What crucial first step should be taken immediately after landing pouting if keeping them for eating?
Immediate bleeding
Proper post-catch handling is emphasized as crucial for maximizing the eating quality of pouting and eelpout, especially given that these fish are best consumed very fresh. The very first critical step recommended for any angler intending to keep the fish for consumption is ensuring it is bled out right away. This procedure is standard practice recommended for high-quality white fish, mirroring the handling required for species like mackerel or cod. Bleeding is necessary to maintain the quality of the flesh throughout the chilling and preparation process; allowing the blood to remain in the tissues can negatively affect the final taste and accelerate deterioration, thus compromising the desired mild flavor.

#Videos
Breaded Whiting and Pouting - River Cottage - YouTube