I caught a pike today. Really good size one. I think I read somewhere that they're good, but I cant remember.

is there anything special to cleaning them?

LC

they're good if you clean them right, but if you don't, it's gonna suck because you're gonna constantly be picking out bones. just make sure you get the Y bones out, there are a ton of videos online that show you how to do it correctly. they taste really good in beer batter

I know one guy who eats pickerel but he debones it and makes fish cakes.

Very good eating. The Y bones can be a problem if you don't know how to remove them. Lots of good meat on the larger ones. How big is a "really good sized one"? Did you measure it? A 35 incher usually weighs near 10 pounds

Agree. Pike are very good but they have to be fileted right.

Get the Y bones out, and HELL YES! If it's a small one, it's often easier to just remove the whole strip of meat with the Y bones inside it. You don't really lose that much. You wind up with two long skinny filets.

Get the Y bones out, and HELL YES! If it's a small one, it's often easier to just remove the whole strip of meat with the Y bones inside it. You don't really lose that much. You wind up with two long skinny filets.

this

I am a Big Fan of Pike Fillets. 

 

Not the easiest fish to clean but worth it.

 

There are probably a few different ways to do ti.

 

 I use the method shown in this video.

 

Good Luck.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJhLfWLRx8

Very good eating. The Y bones can be a problem if you don't know how to remove them. Lots of good meat on the larger ones. How big is a "really good sized one"? Did you measure it? A 35 incher usually weighs near 10 pounds

It was right at 26 inches. I didnt weigh it though, so no idea on the weight. I guess it wasnt a "really good size" lol. Its my first pike ever so I thought it was pretty big.

thanks for all the suggestions folks. I'll definitely be watching that video before I clean this thing. Im thinking some flour, corn meal, and lemon pepper. mmmmmmmmm.

LC

I use the 5 steak method, and then use the carcass to make fish stock.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM3wAgBmeNU

 

It was right at 26 inches. I didnt weigh it though, so no idea on the weight.

 

An average pike in New York of 26" would weigh about 3-3/4#.

I caught a pike today. Really good size one. I think I read somewhere that they're good, but I cant remember.

is there anything special to cleaning them?

LC

 

Don't know if it's due to the cold or what, but most Minnesotans here don't eat them and say they're not good. Don't know if it's simply because they're a pain to clean due to the amount of bones or because they dislike the taste of them.

I've fished for them to keep and eat.  I really like them.  One time, for the heck of it, I boiled one.  While the meat was hot I dipped it in melted butter.  That was really good, we called it poor man's lobster.  Then, I cooled some and put it on ice.  Dipped it in shrimp cocktail sauce.  That was really good, too. 

You used to be able to go into a Wisconsin bar and get pickled pike to go along with your pickled egg and a High Life. Not sure if the cheeseheads still offer such cuisine.

I've fished for them to keep and eat.  I really like them.  One time, for the heck of it, I boiled one.  While the meat was hot I dipped it in melted butter.  That was really good, we called it poor man's lobster.  Then, I cooled some ande put it on ice.  Dipped it in shrimp cocktail sauce.  That was really good, too. 

 

We ate them this way as a kids.  My father also would simply gut the fish, fill the cavity up with herbs, butter, and garden veggies.  Wrap it in tinfoil, and throw it on the charcoal grill.  Then all us kids would pick the meat from the bones, and dip it in butter.  So yummy!