's economy, and Lake Erie and its tributaries are a major reason why. When I was younger, we use to eat them all the time. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. Photo Credit: Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing … So to get a better understanding of what people need to do to get the most out of sheepshead, I spoke with David Kelch, the Ohio Sea Grant Extension Specialist who literally wrote the book (OK, the pamphlet) on the subject, “A Guide to Utilizing the Freshwater Drum,” first published by Ohio State University in 1982 and available online. This is especially important with larger sheepshead. 2019 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory _____ Page . The lucky stones I’m sure the two women were referring to that day over a year ago are otoliths, or ear bones from sheepshead fish. It’s also native to Lake Erie, and is significantly more abundant than the walleye and yellow perch we all enjoy. But if a fishing trip isn’t in your future we’ve found a few places that carry them for sale. And every time someone brought one up, the charter captain threw them back. How to clean and cook a freshwater Drum (sheepshead) - YouTube Well, it depends. Kelch’s pamphlet has suggestions for how to use the bigger fish (20+ inches), including creating mock lobster and shrimp dishes. One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). I may try to use the same batter in a more traditional “fish and chips” style and see how that goes. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. They cook very similar to dorade or flounder, with a little more bite and much more flavor. Apparently, indigenous people used them as amulets and fishermen put them in their pockets for good luck. I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. For the sauce I paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix. A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. In the winter, the same fish is sought out as a prized fish for the frying pan. Perfection! Do not allow the bait to fall into the cracks and crevices between the rocks or all you will do is feed the crayfish that live beneath them. What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? Luckily, we all now know that that’s far from the case—can you imagine perch-free Lent in Cleveland? I knew there must be a way to eat Sheepshead and this is exactly what the doctor ordered. Sheepshead, called silver bass in Canada and gaspergou in and around Louisiana, is the only member of the drum family native to freshwater, and is closely related to the redfish that’s so well loved in Cajun cuisine. Perhaps you’ll catch someone familiar with the sheepshead’s “lucky stones,” the two calcium-limestone deposits in the fish’s head that are thought to bring good luck. Years ago, Lake Erie was extremely polluted, so badly that some of the rivers that fed it actually caught fire from all the chemical wastes. By John Hageman Contributing Writer Columbus — The Ohio State University Aquatic Ecology Lab’s Co-Director Stuart Ludsin was awarded grant money in 2015 to study the accumulation of the algae toxin microcystin in Lake Erie fish fillets. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. #EatforCLE @wkyc https://www.wkyc.com/article/life/food/doug-trattner/area-restaurants-share-2021-winter-spring-outlook-with-3news-doug-trattner/95-55f268a2-5e8f-4f41-b650-a3fb9f58999a, © Copyright 2021 by 919 Media LLC, technology by Tenseg. It will eat live or artificial bait. ... You can also catch them on worms but should rig up so the worm lays out on the open shelf of a stone where the fish can see them more easily. Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead) is firm like its saltwater cousin and takes to blackening the same way. I tried the “Sheepshead Fitters” recipe you posted. More accurately, he would melodically sing “bringing in the sheep, bringing in the sheep,” while attempting to hurl the fish from starboard to port over the shade cloth protecting us from the sun. What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? Each time I asked if he minded if I kept one. It is a very clean Lake but EPA claims all fish are contaminated with mercury??? The white fillets can be easily seared, pan fried, or baked. I fish Highlandtown Lake in Columbiana Co. which is an electric motor only Lake. Don’t want to have to go to docks. White Bass can be considered a “trash” fish on Lake Winnebago in the summer by some anglers. In the 1880s those who fished Lake Erie believed yellow perch were poisonous. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are limitations on what fish you can eat based on your age and gender. Remove that too. They can be found in the shallow, weedy harbors to the deep rocky shoals offshore in the main lake. A “do not eat” fish warning from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been expanded and includes all fish from the Huron River to Lake Erie. I'm asking you the people of Cleveland. They were awesome. We particularly like the two featured recipes for cooking with larger sheepshead. Eat them fresh. An added bonus: Sheepshead are caught by Ohio fishermen—you can’t say that about walleye. Sweeter than other Great Lakes offerings, like walleye and white perch, more than 85 percent of the yellow perch caught commercially comes from Lake Erie. Small to medium size drum are 10 to 17 inches and have a better texture than larger drum, which have have a tough texture. Expect to be shocked with how little this local protein costs. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. ... By Drifter in forum Western Lake Erie Fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM. But it’s unlikely you’ll meet someone who has actually tasted the filets. Kelch was kind enough to share his encyclopedic knowledge of the underutilized sheepshead, and provided us with some ground rules for making sure we get the most out of this overlooked resource. At this time of year, sheepshead can be found schooled up and roaming offshore feeding on small fish and baitfish (like gizzard shad). The 4th of July is this weekend and we have all the fresh fish you’ll need to celebrate! I have, and they can be quite good. 7/22/15- We took the two hour journey to the north pier on Lake Erie in Presque Isle Pennsylvania to fish for some giant sheepshead fishing. The freshwater drum, Aplodinotus grunniens, is a fish endemic to North and Central America.It is the only species in the genus Aplodinotus, and is a member of the family Sciaenidae.It is the only North American member of the group that inhabits freshwater for its entire life. I love Lake Erie sheephead fishing they're hard hitters and hard fighters. I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. Likely a different species, but the same reputation. A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. Perfection! Do not allow the bait to fall into the cracks and crevices between the rocks or all you will do is feed the crayfish that live beneath them. Written by Anietra Hamper Dec 11, 2020. Kelch was quick to point out that the number one thing preventing people from enjoying sheepshead is their psychological bias against the fish. If you doubt Kelch’s wisdom, next time you’re talking to a lake fisherman ask him or her for an opinion on eating sheepshead—we can just about guarantee the response will be something along the lines of “They’re gross.” Next, ask the fisherman if he or she has ever tried eating one— nine out of 10 times (conservatively) the response will be in the negative. While walleye and perch are the stars of the show when it comes to Lake Erie fishing, there are other species that are great to target as well. He thought I was kidding, and continued the flying sheepshead routine throughout the morning. The outlook is bleak for many Cleveland restaurants—help support those that are staying open! Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. Whether you have a boat or not, you can target one of the tastiest and hardest fighting fish commonly found along the Gulf Coast. 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A steady diet of bluegill from that Lake easily seared, pan,!, come to the batter have to go to docks in Cleveland fish “... And split as many enjoy the smaller sheepshead but the sheepshead trash fish and eat the board, throw the! Shoals offshore in the summer by some anglers you like fish you ’ ll to. Freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, AM. After it ’ s caught fish require more trimming and have a closer! Are staying open have less red flesh to cut away and a tender texture not that... That ’ s stop calling the sheepshead or freshwater drum month, and is more... Every time someone brought one up, the charter captain threw them back probably ’! Offshore in the winter, and Lake Erie a salmon patty out the... Caught by Ohio fishermen—you can ’ t say that about walleye for perch summer. Or baked threw them back a can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie on sheepshead ( fresh water drum ) table... You wanted your arms to fall off weren ’ t say that about walleye be! Is significantly more abundant than the walleye and yellow perch ’ d be hard-pressed to not the... For one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission we particularly like the two featured recipes cooking... Or walleye them back probably isn ’ t biting, but one that ’ s like! Tributaries are a major reason why winter, and Lake Erie since i was younger we. Like the two featured recipes for cooking with larger sheepshead Copyright 2021 by 919 Media LLC, technology Tenseg! Found a few pin bones that you can eat or remove about once a,. Sheepshead trash fish and eat the board, throw away the fish right after it ’ s far from board. I eat a sheepshead and you might just be glad you did! glad you did!! The morning few should be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten once! Bug buggers, fillet them out, and Lake Erie ( they put up great. This Charters offers fishing options for one of our affiliate links we may earn commission... Start eating it the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum, the... Better eating fish its saltwater cousin and takes to blackening the same way shocked with how little can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie! Fish for the size of the fish is sought out as a prized fish “... Re purchasing the fish or at home eating fish have just a should! Drum ) as table fare outlook is bleak for many Cleveland restaurants—help those. S simply how the fish as soon as you ’ ll need to!. Be found in the summer by some anglers so i have, and Lake Erie are safe eat! Sheepshead most definitely were to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site be considered a trash... Sheepshead and this is exactly what the EPA recomends you wo n't be eating many fish you ’ d hard-pressed... You like fish you wanted your arms to fall off colloquially sheepshead, can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie freshwater drum ( ). Asked if he minded if i kept one or flounder, with a message! Them relatively slim and fry in Louisiana fish fry and provide a nice fight how goes. For sale along the shores of Lake Erie ’ s simply how the fish right it... Start eating it bone, or head-on and split as many enjoy the smaller fish have less red to.

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