Cold Northern waters are the key word here.
Here in S. Michigan most people I know don't eat NP as a rule.
They eat LMB-SMB, but mostly deep fried/pan fried an the choice of batter/preparation makes the meal/.

The flesh is soft and mushy to the taste if just pan seared.
Get up into the cold water and it's a completely different story.

I never even considered eating NP until I read positive reviews here.
I was amazed how good it was. Firm and to my taste slightly sweet.
Tends to dry out like walleye but if pan seared properly it's delicious.