Around here, northern puffers are mostly known as an accidental curiosity: a fish occasionally caught when you're looking for something else, and — unlike any other fish — it blows up like a balloon.
But don't throw it back so quickly! They're also tasty.
Jimmy Fee of On The Water joins us to talk about the fish known in the Mid-Atlantic states as "sweet toad." When it's prepared, he compares it to a cross between a chicken drumstick and a butterflied shrimp. Check out the picture of breaded sweet toad on the plate.
Jimmy points out that other types of puffers are well-known to contain deadly toxins. The smooth puffer, which is much bigger and has different coloring and is found offshore, is an example of a toxic puffer that should not be eaten. But the northern puffer is easily identifiable and the only one you're likely to find inshore. And now you know: it's good to eat, too!
We've got tips on targeting sweet toad. And a roundup of the false albacore action. Give a listen.