wormy perch ok to eat?

[redhooks]

I caught some nice perch last sunday 10-13" but when I cut them open most had worms-the little popcorn kernel looking things in the meat-I filleted them anyway but am wondering if it's ok to cook and eat them as is or if I should cut each kernel?
redhooks

[Jim W]

You can cut them out if you like, but the DNR states that they are safe to eat if cooked properly(ex.high heat). I have eaten perch with these , I am still alive.

Just cook'em well and your good to go!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[Fisher Dave]

Im sure we have all eaten some wormy fish without knowing it. Be sure the meat is fully cooked and you will be fine.... Undercooked fish taste natsy anyhow.

[Renneberg]

I've cleaned many panfish with these worms in them. I just pop them out.
I've noticed that if you catch perch in rocky area you'll find fewer fish with worms in them then if you caught them in the weeds.

Hey Jim, those worms never killed the panfish they were in. Just something to think about.

[CANOPY SAM]

If I'm not mistaken you are refering to Echinococcus granulosus. They look like a little pearl in the meat of the fish? These little fellas occur in many varieties of fish that inhabit warmer water. That's why they seem to pick on sunnies, and perch.
You'll find em' in fish a lot more in the summer time when they are hiding in the weeds and brackish water.
Cooking the meat of these fish for a couple extra minutes will take care of any parasites that they may have. Even if cooking em' doesn't get em' all your digestive enzymes will take care of the rest. There are tons of parasites in most fish so cooking them well is always a good policy! I can't imagine what's crawlin' around in the intestines of people who eat sushi!

[Smallmouth]

Well put Sam. I am another survivor of "speckled fillets" Just cook them right and you'll be fine.

[Guest]

those are the ones i give to the neighbors