Myth or true??Do fish taste better thru the ice?? yes or no

[biggamee]

This subject has come up before, I hope we can start and end it here..last week I ate some perch that came out of 45 degree water that were to die for..my question is, is there a temperture where the quality of the taste of fish improves and why?? Why do restaurants advertise"from cold waters??Let's try to debunk this..Thanks

[Nick]

uh maybe becuase the cold water prevents any bacteria from growing on the fish/inside of it. maybe the cold water acts ass a freezer for the fish, so its always fresh.

[Biz-R-OWorld]

I think the cold definitely makes any meat or fish better.  Perch on a stringer on the side of the boat in 80+ degree water has to do something to fish negatively.  In your case, your perch were basically in the fridge the whole time.

In my opinion, the colder the water AND temp. out side, the better meat and fish taste.

[KenH]

As far as freshwater fish are concerned, fish caught in the cold months are less likely to be affected by odors and tastes caused by the plant life in the waters and active organisms. For example LMB is well known for tasting entirely different if caught in summer or winter. Same for Carp. I'd say this holds true for all warm water species including of course perch. This coupled with the better preservation in cold water.
There is one other factor and it affects both fresh and saltwater fish. When the water temperature is low the musculatureof the flesh tightens and this to most people makes the fish "taste" better. You can test this by taking a filet
caught in the summer and put it in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes. The filet will be much firmer than before. I believe this is the main reason ocean fish from "cold waters" tends to be better than from the tropics.

[lionpshark]

I heard all fish taste better through the ice also. I guess its true.

[Trout Stalker]

Defiinitely better in the winter. Its the only time i eat fish. They taste like weeds in the summer!

[biggamee]

Defiinitely better in the winter. Its the only time i eat fish. They taste like weeds in the summer!

TS so you clearly taste it right? So the weeds definitly go into the meat of the fish...I thought my taste buds were playing tricks on me...Also KenH and Biz say the preservation of the fish this time of year plays a big role...Thanks guys for your input..but feel free to chime in..maybe we will be able to have a clear answer...

[jager61]

Winter is the only time I keep lakers and only from waters with smelt as the forage base. Same with LL Salmon. Just at the legal length taste best to me!   

[lionpshark]

Are we allowed to clean and cook the fish right on the ice ?? I am so looking forward to this

[canoejon]

That's when it gets really fun, especially when friends bring venison and other goodies to cook. I'll bring some of my wife's bulgogi and the hang is on! Where's the ice?

[Biz-R-OWorld]

I had venison last night. I even took a pic for Manny! lol

[Montrose]

Not a myth.  Definitely better in the cold for the reasons Ken and TS noted.  Weedy/muddy taste in the warmer months.

And the forage definitely plays a role too as Jager noted.  I prefer trout from WB rez because the smelt make the predatory fish taste better.

Skim ice this moring on a couple of smaller lakes and ponds I passed...It's coming boys!

[lionpshark]

I had venison last night. I even took a pic for Manny! lol

Biz Did you cook it?

[Biz-R-OWorld]

Yes, just in a pan with some montreal steak seasoning, red/green peppers, etc. You don't need to do much with Backstraps, they taste great even just fried in a pan with a little butter.

[lionpshark]

Yes, just in a pan with some montreal steak seasoning, red/green peppers, etc. You don't need to do much with Backstraps, they taste great even just fried in a pan with a little butter.

That sounds amazing let me know what time Dinner is LOL ill bring the Fish