BullheadsMudcats

[FlyingFish]

I caught a few bullheads recently on the Jordan River nearthe Utah Lake pumphouse. I didnt keep any because I didnt know that they were any good to eat. My friend told me that they are not as good as chanells but still decent enough for the table.
What are your oppinions on this.
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[fonduvfishin]

Dpends on one's tastes and how they are prepared. My mother used to deep fry em when I was a kid and I happen to like them, but some folks think they taste muddy? What the heck - keep a couple next time you catch em and try em out.[angelic]
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[HFT]

I grew up on bullheads,perfect size for the fry pan. Good eats and less bones than a trout to deal with.
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[hookemup]

I tried to eat bullheads about 25 years ago, they have bloody flesh that is hard to clean and not worth the effort (but that`s just me). I do know people than like them and eat them often. I will munch a channel cat anytime, yummy!
Try it, you could like it!
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[Fishry]

Try soaking the fillets in milk and/or baking soda overnight before you cook them. They tend to taste less gamey.
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[Bloodhound]

Catfish are good table fare ! There are a lot of ways to cook them. One thing, I have learned form folks that eat them a lot is this: One way to get rid of the "muddy" flavor in catfish or carp for that matter, is to keep them alive and in clear or clean water for a couple(one or two) of days - not too difficult with cats or carp - then clean and cook them - it works. Also, there are other ways to cook them that will cover up that flavor - check out some good fishing cookbooks for the cajun(or other kinds) of spices that can be used. Deep frying them can help as well.

One thing I would caution you with is this, I would not eat anything out of the Jordan river system knowing what is has been historically upstream from the river itself (even in the mouth of the river at Utah lake). But that is just my opinion.
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[FlyingFish]

Thanks for all your input.
It seems then that most people think that channels are more tasty but bullheads are definitely edible. With enough hot sauce anything can be eaten.
Never trust a skinny chef[]
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[RipNLips]

I have also been told that keeping fish or crayfish in clean water for a few days after catching them is a good way to improve the flavor. Feeding cray fish corn meal during those few days and changing the water often will improve their flavor immensely. I know because I've done it. However, I haven't done it in Utah because it's illegal to transport live fish or crayfish away from the water where taken (see section F.2). I wouldn't recommend transporting live fish or crayfish. I'm sure it's a stiff fine.
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[ocean]

I have caught and eaten mudcats out of lincoln .They are not bad tasting just depends on how you cook them.If a steak isnt well prepared then itwill be bad tasting too![sly] The only bad thing about them is that you only get small fillets out of them.I use my special seasonigs anyway to make any fish taste good.I have converted fish haters into fish eating fanatics and that also means trout too!
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[fonduvfishin]

Hey Ocean do you plan on taking your special seasoning to market?
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[Bloodhound]

Rut Roh ! Thank you RipNLips - I had forgotten that in Utah it is illegal to transport live game. It's a good thing you reminded us of that little fact. So, nevermind about my suggestion - it works great where it can be done, but not around these parts.

TubeDude - great looking recipe I may have to try that next time I get myself a catfish - I'm a big cajun or hot and spicey food fan myself - my grandma was from Louisiana and I love southern cooking - especially cajun. Have you ever tried crushed unsweetened cornflakes instead of corn meal ? That's how us single guys can do it - at least my grandma said so.
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[ocean]

You can find these spices in some of the mexican grocery stores .Some of the walmarts have started carrying them because they are so popular with the hispanics. Firts you start with the marinade its called "Mojo criollo" You marinade the meat for a couple of hours.Then add a pack ao "sazon " make sure its the one with "culantro and achiote".One pack should do about 6 fillets.Then you add the "adobo".It comes in several types.They make them with pepper ,lemon,bitter oranges.Then let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes and let the seasonings set in.Then you can bake deep fry which ever you prefer.Not to sound like i a bragging but i have had a lot of people tell me when i cook fish for them that its the best tasting fish they have ever had. If you are interested in these seasonings i can direct you to a store that carries them.
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