Size of pike for pickling?

[work sucks]

I have always used small (2-3lb) northerns for pickling, but was wondering if anyone has used bigger ones? If so how did it turn out. Also, has anyone used panfish or even walleye for pickling?

Thanks to all.

[GatorBait]

I pickled a 10lb and 14lb'er last year. Didn't notice any difference in taste between big and small ones. Makes alot more that's for sure. Never tried eyes or gills though, meat is way better on the pan, that's me though.

[FRESHWATER PETIE]

I've never pickled pike before, but I wanted to try it this winter. On the smaller pike, do the bones soften up when pickeled. I can never get all the Y-bones out. Maybe with the bigger pike, any bones left in would be bigger and not soften up?

[harvey lee]

I usually use what I catch for pike and that is 2-5 pounders. As far as the sunnies go, I have pickled them and they were fine. I would rather eat them out of the frying pan.

Everyone that I give fish to for eating would rather have the sunnies than the eyes myself included.

[GatorBait]

Could have swore I posted this earlier, but it's not there. So I'll write it again.

I've never had to take any Y bones out of my fish. Wether big or small sized fish, I've just filleted them up, then cubed the meat into 1in squares and stuffed them into the jar. By the time they are 3/4 through the pickling stage, the bones are dissolved. I've never bit into a bone yet. Hope this helps.

[Harmonica Bear]

In total agreement with GatorBait. We just pickled up some pike a few weeks ago and h =ad some 5-6 #'s mixed in there. All the bones all disolved.

[Mudcat21]

Don't try pickling crappies, been there done that and they were not good! They turn really mushy. Much better in the fry pan