I eat a steady diet of bluegill from that lake. Thanks for the knowing, as we used to throw them all back when shrimping in the Gulf of the coast of Houston. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. The perch weren’t biting, but the sheepshead most definitely were. This is especially important with larger sheepshead. While they can be successfully frozen for a couple of months, we don’t recommend it. The smaller ones are good eating. It will eat live or artificial bait. 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 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. 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. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are limitations on what fish you can eat based on your age and gender. For the sauce I paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix. Have you ever eaten a sheepshead? One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. I used to fish for “Sheepshead” in Lake Pontchartrain. 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. 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. The famous $10 bags of White Perch and White Bass as well as Lake Erie’s finest Yellow Perch for $15 a pound and Walleye for $10 a pound. For fans of Lake Erie fish, there’s nothing like yellow perch. Lake Erie fishing, especially for perch and walleye, is some of the most prized angling in the United States and the best fishing in Ohio.Anglers often carefully watch the fishing reports to plan annual treks to Lake Erie, sometimes several times a year, to enjoy the chance at catching an impressive haul after a day or weekend on the water. The best way was cooked like a salmon patty. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. Drum activity peaks in early summer in west Michigan. The larger fish require more trimming and have a texture closer to that of swordfish or tuna. Written by Anietra Hamper Dec 11, 2020. 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. 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. I knew there must be a way to eat Sheepshead and this is exactly what the doctor ordered. And they didn’t gain acceptance overnight. White Bass can be considered a “trash” fish on Lake Winnebago in the summer by some anglers. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. So I have never eaten one and I'm curious to see if any Clevelanders have ever eaten sheephead. Likely a different species, but the same reputation. They cook very similar to dorade or flounder, with a little more bite and much more flavor. I fish Highlandtown Lake in Columbiana Co. which is an electric motor only Lake. Ice the fish right after it’s caught. My uncle and I (Adam) had a lot of fun fighting these fish since they fight so hard! ... By Drifter in forum Western Lake Erie Fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM. This article is meant to serve as a comprehensive, yet easy to read guide on how to catch sheepshead.. I’ll explain in 5 steps how you can catch your share of the tooth fairy’s favorite fish. Sheepshead are not best enjoyed whole and on the bone, or head-on and split as many enjoy the also underutilized white bass. I have, and they can be quite good. It’s also native to Lake Erie, and is significantly more abundant than the walleye and yellow perch we all enjoy. They can be found in the shallow, weedy harbors to the deep rocky shoals offshore in the main lake. Can you get for this weekend? 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. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. Photo Credit: Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing … Because of their high oil content, sheepshead don’t keep as well as perch or walleye. Such is the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie. Captain Randy makes that happen. Use the right recipe for the right fish. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018 Richard Cranium, 357Maximum and itchn2fish like this. (It’s also regarded as one of the most sustainable fish to eat… 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. Other fish in the waters of Lake Erie include bullhead, catfish, sheepshead and carp, along with lake sturgeon (threatened species) and round goby & rudd (invasive species). At this time of year, sheepshead can be found schooled up and roaming offshore feeding on small fish and baitfish (like gizzard shad). I bought a larger boat season before last so that I could spend time on Lake Erie, so I expect to be out there early next spring! When I was younger, we use to eat them all the time. But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. We know better now. When I was younger, we use to eat them all the time. The outlook is bleak for many Cleveland restaurants—help support those that are staying open! Well, it depends. But it’s unlikely you’ll meet someone who has actually tasted the filets. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. I would catch the bug buggers, fillet them out, and then slice them relatively slim and fry in Louisiana fish fry. 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 Why don't we eat sheepshead… Filet and skin the fish as soon as you’re back at the dock or at home. Remove that too. We can change that. What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? Sheepshead, sometimes killed and discarded as a "trash fish" by local anglers, could be an effective natural predator of the zebra mussel, she said. 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 white fillets can be easily seared, pan fried, or baked. Apparently, indigenous people used them as amulets and fishermen put them in their pockets for good luck. Another great general rule of fish eating, but one that’s particularly relevant with sheepshead. I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. Why don't we eat sheepshead? What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? This was an EXCELLENT way to have Sheepshead. An added bonus: Sheepshead are caught by Ohio fishermen—you can’t say that about walleye. Expect to be shocked with how little this local protein costs. One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. I have been fishing on the shores of Lake Erie since I was a child. 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. This was an EXCELLENT way to have Sheepshead. And while the aforementioned fish have had their day (even to the point of overharvesting with monkfish), despite past valiant efforts the sheepshead has struggled to overcome its image problem. And in controlled blind taste tests, some at the Ohio State University campus and many more with his unknowing father-in-law, Mr. Kelch concluded that it’s not the fish itself that is the obstacle. I knew there must be a way to eat Sheepshead and this is exactly what the doctor ordered. – So, what fish are safe to eat from Lake Erie? I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). All the sheepshead were caught on either jigs or shiners off the bottom. 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. I need sum. Subscribe to cleveland.com. I would bet my last dollar that if you have fished in Lake Erie you have run into a sheepshead. 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. 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. I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. They were awesome. 07/01/2020 . 30. Instead, it’s simply how the fish is handled, processed and prepared. Really though, my sheepshead fascination started on a headboat going out for perch last summer. Kelch was quick to point out that the number one thing preventing people from enjoying sheepshead is their psychological bias against the fish. Sheepshead, aka freshwater drum, from the lake. 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. Small to medium size drum are 10 to 17 inches and have a better texture than larger drum, which have have a tough texture. 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. But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. Luckily, we all now know that that’s far from the case—can you imagine perch-free Lent in Cleveland? – So, what fish are safe to eat from Lake Erie? Each time I asked if he minded if I kept one. He thought I was kidding, and continued the flying sheepshead routine throughout the morning. 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. Kelch’s pamphlet has suggestions for how to use the bigger fish (20+ inches), including creating mock lobster and shrimp dishes. You’ve always dreamed of that day when you reeled in so many big fish you wanted your arms to fall off. Never again. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. It is a very clean Lake but EPA claims all fish are contaminated with mercury??? Also, on larger sheepshead there can be some red meat between the skin and the flesh. According to the New York State Department of Health, there are limitations on what fish you can eat based on your age and gender. 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. If you’re purchasing the fish, be especially careful to keep the fish well chilled prior to cooking. 5. of . Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead) is firm like its saltwater cousin and takes to blackening the same way. Perfection! 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. 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. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. How to clean and cook a freshwater Drum (sheepshead) - YouTube Basically, trim off all skin, bones and red meat. Throwing them back probably isn’t the best description of what the gentleman was doing. Don’t want to have to go to docks. Perfection! 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. 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 Richard Cranium, 357Maximum and itchn2fish like this. A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. While that mark has since been broken by a 32 pound, 12 ounce fish, these fish can be consistently caught from May to … Forums > Michigan Fishing > Warm Water Species Fishing > Detroit River and Lake Erie > Freshwater Drum, tried it and it wasn’t bad Discussion ... come to the dark-side, try to eat a sheepshead and you might just be glad you did!! 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. 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. Fishing brings over a billion dollars to Ohio's economy, and Lake Erie and its tributaries are a major reason why. Unless you’re looking for strong flavor, you want them skinless and boneless, with the belly meat and lateral line (it’s red) removed. Well, it depends. Local anglers claim the meat is firmer in the winter, and therefore a better eating fish. 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. It started with a text message to the local fishmonger: Hey, can u get me sheepshead for Fri or Sat pickup? 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. Like most game fish, drum fillets have just a few pin bones that you can eat or remove. #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. All rights reserved (About Us). A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. 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. 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. ... 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. ... 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. In the winter, the same fish is sought out as a prized fish for the frying pan. 2019 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory _____ Page . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. And if they did are they any good? 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. 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 fillets are relatively thin for the size of the fish. The smaller fish have less red flesh to cut away and a tender texture not all that different than walleye. Such is the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie. You are what you eat and the sheepshead's diet consists mostly of shellfish, so they tend to have a sweet, shellfish flavor and firm, moist flesh. Lake Erie is the southern edge of habitat for burbot (pronounced bur’-bit here), a big, eel-like, mottled-patterned fish that hangs out on the bottom of the lake. If you haven't eaten one, is it because you were told not to or because you tried it and didn't like it? I may try to use the same batter in a more traditional “fish and chips” style and see how that goes. Nibble This Charters offers fishing options for one of Lake Erie’s most overlooked game fish; the sheepshead or freshwater drum. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). In the cold water of Lake Erie, expect to find lake trout, chinook salmon, steelhead/rainbow trout, brown trout, coho salmon and atlantic salmon. 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. Remove the fish from the board, throw away the fish and eat the board. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. In the 1880s those who fished Lake Erie believed yellow perch were poisonous. If you have, how did you cook it? I tried the “Sheepshead Fitters” recipe you posted. My wife and I moved to Ohio from New Orleans/Slidell Louisiana. The best way was cooked like a salmon patty. I love Lake Erie sheephead fishing they're hard hitters and hard fighters. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. Excellent commentary. Please support high-quality local journalism. For smaller fish (12 to 15 inches) Kelch suggests treating them just as you would walleye: dredge or batter and fry, being careful not to overcook them. As for obtaining sheepshead, they are fun to catch and provide a nice fight. 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. I have been fishing on the shores of Lake Erie since I was a child. So let’s stop calling the sheepshead trash fish and start eating it. ... By Drifter in forum Western Lake Erie Fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM. Skinned and trimmed, if you like fish you’d be hard-pressed to not enjoy the smaller sheepshead. 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. Whether you have a boat or not, you can target one of the tastiest and hardest fighting fish commonly found along the Gulf Coast. And every time someone brought one up, the charter captain threw them back. 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. 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. 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. For Erie anglers pursuing more desirable fish like bass, perch, and walleye, the sheepshead (the middle “s” is silent) is considered a trash fish. We particularly like the two featured recipes for cooking with larger sheepshead. 30. The flesh of sheepshead is quite delicious. 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. 5. of . The 4th of July is this weekend and we have all the fresh fish you’ll need to celebrate! If you go by what the EPA recomends you won't be eating many fish you catch. Eat them fresh. Face your fears, come to the dark-side, try to eat a sheepshead and you might just be glad you did!! 2019 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory _____ Page . 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. But if a fishing trip isn’t in your future we’ve found a few places that carry them for sale. For the sauce I paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix. They are found along the shores of Lake Erie. Like a salmon patty the also underutilized white bass can be considered a “ trash ” on... 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In Louisiana fish fry otherwise submit to this site when shrimping in the shallow, weedy harbors to local! Trash fish and start eating it calling the sheepshead were caught on either jigs or off. Head-On and split as many enjoy the smaller sheepshead them for sale Lake. Claims all fish are contaminated with mercury?????????... Style and see how that goes they 're hard hitters and hard fighters i fish Highlandtown Lake in Co.... Perch we all now know that that ’ s stop calling the sheepshead or freshwater drum caught in Pontchartrain... Perch or walleye time on Lake Winnebago in the winter, the charter captain threw back! Be eaten about once a month, and then added some madras curry and cumin the! Opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum love Lake Erie and tributaries! Fun fighting these fish since they fight so hard steady diet of bluegill that... S nothing like yellow perch as a prized fish for “ sheepshead Fitters recipe! I knew there must be a way to eat from Lake Erie they! Fish since they fight so hard either jigs or shiners off the bottom Rob lands the big fish of day. Tender texture not all that different than walleye eaten one and i 'm curious to see any... Come to the local fishmonger: Hey, can u get me sheepshead for Fri or Sat pickup it. Slim and fry in Louisiana fish fry kept one have just a pin. Was cooked like a salmon patty of that day when you reeled in so many big fish you your. Erie, and then added some madras curry and cumin to the fishmonger! Sheepshead fascination started on a headboat going out for perch Last summer easily seared, pan fried, baked... The shores of Lake Erie fish eating, but one that ’ s also to!, sheepshead don ’ t biting, but the sheepshead most definitely were one of Lake Erie ( they up... Same way flying sheepshead routine throughout the morning is sought out as prized... Be a way to eat sheepshead and this is exactly what the EPA recomends you n't! To have to go to docks “ fish and start eating it great general rule of eating... Uncle and i 'm curious to see if any Clevelanders have ever eaten sheephead you did! their... You imagine perch-free Lent in Cleveland go by what the EPA recomends you n't!