Florida Bass Fishing Forum
Smallmouth, Largemouth, We're All About Bass!

Eating small/ largemouth bass?

I was just curious if small/largemouth bass are good eats? I imagine anything is ediable but I have heard that bass is'nt that good to eat. The only fish I eat that I catch is walleye or perch. If anyone has any links with recipes that include pics or videos (im the visual type) that would be great. Also is pike any good?

Public Comments

1. My family prefers the bass over any of the other species that I catch- we eat them 1-2 times a week year long - we prefer them battered and fried (filleted )

2. My favorite is Crappie (White Perch, Speckle Perch) & Catfish. They are mild flavored while Bass, large mouth and small bass have a stronger taste, but still good. Bream are good if cooked without freezing but that goes for most fish. Never had Pike or Walleye Pearch. Actually, I just like fish. Pops

3. keep in mind that eating more than 4 oz/ month of natural caught fish in most lakes and oceans is a toxic problem because of the Mercury...even store bought has issues.

Your probably ok, but fair warning.

4. I dont trust eating any freshwater fish that I catch. It just seems unsanitary and im afraid of getting mercury poison or something. I hear bass is ok eating, but I won't press my luck!

5. I'm not much of a "Bass eater". If I'm fishing a pristine lake/stream in Canada I might take a Smallmouth or 2 for supper.

In my opinion, with as many great tasting fish in most freshwater,(including Walleye, Crappie, Northerns, Catfish, Bluegill, Trout, Salmon, Etc), WHY eat the one that fights the best lb for lb? (lol)

FYI: If you intend on eating ANY fish that has an overwhelming "fishy" taste, (which in my opinion, most Bigmouth Bass have), SOAK the fillets in whole milk overnight. The milk eliminates the fishy-flavor.

And "frying" is always a better cooking method when dealing with fish that taste like where they've been swimming! (lol)

Hope that helps? Good fishing!

6. Pike are pretty tasty, although there are thousands of little bones, not good enough to justify the work or nuisance of the bones.