Ep 8. Gone Fishing

In season 17 episode 8 of Bizarre Foods, titled Gone Fishing, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey through the world of freshwater fishing. From the rivers of Minnesota to the lakes of Michigan and beyond, Zimmern samples some of the most unique and unexpected dishes that can be found in the world of freshwater fishing.

The episode begins in Minnesota, where Zimmern heads out to a local river to try his hand at netting whitefish. After landing a few good catches, he heads to a nearby fishing camp to meet Chef Justin Sutherland, who specializes in cooking over an open flame. Sutherland prepares a meal featuring the whitefish and other local ingredients, including wild rice and mushrooms. Zimmern marvels at the simplicity and bold flavors of the dish.

Next, Zimmern heads to Michigan to explore the world of Great Lakes fishing. He meets up with a group of commercial fishermen who take him out to their boats to show him how they catch whitefish and lake trout. Back on land, Zimmern visits a restaurant that specializes in smoked fish, where he tries a variety of smoked fish dishes, including whitefish salad and smoked trout pâté.

Zimmern's next stop is in Wisconsin, where he meets up with a group of Native Americans who have been fishing the lakes of the region for generations. They take him out on their boats and show him how to use gill nets to catch walleye, which they then prepare over an open fire using traditional methods. Zimmern is impressed by the unique flavors of the walleye, which he says are unlike anything he's ever tasted before.

The episode then takes viewers to Louisiana, where Zimmern explores the world of freshwater fishing in the bayous and swamps. He goes out on a boat with a local fisherman to catch catfish, which are then prepared by a chef in a local restaurant. Zimmern tries catfish in a variety of forms, including fried, grilled, and in a jambalaya.

Finally, the episode concludes in the Pacific Northwest, where Zimmern explores the world of salmon fishing. He goes out on a boat with a group of fishermen who use traditional methods to catch salmon in the Columbia River. Back on land, Zimmern visits a smokery where he tries a variety of smoked salmon dishes, including salmon candy (a popular local treat).

Throughout the episode, Zimmern is amazed by the incredible diversity of freshwater fish and the many unique ways in which they can be prepared. He marvels at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the fishermen and chefs he meets along the way, and comes away with a newfound appreciation for the bounty of the world's fresh waters.