Pickerel

Pickerel, a member of family Esocidae, is an elongated fish usually weighing between two and three pounds. The flesh is firm and lean but bony. Most popular with sport anglers are redfin pickerel (Esox americanus), also called little pickerel, mud pickerel, grass pickerel, banded pickerel, and red-finned pike, and chain pickerel (Esox niger). Pickerel grows less quickly than other pikes. Redfin pickerel, averaging one foot long, is smaller than chain pickerel, which can grow to two feet but usually is smaller. Pickerel seldom weigh more than two pounds, but one record catch was four pounds. The flesh is white, flaky, bony, and sweet but is eaten primarily as a sportfishing catch. Small fillets can be steamed or fried.