What primary issue prevents local chefs from frequently incorporating highly-rated panfish like sunfish or crappie on restaurant menus?

Answer

Strict and prohibitively expensive commercial licensing requirements

Despite the high culinary ratings given to panfish such as sunfish and crappie by anglers, they are seldom found on local restaurant menus. The chief obstacle identified is regulatory in nature: the strict licensing required for commercial sales can be prohibitively expensive. This high barrier to entry disproportionately affects individuals who might otherwise wish to sell small quantities of locally caught fish. Consequently, a significant gap exists between the excellent eating quality enjoyed directly by anglers and the dishes available to the general public via commercial establishments.

What primary issue prevents local chefs from frequently incorporating highly-rated panfish like sunfish or crappie on restaurant menus?
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