Let’s get it straight – are Blue Catfish good to eat? Or should you skip it?
You’ve probably heard of catfish as somewhat mud-tasting. Yet, there is something quite fascinating about these fish species.
But what about Blue Catfish? Are they actually a delicacy as some people assume, or are they actually not suitable to consume?
Here are some facts you may need to know about this fish and whether or not they are ideal to eat. Let’s dive right into it!
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The Lowdown on Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish, also known as Hump-Back Blue, Hi-Fin Blue, or simply “Blues” are commonly found in major channels and river systems.
They have the infamous forked tail, which makes them appear much like the channel catfish.
Blues have a slate gray-colored back and upper sides. Their bellies, on the other hand, are white in color. Moreover, these fish species are unspotted unlike the channel cats.
What’s unique about the Blue Catfish is that they only become sexually mature once they are about 24 inches long. The average Blue Catfish weighs about 40 lbs while others can go well above 100 lbs!
In fact, the heaviest Blue Catfish ever recorded weighed a whopping 350 lbs. It was caught from the Mississippi River in the 1800s.
The best place to catch this fish is in a large river. They move upstream during the hot summer months as they yearn for cooler temperatures. Once winter kicks in, they head over downstream in search of warmer water.
Where to Find Blue Catfish
As we mentioned earlier, Blue Catfish can be typically found in the Mississippi river basin. However, it is not uncommon to spot them in Missouri, Ohio, Mexico, Texas, and even in Northern Guatemala.
Whenever there are mature populations of the Blue Catfish, you should be able to find some 50 pounders quite easily.
Just like the more popular channel catfish, Blues are a delicacy worth having.
Are Blue Catfish Good to Eat?
Definitely, yes!
Do take note that it is not always very easy to catch Blues. In fact, they will never hesitate to put up a good fight with you, which adds to the excitement of catching them.
These are very determined and strong fish, so once you are able to sack them, there’s that sense of satisfaction for overcoming their immense power.
So, are Blue Catfish good to eat?
Foodies agree that this fish is not only tasty but quite nutritious, as well.
And here’s an additional benefit to eating Blues – you are also doing something for the ecosystem by consuming them.
Blues are an invasive species of fish, specifically in the Chesapeake Bay. Thus, it is best to help keep the ecosystem in balance by catching and consuming them.
Nutritional Value and Flavor of Blue Catfish
Did you know that a serving of Blue Catfish is low on calories, yet high in nutrition?
Just 4 ounces of this massive fish can give you as much as 19 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fat.
Additionally, Blues have a good amount of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. So, it’s good for your heart, brain, muscles, and overall health.
As for those who wonder if Blues have a muddy flavor as most catfish…
They are surprisingly not muddy-tasting! Since they do not feed in the bottom of the water, they have a different taste than channel catfish.
In fact, they taste somewhat like a striped bass, which is quite fascinating.
Read More: Why Does Tilapia Taste Like Dirt? Surprising Facts You Need to Know!
How to Eat Blue Catfish
There are many ways to enjoy Blue Catfish.
You can bake it, pan-fry it, grill or season it.
There are a number of ways to prepare Blue Catfish, and it is all up to you how you want to enjoy it best. No matter what, you can guarantee its fantastic flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. So, it’s definitely a win-win for you and the ecosystem to delight in these fish species!
Bottom Line
Are Blue Catfish good to eat?
Generally, yes, they are. However, it is best to check the health and condition of these Blues before you consume them.
There are cases that Blues that have lined in the Bay for a long time tend to hold a lot of toxins in their body systems. The best way to tell them apart from the ones that are fine to eat is by checking their size.
Older Blues are quite large, which means they are unsafe to eat. On the other hand, if you catch Blues under 30 inches or about 24 inches, then it should be safe to eat.
