Photo Credit: Erie Pennsylvania Sport Fishing … One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. Small to medium size drum are 10 to 17 inches and have a better texture than larger drum, which have have a tough texture. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). How to clean and cook a freshwater Drum (sheepshead) - YouTube Expect to be shocked with how little this local protein costs. I used to fish for “Sheepshead” in Lake Pontchartrain. What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? Richard Cranium, 357Maximum and itchn2fish like this. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. Face your fears, come to the dark-side, try to eat a sheepshead and you might just be glad you did!! 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. 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. 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. ... By Drifter in forum Western Lake Erie Fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM. It will eat live or artificial bait. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018 Richard Cranium, 357Maximum and itchn2fish like this. 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. 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. I love Lake Erie sheephead fishing they're hard hitters and hard fighters. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. 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). Likely a different species, but the same reputation. Remove that too. But it’s unlikely you’ll meet someone who has actually tasted the filets. Luckily, we all now know that that’s far from the case—can you imagine perch-free Lent in Cleveland? 5. of . Subscribe to cleveland.com. 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). 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. 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. I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). 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. ... By Drifter in forum Western Lake Erie Fishing REPORTS Replies: 0 Last Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM. It started with a text message to the local fishmonger: Hey, can u get me sheepshead for Fri or Sat pickup? Fishing brings over a billion dollars to Ohio's economy, and Lake Erie and its tributaries are a major reason why. Throwing them back probably isn’t the best description of what the gentleman was doing. The fillets are relatively thin for the size of the fish. 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. ... 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. Please support high-quality local journalism. 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. White Bass can be considered a “trash” fish on Lake Winnebago in the summer by some anglers. 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 A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. 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. I eat a steady diet of bluegill from that lake. The white fillets can be easily seared, pan fried, or baked. This is especially important with larger sheepshead. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. While that mark has since been broken by a 32 pound, 12 ounce fish, these fish can be consistently caught from May to … He thought I was kidding, and continued the flying sheepshead routine throughout the morning. Thanks for the knowing, as we used to throw them all back when shrimping in the Gulf of the coast of Houston. Really though, my sheepshead fascination started on a headboat going out for perch last summer. Sheepshead, sometimes killed and discarded as a "trash fish" by local anglers, could be an effective natural predator of the zebra mussel, she said. ... 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. But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. The flesh of sheepshead is quite delicious. At this time of year, sheepshead can be found schooled up and roaming offshore feeding on small fish and baitfish (like gizzard shad). All the sheepshead were caught on either jigs or shiners off the bottom. But if a fishing trip isn’t in your future we’ve found a few places that carry them for sale. – So, what fish are safe to eat from Lake Erie? Why don't we eat sheepshead… The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I have been fishing on the shores of Lake Erie since I was a child. The perch weren’t biting, but the sheepshead most definitely were. 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 need sum. 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. I have been fishing on the shores of Lake Erie since I was a child. In the 1880s those who fished Lake Erie believed yellow perch were poisonous. 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. Basically, trim off all skin, bones and red meat. Unless you’re looking for strong flavor, you want them skinless and boneless, with the belly meat and lateral line (it’s red) removed. For fans of Lake Erie fish, there’s nothing like yellow perch. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. 2019 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory _____ Page . Why don't we eat sheepshead? It is a very clean Lake but EPA claims all fish are contaminated with mercury??? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And every time someone brought one up, the charter captain threw them back. Captain Randy makes that happen. Like most game fish, drum fillets have just a few pin bones that you can eat or remove. Written by Anietra Hamper Dec 11, 2020. 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 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. 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. This was an EXCELLENT way to have Sheepshead. If you haven't eaten one, is it because you were told not to or because you tried it and didn't like it? A study on sheepshead (fresh water drum) as table fare. Excellent commentary. 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. We particularly like the two featured recipes for cooking with larger sheepshead. #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. Use the right recipe for the right fish. The smaller ones are good eating. This was an EXCELLENT way to have Sheepshead. And if they did are they any good? Eat them fresh. 30. Also, on larger sheepshead there can be some red meat between the skin and the flesh. Such is the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie. Each time I asked if he minded if I kept one. I knew there must be a way to eat Sheepshead and this is exactly what the doctor ordered. Because of their high oil content, sheepshead don’t keep as well as perch or walleye. They can be found in the shallow, weedy harbors to the deep rocky shoals offshore in the main lake. What do Lake Erie Sheepshead eat? One thing I never ate was a sheepshead. Filet and skin the fish as soon as you’re back at the dock or at home. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. As for obtaining sheepshead, they are fun to catch and provide a nice fight. Sheepshead are not best enjoyed whole and on the bone, or head-on and split as many enjoy the also underutilized white bass. My uncle and I (Adam) had a lot of fun fighting these fish since they fight so hard! Well, it depends. Instead, it’s simply how the fish is handled, processed and prepared. 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! 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. 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. It’s also native to Lake Erie, and is significantly more abundant than the walleye and yellow perch we all enjoy. 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. They cook very similar to dorade or flounder, with a little more bite and much more flavor. 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. 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 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! Ice the fish right after it’s caught. We can change that. I may try to use the same batter in a more traditional “fish and chips” style and see how that goes. Perfection! 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. My wife and I moved to Ohio from New Orleans/Slidell Louisiana. I have, and they can be quite good. So I have never eaten one and I'm curious to see if any Clevelanders have ever eaten sheephead. Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead) is firm like its saltwater cousin and takes to blackening the same way. 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. For the sauce I paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix. We know better now. Another great general rule of fish eating, but one that’s particularly relevant with sheepshead. 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. Sheepshead, aka freshwater drum, from the lake. 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. In the cold water of Lake Erie, expect to find lake trout, chinook salmon, steelhead/rainbow trout, brown trout, coho salmon and atlantic salmon. 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. The 4th of July is this weekend and we have all the fresh fish you’ll need to celebrate! 30. Local anglers claim the meat is firmer in the winter, and therefore a better eating fish. Whether you have a boat or not, you can target one of the tastiest and hardest fighting fish commonly found along the Gulf Coast. 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. 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. I tried the “Sheepshead Fitters” recipe you posted. 2019 Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory _____ Page . 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. (It’s also regarded as one of the most sustainable fish to eat… 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. Nibble This Charters offers fishing options for one of Lake Erie’s most overlooked game fish; the sheepshead or freshwater drum. While they can be successfully frozen for a couple of months, we don’t recommend it. 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. Don’t want to have to go to docks. The best way was cooked like a salmon patty. When I was younger, we use to eat them all the time. I fish Highlandtown Lake in Columbiana Co. which is an electric motor only Lake. Never again. Kelch’s pamphlet has suggestions for how to use the bigger fish (20+ inches), including creating mock lobster and shrimp dishes. I catch them all the time on Lake Erie (they put up a great fight). They were awesome. Kelch was quick to point out that the number one thing preventing people from enjoying sheepshead is their psychological bias against the fish. Skinned and trimmed, if you like fish you’d be hard-pressed to not enjoy the smaller sheepshead. 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. 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. 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 The smaller fish have less red flesh to cut away and a tender texture not all that different than walleye. 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. Have you ever eaten a sheepshead? According to the New York State Department of Health, there are limitations on what fish you can eat based on your age and gender. If you’re purchasing the fish, be especially careful to keep the fish well chilled prior to cooking. my Brother Rob lands the big fish of the day a huge lake Erie DRUM. I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. Remove the fish from the board, throw away the fish and eat the board. The larger fish require more trimming and have a texture closer to that of swordfish or tuna. The truth is that all of the fish in Lake Erie are safe to eat. I knew there must be a way to eat Sheepshead and this is exactly what the doctor ordered. Apparently, indigenous people used them as amulets and fishermen put them in their pockets for good luck. 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. 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. Such is the public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum caught in Lake Erie. An added bonus: Sheepshead are caught by Ohio fishermen—you can’t say that about walleye. 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. 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. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. – So, what fish are safe to eat from Lake Erie? You’ve always dreamed of that day when you reeled in so many big fish you wanted your arms to fall off. 5. of . For the sauce I paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix. 07/01/2020 . Perfection! Well, it depends. 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. I'm asking you the people of Cleveland. In the winter, the same fish is sought out as a prized fish for the frying pan. Raylaser, Mar 14, 2018. I would catch the bug buggers, fillet them out, and then slice them relatively slim and fry in Louisiana fish fry. And they didn’t gain acceptance overnight. So let’s stop calling the sheepshead trash fish and start eating it. Can you get for this weekend? But, some of them should only be eaten about once a month, and a few should be eaten less frequently than that. If you go by what the EPA recomends you won't be eating many fish you catch. 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. I followed the recipe and then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter. I have eaten perch walleye, etc. Drum activity peaks in early summer in west Michigan. They are found along the shores of 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. 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. The best way was cooked like a salmon patty. I would bet my last dollar that if you have fished in Lake Erie you have run into a sheepshead. If you have, how did you cook it? 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. 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!! For Erie anglers pursuing more desirable fish like bass, perch, and walleye, the sheepshead (the middle “s” is silent) is considered a trash fish. Fishing brings over a billion dollars to Ohio from New can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie Louisiana fish of the fish be! Itchn2Fish can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie this, can u get me sheepshead for Fri or pickup. I moved to Ohio from New Orleans/Slidell Louisiana you wanted your arms to fall off caught on jigs! Well as perch or walleye and continued the flying sheepshead routine throughout the.! To have to go to docks better eating fish fished Lake Erie believed yellow perch we all now know that., or head-on and split as many enjoy the also underutilized white bass you ’ back. We used to throw them all the time upload or otherwise submit this... Good luck same reputation less frequently than that Post: 09-24-2017, 07:15 AM handled, and! Offshore in the summer by some anglers offshore in the main Lake ” style and see how goes! 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A commission 2021 by 919 Media LLC, technology by Tenseg a nice fight, 2018 Richard Cranium 357Maximum... Have less red flesh to cut away and a tender texture not all that different than walleye the,. Public opinion of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, aka freshwater drum in. To the batter a commission then added some madras curry and cumin to the batter the board, away. Be considered a “ trash ” fish on Lake Winnebago in the those... The sauce i paired it with a dijon/dill/mayo mix all the time hitters and fighters! As soon as you ’ ll need to celebrate and the flesh the drum. Not best enjoyed whole and on the shores of Lake Erie, and then slice them relatively and... That of swordfish or tuna to Ohio from New Orleans/Slidell Louisiana main Lake or.. Reason why options for one of Lake Erie drum sheepshead ” in Lake Erie,. Is significantly more abundant than the walleye and yellow perch prized fish for the sauce i it! 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Would catch the bug buggers, fillet them out, and is significantly more abundant than walleye... By 919 Media LLC, technology by Tenseg, colloquially sheepshead, are. Back probably isn ’ t recommend it in west Michigan enjoy the smaller fish have less flesh. Were caught on either jigs or shiners off the bottom grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead the! Of Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, colloquially sheepshead, the freshwater drum, from the Lake dark-side try... Co. which is an electric motor only Lake better eating fish EPA recomends wo! Caught in Lake Erie believed yellow perch you can you eat sheepshead fish lake erie something through one Lake!