Quinte Fishing

Yes, Walleye do have Wings. It's the Chin or Breast Meat. If you are now enjoying the Cheeks (the filet mignon) give Walleye Wings a try. You will find that they are good as Cheeks and if not better tasting.

Several years ago (well over 25) I read an article in OOD Magazine on how to cut out and cooking "The Pecks" (now called Walleye Wings and also known as Chin & Fins, Bat Wings and Rabbit Ears). I had a copy of that article and showed it to numerous other Walleye Fishermen over the years to get others eating this delicious part of the fish as I have been doing since reading that article. It’s a shame how much of The Pecks (Walleye Wings) go to waste each year when fishermen could be enjoying this part along with the Cheeks.

I learned from that article to make the “V” cut, which includes both Ventral Fins as shown in these YouTube Videos.

Cutting out Walleye Wings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ino6fZQVHzE

How to fillet a Walleye and get all the meat! Cheeks, Wings and Fillets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9NR2A9CHu8

Recently, I came across another Video where the whole Breast Plate is cut out, which I will be doing this upcoming Lake Erie Walleye Season.

Walleye Wings Breast Meat - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPPIr_P_674
Dont toss out the Walleye breast bone meat called Walleye wings. Its easy to remove and has lots of prime meat.

How to cook Walleye Wings- Savory Goodness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IXqm-3R2OA


Here is a Link to an excellent Article done by Blogger Mark Schram who is an avid tournament fisherman from Wisconsin. In his Article “WALLEYE WINGS” it has a bit of History, Cooking Methods and more along with a Picture of Deep Fried Walleye Wings.

Walleye Wings - My Fishing Partner
http://myfishingpartner.com/walleye-wings/
Jul 16, 2014 - For years, anglers have known about the delicacy of walleye cheeks, but are now learning of the new rage of walleye wings.

For those who have never heard of them, it is the " V " under the gill plate that is normally tossed out with the head after you fillet the fish. The bones are larger and somewhat flat and easy to pull out as you eat them. The meat is very sweet, and makes an awesome appetizer. You can bread’em, fry’em, grill’em and smoke’em then coat’em in BBQ sauce or use your favourite Dip.

Don't forget! If you are deep frying your wings then be sure to eat the actual fins, not just the pad of meat. They have a resemblance to crispy potato chips.

In June of 2015 I Posted the above on a couple of Lake Erie Fishing Forums. Recently, in March 2017 I thought I would Google "Walleye Wings" looking for additional information and I find a Company from Kenora, ON called Walleye Wings Inc who has a Website and Facebook Page. They have taken Walleye Wings mainstream with Packaged Breaded and Smoked Walleye Wings and currently distribute to many restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations in the region.

It took many years for Walleye Cheeks to go mainstream and which are now sold at many Fish Markets and on the Menu at many Restaurants. In time I expect Walleye Wings to do the same instead of being wasted or going for Cat Food.

Please tell all your fish'n buddys that don't utilize this part of the Walleye and have them read this article and check out the YoutTube Videos. I do hope more Walleye fishermen will be enjoying their Wings this upcoming Walleye season.

I've been saving cheeks and wings for several years. I love using them in fish stews and chowders as they hold together well and are firmer than most fish. In fact I just made a delicious stew using cheeks, wings, walleye, norther and shrimp. Delicious.

If you save up the tails and deep fry 'em they turn out just like potato chips. Sprinkle salt. Thin and crispy.

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So many fish. So little time.

Maple

Thanks for the post and links Get Hooked
Never heard of wings till now. Can't wait to try them!

Doug