Fresh water fish vs. Ocean fish

**woodlander1314** · 01-26-2009, 12:51 PM

I don't notice too much of a difference between salt and freshwater fish either. Though I do notice that some saltwater fish seem a bit more tender but that might just be my preparation. I marinade salmon fillets with some lemon juice for about 20mns or so, rub in some Greek seasoning, and then grill em for about 6mns, always turns out great.

**primitiveroots** · 01-27-2009, 01:02 AM

We eat a lot of Ocean fish now as I live by the ocean and my partner is a fisherman. But in the old days, we ate a ton of fresh water fish. To me the best was pan fried fresh water fish like perch, or brook trout.

Now, there is so much pollution in the fresh water sources we don't eat fresh water fish much. It may be this that is causing the fish to taste funny, or farm raised fish that were released in the ponds as stock. The fishes diet can definitely impact it's taste.

My only suggestion is If you plan on eating a lot of any type of fish fresh, or ocean caught be leary of mercury poisoning. In Maine, they have a list of the fish with the highest levels of contamination and recommendations on how much to eat. Adults may not care as much, but it's important to be cautious with kids.

**nell67** · 01-27-2009, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by primitiveroots

We eat a lot of Ocean fish now as I live by the ocean and my partner is a fisherman. But in the old days, we ate a ton of fresh water fish. To me the best was pan fried fresh water fish like perch, or brook trout.

Now, there is so much pollution in the fresh water sources we don't eat fresh water fish much. It may be this that is causing the fish to taste funny, or farm raised fish that were released in the ponds as stock. The fishes diet can definitely impact it's taste.

My only suggestion is If you plan on eating a lot of any type of fish fresh, or ocean caught be leary of mercury poisoning. In Maine, they have a list of the fish with the highest levels of contamination and recommendations on how much to eat. Adults may not care as much, but it's important to be cautious with kids.

Pregnant women should also limit their intake or avoid fresh fish,unless they know for certain that the source is mercury free.

**canid** · 01-27-2009, 09:22 PM

yeah, one great thing about methylmercury and PCB contamination in fresh water fish is that it is area limited, and depending on the degree of contamination, often species limited. with predatory ocean rish, it's nearly ocean wide.

**Styric** · 03-04-2009, 07:41 PM

I can taste the difference but I eat a lot of both. It depends a lot on the type of fish. An example would be trout to Halibut. Very different meat types and consistency after cooking. It also depends on how well the fish was butchered. There are some fish that need portions cut away that are not tastey to say the least. Diet will play a role in what the fish tastes like as well. The best way to filet a fish...quick kill it by bonking it on the head real good or knife to brain. Next, do not gut the fish. Start at the gill plate and filet back towards the tail. When you butcher the fish this way none of the guts and blood flush into the meat. The difference in taste is a lot fresher and less gamey.

**grundle** · 03-05-2009, 02:52 PM

I love both fresh and salt. I can tell the difference between the different fish. They all taste different to me.

I think I am more partial to ocean fish, but mainly for practical reasons. I can get a bigger fish from the ocean, and that means I get to eat more.

Did I ever tell you how much I like to eat?

**Rick** · 03-05-2009, 03:08 PM

For me, fresh water fish aren't as firm as salt water fish. Fresh water also have more of a "fishy" taste although that seems to be worse with bottom feeders.

If you are worried about pollution (shouldn't we all?) you might check with you state's DRN. Most states run continuous testing of the lakes and streams for different pollutants and the safety of eating local fish.