In his column today, Ron Schara suggests we all play “Angler’s Idol” and pick the tastiest fish in Minnesota. He considers walleye, perch, crappie, and northern pike with reverence before settling on the lowly sunfish.
Yes, pike taste “fishy” but it’s preferred by people who know how to rid the pike of Y-bones.
Perch will rank high, too. Crappies from cold water also are delicious but probably not in the running for top vote-getter.
If allowed to vote only for one fish, my winner would be Minnesota’s most common one under the boat dock: The bluegill, aka sunfish, pumpkinseed.
So easy to fix. Remove the scales, head and entrails. Wash the cleaned fish and dust it in seasoned flour. Fry to a golden brown. Salt to taste.
Sure, it’s a fun way to look at our local fish, but as is the case with the real American Idol, I feel a warning about the quality of content is necessary. Much like Simon Cowel, Mr. Schara has seemingly chosen the most “accessible” competitor. Sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, and bullheads are the only fish that the Minnesota Department of Health hasn’t issued safe eating guidelines for.
If you are a woman who is pregnant, may become pregnant, or are under the age of 15, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that you eat sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, or bullheads no more than once per week.
