Pike vs Pickerel

[D-flag]

Ok guys to date I have put back every Pike that I have iced.
I am thinking of keeping a few this season and just wanted to know a few comparisons.
I love the taste of Pickerel (hate the bones)
How similar is the taste of Pike vs. Pickerel?
and How similar are the bone to meat ratio in Pickerel?
I know they are bony but till I cut one open or have a reference I can’t decide if one would go home with me.

Anyone have a go to recipe for pike other than grinder / patties.

[The Kraken]

Boneless fillet:

Fry them up like you would any other fish. Otherwise, if you have a smoker, fillet them "normally" and leave the skin on and smoke. Bones come out easily once smoked. My preferred method is the boneless fillet + fry via shorelunch or bake using miracle whip and Panko.

[vt-jig]

I personally think they taste pretty similar, with pike being a bit more flavorful, but as to the bones, probly about the same, but the one pike i ever ate was not skillfully filleted so i cant really give an accurate comparison.

[dlj01260]

There is a good YouTube video on the forum somewhere that shows how to fillet a pike so it comes out boneless. I've finally mastered it after 2 years and about 20 pike later. I'm sure someone can find that video... It definitely works VERY GOOD!!!

[D-flag]

thanks for the info!
Sounds like one might come home with me this season.
Good luck out there be safe.
d-

[deadsmelthead]

Bone wise the 2 fish are identicle, if you gonna eat a pickerel the only ones i have ever found to worth cutting up are the 24+ inchers anything less your basically striping the back off of... As far as taste Pike are better, pickerel have a light gamey taste its not bad,  but it almost tells you hey this is pickerel...