If you’ve spent a good amount of time fishing in Canada, the Northeastern United States, or the Great Lakes Region, you’ve likely encountered Northern Pike before. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to catch this species, you might have wondered if it’s a good eating fish. The good news is that it is both an excellent eating fish and comes with numerous health benefits.
Of course, it does take some work to get it from the hook to your dinner plate. Here’s what to do the next time you reel in a Northern Pike:
Prepare the Pike for Filleting
After catching a Northern Pike, it’s important to be mindful of its sharp teeth. Kill it as humanely as possible, then bleed it by cutting its main artery near its gills, and put it on ice. Once you’re home or wherever you’re spending the night, rinse it with cold water and remove any excess slime. Gut it and remove any innards. Make sure to have a sharp fillet knife and a clean cutting surface ready for the next steps.
Fillet the Pike with Precision
To maximize the amount of edible meat, it’s important to be precise when filleting. Start by making an incision behind the gills and cut along the backbone towards the tail. Gently guide your knife along the rib bones, keeping it as close to the bones as possible. Repeat the process on the other side. Once the fillets are removed, rinse them again with cold water to remove any remaining scales or debris.
Cook It Your Way
Now comes the fun part – transforming your fresh Northern Pike into a delectable dish. There is no shortage of ways to prepare Northern Pike and it can stand in for other fish in many recipes. Your options are endless – panko-crusted Pike, baked Pike, fried Pike, grilled Pike. You can truly prepare the fish in whichever manner you prefer.
If you’re looking to experience the thrill of catching, preparing, and cooking a Northern Pike firsthand, why not plan a fishing trip with Mattice Lake Outfitters in Armstrong Station, Ontario? Our comfortable accommodations and pristine fishing locations in the remote wilderness of Ontario will ensure an unforgettable adventure. Call 1-800-411-0334 for more information on the packages we offer today!
