Blackfish aka tautog. Perch in the winter for sure.
Pickerel
Perch, Walleye, Bluegills, Crappie in that order. Lots of different recipes I enjoy besides frying them. Walleye cakes, Fish tacos, Parmesean crusted and baked, grilled, blackened, been also experimenting lately with a horseradish, mayo, and bread crumb topping then baked. I have never cared for cats, but maybe could be convinced otherwise.
Attack? I like grouper a great deal, but have you tried Snook yet? I like it even better...
I have eaten most freshwater fish and many saltwater fish. I think you are right about the region being a big part of it, here in the NE, our white perch are excellent eating, sweet white meat. Talk to some one in NY and they say they are not fit to feed to cats (same fish but I think they feed on different stuff)... With a little luck, I will be filling a cooler with haddock tomorrow, now that will be some good eats... But the question was best eating fish and for me (and many others), there are many saltwater fish that taste better than the best walleye or sunfish. Then again, I don't like fresh tuna (but I sure like catching them), but many people spend big bucks for it...
