Posted 2/8/2007 7:55 AM (#51276) Subject: Pike Stink......Not.
Member
Posts: 2680
Location: Essexville, MI./Saginaw Bay.
Hi all.
I am sorrounded by at least a dozen ponds that are within a 2 mile drive from my house. 3 of which are next to impossible to drive to. I would have to unload my truck and walk, as there are no trails to drive a quad or sled. I am going out to one pond "40th street pond" in the morning in search of crappie and gills. These ponds are suppose to be loaded with pike "not a fav of mine"
I chose to not fish for pike cuz I've eaten pike in the past and don't have a taste for them, tried cleaning them "thats a nightmare due to Y bones, and they just plan stink to all high heaven.
Thanks in advance for any feedback you can give me. Jeff.
Jeff.
The smell Pike have comes mainly from their slim layer and skin. The flesh may be strong depending on their seasonal diets and what particular body of water you catch them on. The "y" bones are a factor when cleaning. But I find their sweet flaky meat to be rather tasty. And like $100.00 dollar bills, I never met one I didn't like. And like in most game fish, it's the care you give the flesh prior to cooking, then the preperation after. A good rule of thumb for all fish, is to sprinkle a light layer of iodized salt on them, and soak them in the frig for about 4 to 6 hours after cleaning. The salt removes all blood and slime and breaks down any fat layers that hold toxins of any sort. You will see most of this floating on the top when done. Rinse fillets under cold water when done soaking, then freeeze or eat them. MMMMmmmmmmm.....Good. Capt. Dan.
Posted 2/8/2007 1:02 PM (#51288 - in reply to #51276) Subject: Re: Pike Stink......Not.
Member
Posts: 340
Location: McFarland, WI
Well I'll probably take flack for this one but an old Native American (really)from Minnesota told me this and I do it. After cleaning and skinning the meat put a drop or two of unscented ivory dish soap in the water. Massage the meat thoroughly and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The emulsified oils will float to the surface. Rinse and freeze or better yet fry. People who in the past did not like Northern now tell me they love it. He said it worked for Musky also but Lord knows no-one would ever eat a Musky.
Posted 2/8/2007 9:56 PM (#51301 - in reply to #51276) Subject: Re: Pike Stink......Not.
Member
Posts: 1195
Location: Orland Park, IL
I heard about the pickled muskie from a couple of fellows who were kind enough to give me a boat road on the fox at depere last month. They couldnt stop talkin aboot it.
Posted 2/8/2007 11:08 PM (#51303 - in reply to #51276) Subject: Re: Pike Stink......Not.
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Pagwachuan Lake, Ontario Canada
I really do like pike. No need for ivory soap or anything. Taking the y-bones out is a pretty easy thing once you do it a time or two. The meat cooks white, is a bit firmer than walleye, but every bit as tasty. I only take pike to eat that are about 20-22 inches.
I don't know if its the colder water up here, but they really are a good fish to eat. Most people don't because they don't know how, or don't want to bother with the y-bones. But I would never turn done a fresh cooked bunch of pike.
