A few years ago, a friend of mine had an ice-fishing trip to Lake Winnebigosh. He was taken out to a little cabin on the ice with a yard-square fishing hole. The guide had told them “You can catch walleye and big perch, but if you start catching eelpout, they’re going to grab all your lures before the walleyes see them.” The eelpout, a stout fish, was described as “the poor man’s lobster” for the tender, buttery flesh.
Was that puffery, or are eelpout really that tasty? I saw some pictures, and they’re certainly not a pretty fish. Is it worth asking for, if I travel in that area?
Eh, by the way, anyone know what Tilapia tastes like? I’ve never tried it, but I know it is a pretty popular commercial fish on the current market.
The reason I ask is because there’s a manmade lake here (FL) filled with Tilapia. I saw someone catch a full stringer of them a couple days ago. He must have had about twenty 2-4lb. fish! You gotta snag them though, they are not baited (Herbivirous).
Might give it a shot, again (last time I tried I only snagged a small catfish.)
It doesn’t have a particularly strong flavor but I like it. I typically bake it with some spices and it turns out ok. I imagine you could fry it in various ways as well if that’s what you’re in to.
The poor man’s lobster. Heh, I wish I was old enough to remember when lobster was the poor man’s lobster.
Tilapia is a mild fish with firm flesh that will withstand a variety of cooking methods. It takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. I made some the other night that was incredibly tasty. I will be happy to share the recipe if you would like.
Recipe - Season your filets with salt and pepper and saute with onion and garlic til fish is almost cooked through. Remove from skillet and add spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers and lemon juice. Heat through and add filets back to skillet. Continue cooking until fish is done.
