Trash Fish That Aren’t Actually Trash
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Common Carp
Verified
World Record
75 lb 11 oz
Colin Smith / 2013
Lac de Saint-Cassien, France
Colin Smith / 2013
Lac de Saint-Cassien, France
Signature Fact
They remember being hooked for over a year, dodging that same rig and flavor like seasoned veterans.
2
Freshwater Drum
Verified
World Record
54 lb 8 oz
Benny Hull / 1972
Nickajack Lake, Tennessee
Benny Hull / 1972
Nickajack Lake, Tennessee
Signature Fact
Their ear bones wash up labeled 'L' and 'R'-nature's pre-marked lucky stones from inside the head.
3
Bowfin
Verified
World Record
21 lb 8 oz
Joe Childers / 1980
Forest Lake, South Carolina
Joe Childers / 1980
Forest Lake, South Carolina
Signature Fact
It can gulp air with a lung-like swim bladder, letting it keep feeding when oxygen would suffocate everything.
4
Longnose Gar
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 3 oz
William P. Ploeger / 1865
Delaware River, New Jersey
William P. Ploeger / 1865
Delaware River, New Jersey
Signature Fact
Many gar specialists use hookless, frayed-rope lures-their needle teeth tangle like Velcro and won't let go.
5
Gizzard Shad
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 0 oz
Lee M. McClellan / 1980
Pickwick Lake, Alabama
Lee M. McClellan / 1980
Pickwick Lake, Alabama
Signature Fact
Bird-style gizzard in a fish: this shad literally grinds food with swallowed sand inside a muscular stomach.
6
Black Drum
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
113 lb 1 oz
John W. Stewart / 1975
Delaware Bay, USA
John W. Stewart / 1975
Delaware Bay, USA
Signature Fact
Massive schools beat their swim bladders so hard during spawning that boat hulls vibrate like subwoofers.
7
Spotted Gar
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
8 lb 5 oz
Glen L. Boring / 1992
Trinity River, Texas
Glen L. Boring / 1992
Trinity River, Texas
Signature Fact
Their eggs are toxic to people and pets; a nibble of that bright‑green "caviar" makes you brutally ill.
8
White Perch
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
3 lb 8 oz
John R. Hall / 2012
Delaware River, Delaware
John R. Hall / 2012
Delaware River, Delaware
Signature Fact
White perch swarms can strip walleye spawning reefs of eggs overnight-voracious, finned caviar thieves.
9
Scup
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 8 oz
John L. Bogan / 1992
Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts
John L. Bogan / 1992
Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts
Signature Fact
Behind those tiny lips hides a second jaw of crushing plates that pulverize clams like gravel.
10
Skipjack Herring
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
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Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What are considered trash fish?
“Trash fish” is a term anglers use for species they don’t value, often because they aren’t traditional sport fish or don’t have strong reputations. Common examples include common carp, freshwater drum, longnose gar, and gizzard shad.
Are trash fish actually good to catch?
Yes. Many so-called trash fish fight extremely hard and are widely available, making them fun and accessible targets for anglers of all skill levels.
Are any trash fish good to eat?
Some are excellent table fare. Species like common carp, black drum, and scup can be very good when properly prepared.
The term “trash fish” is often more about perception than reality. Many of these species offer strong fights, unique challenges, and even great eating.
Why do some fish get labeled as trash?
Fish are often labeled as trash due to tradition, regional bias, or lack of awareness. Once a species gets that label, it tends to stick—even if it doesn’t reflect the actual fishing experience.
Where can you catch these fish?
