Muskrat,
Must be because of the Y bones. People don't want to eat them or don't want to waste meat by cutting out the lateral line from the fillet.
Maybe it's cause they're ugly by comparison?
I must say I prefer northern in fish chowder, especially a small one. They're so flavorful, you don't lose the fish taste in the stew like more delicate fish. If you pay attention, the Y bones aren't that much of a hassle, you just can't gobble dinner.
Maybe that's why we make such a fuss at dinner. Benn fishing (and usually catching) all day - why do I need to hurry thru dinner.
(I must admit - my first few trips I gobbled dinner too - didn't want to waste a minute on the water. But then, my first trip I only slept about 5 hours total)

Posted by Skip Guyer on March 03, 2000 at 20:42