If you’re a freshwater angler, then you’ve probably heard of the freshwater drum fish. This unique native fish has been gaining popularity among anglers for its sporting qualities, but what many don’t know is that these fish can make a surprisingly good meal!
Also known as Russell Fish, Shepherd’s Pie, Gray Bass, Gasper Goo, Gaspergou, Gou, Grunt, Grunter, Grinder, Wuss Fish, Gooble Gobble and Croaker in various parts of the world – they are commonly known as Sheephead or Sunfish in Canada ,the United Kingdom and the United States.
Freshwater drums are native to Ohio and prefer habitats of deeper pools of rivers and Lake Erie with clear water and clean bottoms. Spawning usually takes place from April to late summer.
So why are they called drum fish? Well it is believed that the name comes from the sound they make using specialized muscles for communication that vibrates against their swimming bladder – giving off a croaking sound similar to the beating of a drum.
As far as preparing them for eating goes – it is important to note that freshwater drums have a strong flavor which some people find off putting – so if you’re planning on cooking them up for dinner it might be worth soaking them in milk firt to reduce the ‘fishy’ taste. When cooked this unique fish is said to have a mild white meat with a delicate texture similar to hake or cod. It can be pan fried or baked in foil with some herbs and spices for added flavor.
So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your dinner menu – why not give fresh water drumfish a try? With its mild white meat and delicate texture it could be just what you’re looking for!
Is Eating Drum Fish a Good Choice?
Freshwater drum are a surprisingly delicious fish that can make for a great meal. Generally speaking, the larger drum tend to have more flavor and texture, so it’s best to look for those that are 15 inches or bigger. When preparing a freshwater drum, it’s important to remove the red-tinted skin and any dark veins or fat from the flesh. Once prepared, you can use various cooking methods like baking, pan-frying, grilling, and deep-frying to bring out the unique flavor of this tasty fish.
When cooked properly, freshwater drum has a delicate flavor and flaky texture with medium-firm meat. It’s an excellent choice for dishes such as fish tacos, fish sandwiches, and even ceviche. The mild taste also pairs well with other ingredients like herbs and spices or citrus juices like lime or lemon juice. Overall, freshwater drum is definitey worth giving a try if you’re looking for something different to add to your dinner plate!
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What Is the Alternative Name for Drum Fish?
The freshwater drum fish, also known as Aplodinotus grunniens, is a species of freshwater fish native to North America. It is commonly referred to by many other names, including Russell fish, shepherd’s pie, gray bass, Gasper goo, Gaspergou, gou, grunt, grunter, grinder, wuss fish, gooble gobble, croaker and sheephead. In parts of Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States it is also known as a sunfish.
Is the Drum Fish a Type of Carp?
No, a freshwater drum is not a carp. Although they are often confused due to their similar appearance, the freshwater drum is a separate species of fish. Freshwater drums (also known as sheephead or croaker) are native to Ohio and typically inhabit deeper pools of rivers and Lake Erie. They have a slimmer appearance than the carp, with no barbels and a single tail instead of the deeply forked tail of the carp. Freshwater drums spawn from April to late summer.
The Origin of the Name ‘Drum Fish’
A drum fish is so named because of the unique sound it can make. The fish has a specialized muscle near its swim bladder, which vibrates as the fish moves through the water. This vibration produces a croaking sound, similar to that of a drum beat. This sound is used by the fish to communicate with other members of its species and to warn away potential predators. It’s believed that this unique form of communication is what helped give the drum fish its name.
Taste of Drum Fish
Red Drum Fish have a mild, sweet flavor with firm flesh and large, moist flakes. It has been compared to Red Snapper in terms of flavor, but its texture is slightly firmer. The flavor is delicate and subtle, with a hint of sweetness. The flesh also has a slight buttery feel. When very fresh, the raw flesh of Red Drum Fish can have an emerald green tint to it, while larger fresh Red Drum Fish may have a red tint.
The Mercury Content of Drum Fish
Yes, drum fish are high in mercury. An analysis of adult red drums from offshore waters adjacent to Tampa Bay found that 94% had mercury levels greater than 0.5 parts per million (ppm), and 64% had levels greater than the Department of Health’s 1.5 ppm “no consumption” level. Therefore, it is recommended that people limit their consumption of drum fish due to its high mercury content.
Do Drums Contain Worms?
Yes, drum fish are susceptible to a variety of parasitic worms. The most common type of worm found in the drum family of fish are spaghetti worms. These worms live in the intestines and stomachs of the fish and feed off their nutrients. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches long, and may be white, tan, or pinkish-red in color. Although these worms uually do not cause serious harm to their hosts, they can create an uncomfortable environment for the fish and even lead to death if left untreated. It is important for anglers to take steps to prevent the spread of these parasites such as properly disposing of any unused bait or fishing line and practicing catch-and-release when possible.
The Origins of the Name Sheepshead for Drums
The freshwater drum is called sheepshead in part because of its physical characteristics. It has a large, silver hump that resembles the head of a sheep, and it has two distinctive pair of horns on either side. Furthermore, its diet consists mainly of mollusks and crustaceans, similar to what a sheep would consume. In addition, the males make a rumbling and grunting sound to attract mates that some people compare to the bleating sound of a sheep. This combination of behaviors and physical features is why it has come to be known as “sheephead”.
Are Drum and Buffalo Similar?
No, drum and buffalo are not the same. The freshwater drum and the buffalo are two distinct fish species that can be differentiated by their physical characteristics. The freshwater drum has two dorsal fins, a rounded tail, and eight to nine spines in its first dorsal fin. In comparison, the buffalo only has one soft-rayed dorsal fin with no spines, and its tail is more forked than the freshwater drum’s. Additionally, the carp has different characteristics from both of these fish species; it has one single soft-rayed dorsal fin with only one spine at the beginning of it.
Are Drum Fish Bottom Dwellers?
Yes, drum fish are bottom feeders. They typically feed on mollusks, insects and small fish by using their specialized set of barbels around their mouths. With their barbels they sense the presence of food in the mud and sand at the bottom of a lake or river where they live. The barbels also help them to detect potential prey when it is buried in the sediment.
Identifying a Drum Fish
To identify a drum fish, look for a fish with a stout body and large scales. The most distinguishing feature of a drum fish is its unusually large spine in the anal fin and numerous barbels on the chin. Additionally, these fish have large pavement-like teeth in the throat used for crushing shellfish. Lastly, unlike red drum which have dark spots on the tail base, black drum do not.
Are White Perch and Drum Fish the Same?
No, white perch and drum are not the same. The freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is a species of fish that is native to North America and can be found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout much of the Midwest and South. It is also called a sheepshead, rakhead, drummer, rosie, croaker, gaspergou or grunting perch. The white perch (Morone americana) is a species of temperate marine fish in the family Moronidae. They are found alng the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland southward to Florida. So while both fish have similar common names, they are actually two different species of fish that inhabit different habitats.
The Role of Sound in Drum Fish Communication
Drum fish make sound as a communication tool to attract mates, ward off predators, and create a sense of territory. The sonic muscle fibers run horizontally along both sides of a drum fish’s body and are connected to a central tendon which surrounds the swim bladder. When these sonic muscle fibers are contracted against the swim bladder, they produce vibrations that create the drumming or croaking sound that gives them their common name. This sound is produced at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing, making it an effective tool for fish to communicate with each other.
Do Catfish Consume Drum Fish?
Yes, catfish do eat drum. In fact, freshwater drum is one of the most popular baits for catching blue catfish. The smaller drum can be cut into sections and used as cut bait whle the larger fish can be filleted and cut into sections to be used as bait. Catfish are attracted to the smell of freshly cut bait and will often take a bite out of it if they come across it in their natural environment. Additionally, some anglers like to use live drum as bait when targeting blue catfish, as this variety of fish won’t hesitate to take a bite out of a live drum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the freshwater drum is a unique and fascinating fish. It can sound like a drum when it communicates with other fish, hence its common name. It is native to Ohio and can be found in deeper pools of rivers and in Lake Erie with clear water and clean bottoms. It spawns from April to late summer, making it an excellent target for anglers looking for a sporting challenge. Furthermore, the freshwater drum also makes for a surprisingly good meal, so don’t be afraid to give it a try!
