What Is The Best Tasting Fish? FULL Species List Ranked!

In this article, i’m sharing my ranking of the best tasting fish…and my results may surprise you!

This data is compiled after years of experience fishing and cooking seafood in my home state of Florida, as well as my travels and research into the seafood industry.

Some of the fish on my list you may be very familiar with…and others may shock you. Let’t take a closer look (you may be hungry after reading this).

Table of Contents

• Ranking The Best Tasting Fish
• About This Chart
  • Fish Name
  • Taste
  • Texture
  • Overall Rating
• Fish Taste Ranking Chart
• How To Find Fresh & Tasty Fish
• What If I Don’t Live Near The Coast?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Ranking The Best Tasting Fish

The taste and flavor of fish is highly influenced by the ingredients used, recipe and method of preparation.

But this chart is not about recipes, it is about the taste and texture of fish; and how that translates into palatability and likability.

Some people prefer fish that are very mild, with flakey white meat and delicate flavors…others like a strong flavored fish, with a firm texture and taste of the ocean.

The list of fish I’ve compiled and ranked is based on the physical characteristics of each type of fish fillet and its universal appeal.

That being said, there is no right or wrong answer; so please take this chart with a ‘grain of salt’!

About This Chart

Fish Name

The Common name of the fish.

Taste

This describes the taste profile of fish (not to be confused with seasonings used in cooking).

• Mild: Flavor that is subtle, and not overpowering. Usually associated with white meat fillets, great for seafood beginners.
• Medium: A more pronounced seafood flavor; versatile and salty.
• Rich: A robust flavor, that is savory, aromatic; No doubt you are eating something from the ocean.
• Strong: Strong flavors, typically associated with a high oil or fat content, dark, or exotic fillets. Often described as fishy flavor, salty or briny.

Texture

Texture describes the overall physical feel of the fish fillet. Think of it like the density and firmness of the meat.

• Mushy: Fillet quality that is very soft, without rigid structure or large flaking patterns in the meat.
• Delicate: More rigidness than mushy fillets; must be handled with care and best when eaten fresh. Has some flaking characteristics.
• Medium: An all around firm, and robust fillet. The most versatile texture for a wide variety of cooking methods.
• Firm: An above average fillet in denseness, rigidity; Closely resembles steak (beef) like qualities.

Overall Rating

The overall rating is based on the report card scale.

• A: Universally liked for its taste, texture and cooking qualities. An excellent fish.
• B: Widely liked for its taste, texture and cooking qualities. A good fish.
• C: Considered okay to eat; not highly desired by the masses but still perfectly edible.
• D: Less than desirable; may have qualities that most people dislike.
• F: Widely disliked, or rarely eaten. An uncommon fish to eat due to taste, texture and other qualities.

Fish Taste Ranking Chart

Fish Name	Taste	Texture	Overall Rating
Amberjack	Rich	Medium	C+
Atlantic Spadefish	Mild	Delicate	C
Anglerfish	Rich	Medium	A-
Black Drum	Medium	Medium	B-
Bluefish	Rich	Mushy	C+
Blue Marlin	Mild	Firm	B-
Bermuda Chub	Rich	Mushy	C-
Blue Runner	Medium	Medium	B-
Blackfin Tuna	Rich	Medium	A
Barracuda	Strong	Mushy	C-
Bonefish	Rich	Medium	D+
Barnacles	Medium	Firm	C
Black Sea Bass	Mild	Medium	A
Bonito	Strong	Delicate	D+
Croaker	Medium	Delicate	C
Cobia	Mild	Firm	A+
Cod	Mild	Medium	B+
Dogfish (Shark)	Mild-Medium	Delicate-Medium	B
Flounder	Medium	Medium	A
Gag Grouper	Mild	Medium	A
Golden Tilefish	Mild	Delicate	B+
Goliath Grouper	Rich	Medium	B-
Grunt	Medium	Delicate	B-
Halibut	Medium	Medium	A
Hardhead Catfish	Strong	Medium	F
Hogfish	Mild	Medium	A
Jack Crevalle	Strong	Firm	C-
Kelp Greenling	Rich	Mushy	C
King Mackerel	Rich	Delicate	B-
Ladyfish	Rich	Mushy	D-
Ling Cod	Mild	Medium	B+
Lionfish	Mild	Medium	A-
Lizardfish	Rich	Delicate	C-
Mahi-Mahi	Medium	Medium	A
Mangrove Snapper	Mild	Medium	A
Mullet	Strong	Mushy	B
Mutton Snapper	Mild	Medium	A
Pigfish	Medium	Delicate	C
Pinfish	Medium	Mushy	C-
Permit	Medium	Firm	A-
Pompano	Mild	Medium	A
Redfish	Medium	Medium	B+
Red Snapper	Medium	Medium	B+
Ribbonfish	Medium	Delicate	C+
Rock Bass	Mild	Delicate	B
Roosterfish	Rich	Firm	C
Sail Cat	Rich	Medium	C+
Sailfish	Rich	Firm	B-
Salmon	Medium	Medium	A-
Sand Trout	Medium	Delicate	C
Sea Robin	Medium	Medium	C+
Shark	Rich	Firm	C-
Sheepshead	Mild	Medium	A
Skipjack Tuna	Rich	Medium	C
Spot Fish	Delicate	Rich	B-
Spotted Sea Trout	Mild	Delicate	B
Spanish Mackerel	Rich	Mushy	C+
Snook	Mild	Medium	A
Stingray	Strong	Firm	D
Swordfish	Rich	Firm	A-
Toadfish	Mild-Medium	Delicate	C+
Triggerfish	Rich	Medium	B+
Tripletail	Medium	Medium	A-
Wahoo	Rich	Medium	B+
Weakfish	Medium	Delicate	C+
Whiting	Medium	Medium	B-
White Snapper	Mild	Medium	B
Wrasse	Medium	Medium	C+
Yellowtail	Medium	Firm	B+

How To Find Fresh & Tasty Fish

If your craving some fresh fish, I always recommend trying local. So, if you live near the coast, or other waterway with commercial fishing then chances are there is a seafood market in your area.

Start off by asking the fishmonger what seafood they have in stock, and to tell you about what types of fish they have for sale. And don’t be scared to ask questions!

Most seafood markets are proud of their commercial fishing heritage, and want to showcase the freshness of their products and educate the consumer.

Seafood choices often change depending on the season, so by learning about your local fishery and asking questions, you can determine what type of fish you like best, and get tips on recipes and preparation (some markets will even prepare it for you right on the spot!).

If you are buying from a grocery store, or acquiring fish from a friend be sure to check the fish for freshness and edibility. Use the smell, touch and taste test to double check you are eating delicious and fresh fish safe for consumption.

What If I Don’t Live Near The Coast?

If you don’t live near the coast, don’t let that stop you from including fresh fish in your diet!

With companies like Sizzlefish, you can get fresh seafood delivered right to your door.

There is always something in season, and they guarantee 100% top quality fish and shellfish…(they even have beef products too!).

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Well, if you haven’t been able to tell yet, I LOVE seafood! And i’m lucky enough to live on the east coast of Florida where I have access to amazing fishing opportunities where I can catch and cook my own fish.

I know there are a TON more species of saltwater fish available to eat, so I do plan on updating this list regularly with more taste profiles.

In the meantime, I hope this article was helpful and you get your hands on some delicious fish fillets!

Thanks for reading.