The mighty tarpon, nicknamed the "Silver King" for its shimmering scales and acrobatic leaps, raises one burning question among curious anglers: can you actually eat this magnificent game fish? It's a question that sparks debate from Florida's flats to Texas's coastlines. The short answer? While tarpon are technically edible, they're not recommended for consumption due […]

Yes, black drum is absolutely safe to eat when properly prepared, with smaller fish under 5 pounds offering the best meat quality. While larger specimens may contain harmless parasites that cook out, millions of pounds are safely consumed annually along the Gulf Coast. This comprehensive guide addresses all safety concerns and shows you exactly how […]

For decades, alligator gar has been dismissed as a "trash fish" by many anglers, but this prehistoric-looking giant holds a delicious secret. Despite their fearsome appearance with armor-like scales and tooth-filled jaws, these ancient fish offer surprisingly good table fare. Yes, alligator gar is absolutely edible, featuring white, firm meat with a mild taste that […]

If you've ever wondered about the different types of perch swimming in waters worldwide, you're not alone. The term "perch" creates endless confusion among anglers and fish enthusiasts. Here's the surprising truth: only three species are actually true perch, yet dozens of fish carry the perch name. This comprehensive guide reveals all types of perch […]

Black sea bass stands as one of the Atlantic Ocean's most prized catches, captivating both anglers and chefs with its distinctive appearance and exceptional culinary qualities. This bottom-dwelling fish, scientifically known as Centropristis striata, offers a perfect combination of sporting challenge and dining excellence. From the rocky reefs of Cape Cod to the warm waters […]

A topwater lure explodes in a shower of spray as a brilliantly colored predator launches itself completely out of the water. This is the peacock bass – nicknamed "freshwater bullies" by renowned angler Larry Larsen for their ferocious strikes that can snap 50-pound braided line like thread. Peacock bass are large freshwater cichlids of the […]

Picture yourself face-to-face with an 800-pound fish that could theoretically swallow you whole. That's the reality of encountering a goliath grouper in Florida waters. But can you eat these ocean giants? The short answer is no—it's illegal to harvest goliath groupers in most places, and their dangerously high mercury levels make them unsafe for consumption […]

White bass are among North America's most exciting freshwater game fish, creating spectacular feeding frenzies that send anglers racing across lakes. These silver-sided predators offer thrilling action and excellent table fare for those who know how to identify and catch them. The white bass (Morone chrysops) is a silver-white freshwater fish distinguished by dark horizontal […]

Texas anglers know there's something special swimming in the clear, spring-fed rivers of the Hill Country. The Guadalupe bass (Micropterus treculii) holds the unique distinction of being the only bass species found exclusively in the Lone Star State. This endemic fish has captured the hearts of fly fishermen and conservationists alike with its spirited fights […]

Yellow bass often swim in the shadows of their more famous cousins, yet these spirited fighters deserve a spot on every angler's target list. If you've ever confused a yellow bass with a white bass at the boat ramp, you're not alone – but you're about to become an expert at telling them apart. Yellow […]