Quote Originally Posted by Jer View Post
So how "fine" is the "eating"?
Oh boy! Let me tell ya! "Fine" is not an appropriate term. "Excellent" is more like it. Barrelfish meat is thick, clean, and meaty. Similar looking to other deepwater groupers and tiles. I'd say, the taste is a cross between the best grouper and snapper, and without the typical hint of "lobstery" iodine-ish flavor common to critters like Misty groupers. (which are quite good too)

I know it's a sin to freeze fresh fish, but barrel filets survive extended stays in the freezer very well when vacuum-sealed. (Probably due to the low oil content in the meat.) That's a big plus since I've only been taking 1 or 2 every few months. I don't want to over-fish the one location where I know they congregate.