Bluegill is a member of the sunfish family and is a freshwater fish. Many anglers call this fish sunfish, and it is found across North America. You will find this fish in natural lakes, ponds, lagoons, and creeks. Bluegill is also present in rivers, reservoirs, and canals. The fish tend to live amid aquatic vegetation or near dock pilings, submerged logs, and brush piles.
In case you are wondering are bluegill good to eat, the answer is a big yes! Many anglers enjoy eating this fish as its meat is mildly flavored and firm. You can cook the bluegill whole by pan-frying it.
Is it good to eat?
While bluegill is small in size, around 10 inches or less, you will be surprised to know that most anglers think it is good to eat. The mild, firm meat is considered great not just for camping trips but also for family dinners. That is probably because this freshwater fish does not have a fishy taste.
Also, you can eat the skin without worries. However, make sure that you remove the scales first. Use a fish de-scaler or a knife to rub the skin back and forth. This will get rid of the scales. After removing the scales, rinse the fish well and then cook it.
Usually, the bluegill is eaten whole as it is small in size. Just remove the scales, head, and organs. The meat of the fish is considered an outstanding source of minerals and vitamins.
What’s the taste like?
As mentioned earlier, bluegill has firm meat that is mildly flavored. That allows you to remember the meat in many different ways. The most popular way to cook bluegill is pan-frying the fish. When you first taste the fish, you may find that the meat is mild and sweet. Many anglers claim that the taste of bluegill is like crappie but better. The meat is flakier and firmer.
You can enhance the taste of bluegill by adding the right seasoning. That will make it more flavorful, and it will sit right on your taste buds.
What size should you keep for eating?
You will find that bluegill is usually around 8 inches or longer in most regions. The average size of the fish is around 3 pounds, but many anglers have caught bluegills that are bigger in size. Usually, males are bigger than females.
If you want to consume bluegill, the best size for eating is around 2 inches or 10 cm. This size fish has soft and juicy meat. If you choose bigger than 2 inches, you may find that the meat is tough and chewy. Hence, if you want to enjoy bluegill, go for smaller-sized fish. You will not regret it.
What are the preferred methods of cooking the fish?
Bluegill can be prepared in many different ways, and no cooking method is better than the other. It depends on your personal choice and preference. However, before you cook the fish, there are a few things that you should note so that your catch stays fresh until you decide to cook it.
- After catching bluegill, it is advisable to put the fish on ice, preferably in a fishing cooler. In case you do not have ice, keep the fish on a stringer in the water. This will minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that the meat stays firm.
- Do not expose the fish to direct sunlight.
- Use the right tools to clean and cut the fish. It is best to use a sharp fillet knife for de-scaling and removing the head and internal organs.
Since you will be cooking small bluegill, it is best to grill the fish. Use minimal oil and spices so that you can enjoy the delicate flavor and taste of the meat. You can also fry or bake the fish. Make sure you keep it whole and liberally coat the fish with garlic oil. You will love the taste.
Bluegill tends to absorb flavors from the foods you cook it with. Hence, if you want to enhance the taste of the fish, coat the fish liberally with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. Grill the fish for 10 minutes on charcoal. Alternatively, you can fry the fish in oil or butter for five to seven minutes.
Most people find that the fish is bland for their palate. If this is the case, coat the fish liberally with spices. It will significantly improve the taste.
Related article: How to catch bluegills
In Conclusion
So, are bluegill good to eat? The answer is a definitive yes. When you cook it properly, you will enjoy the flaky, mild flavor of the fish. Kids and adults can eat this fish without worries. Make sure that when you go fishing for bluegill, the water is clean and without the chance of pesticide or fertilizer runoffs. That way, you will not have to worry about toxins and contaminants. Also, do check the regulations in your area so that you can keep the smaller size for eating.
If you are looking for seafood that is good to eat and taste, you will not be disappointed with bluegill. So, go ahead and give this fish a try. You may become an admirer.
