When fishing, how do i know if the fish i catch are edible, as in people wont get sick eating the fish?

Question

first time camping and i was wondering about eating fish. how do i know if they are edible

Answer 1

it depends on where you caught the fish, if the river is small and dark coloured , dont. if its a big freshwater lake or a running river or sea go ahead

Answer 2

if you are camping at the mouth of the Los Angeles River I would suggest not eating the fish you catch. If cities are polluting the river close upstream from that campground you are headed to, I would suggest not eating the fish you catch. If the fish you catch glow in the dark ,I would suggest not eating the fish you catch. But, all others I would think ok and safe for human consumption....

Answer 3

This is exactly why I always take my brother in law on fishing trips.

Answer 4

Your state wildlife and fisheries department will have a phamplet that will tell you what lakes and streams with what fish you shouldn't be eating- this will be because the fish and lakes contained a chemical, probably mercury, that has the  fish at a level too contaminated to be eaten. Almost all fish are edible, if they are not contaminated. But some will taste too strong to be eaten by anyone but those that have been raised eating them.

Answer 5

i don't know if you are asking the question"edible"as in the fish are poisonous to eat or they live in polluted waters and are not safe for human comsumption.i will try to answer both.

1st one if the fish is a poisonous fish they will usually have bright colors and will most of the time look very ugly.

2nd one if the fish live in waters that may be polluted,just take a look at the surroundings are there other people fishing and keeping or throwing back the fish,don't be afraid of a little interaction with other fisherman as i'm sure they are more than happy to fill you in on any info you may need.

Answer 6

The state that issues the fishing license may have a guide for areas that fish  are unsafe to eat or recommendations on how much & what kind of fish you should limit eating.

Any place that issues licenses will have the information.

My license comes  w/ a book that makes recommendations on lakes , rivers & tributaries.

There are state guides for saltwater fish as well.

Advice runs from dont eat any ever  to limits on  amount per month that you do.

I mostly catch & release, but have no problem if lakes etc are stocked.

Best regards