Jack Crevalle

Well, after the posts and talk about eating Ladyfish and Sandfleas I decided it was time to try another “trash” fish that I always throw back or use as crab bait. Heck, 40 years ago I used to eat Bluefish all the time before I found out they were “trash”... Yesterday I caught a couple Jack Crevalle and tossed them in the ice expecting I would use them in the crab traps. By the time I got home I decided to go ahead and fillet them to see how they taste. If I remember right, fellow member Johannes had told me they had tried and really liked a Jack he caught.
Long story short, the wife and I must not have a sophisticated palate because we both thought it tasted very good. Certainly not a mild, flakey fish but won’t be my crab bait any more... I didn’t even bother to bleed them or try the other prep method seen in another thread.
We just cut in strips and fried. Some we dusted with Cajun seasoning and spices without any breading and some were breaded and fried. Both tasted good and didn’t have any overpowering strong taste.

 

Not at all. Filleted just like any other fish and removed the rib meat and sliced out a thin slice of the darker meat along the lateral line. No bones in fillets.
I actually was surprised how easily and smoothly the knife sliced through along the backbone. Maybe tiny or soft scales.

 

Hmmm... now you have me wondering if that’s the next kind I try.

 

I tried the sailcats once I heard they were supposed to be good. Definitely good IMO and I will save and eat those now.
As for Ladyfish, not sure I will try those even though I catch a lot. I don’t even like to bring those snot buckets in the boat...

 

Hadn’t thought about Blackening before but it’s such a firm meat I’ll bet that would be good too. My wife may like the Teriyaki idea.

 

Hmmm... may have to fire up the smoker. H9w long and at what temp?

 

Thanks! Will give it a try.

 

My wife and I started eating Jacks a couple years ago after a friend from Germany said they were his favorite.
I like them ok fried if prepared fresh. Have not tried any saltwater catfish aside from Sailcats which we like. I used to toss Sailcats back too until someone here said they were good to eat.