Episode 13, 11/16/23
Michael Valley, Mississippi River Fisherman and Catfish Fillets with Lime
In this episode, The Fish Dish travels to the Mississippi River to meet Michael Valley, a fourth-generation fisherman out of Prairie du Chien. Mike operates Valley Fish and Cheese, a quirky store that sells a plethora of different river fish and also turtles, alligator meat, as well as Wisconsin cheese.
Sharon describes how the river fishery differs from the Great Lakes fishery and delves into the colorful history of clamming in Prairie du Chien, once called the Freshwater Pearl Capitol of the U.S.
For the Fish-o-Licious part of our show, we cook catfish. Learn the secret to making it taste delicious! Mike also offers his secrets for a good catfish fry and we discuss how even the skin of the catfish is edible and a good source of protein.
Mike talks about his business with Sharon Moen. Image credit: Jeremy Van Mill, Wisconsin Sea Grant
A postcard of Mike Valley in front of his store. Image credit: Bonnie Wilison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
An image of Mike with a 36-pound sheepshead from his Facebook page. Image credit: Michael Valley
Mike carves a decoy, which he sells in his store. Image credit: Michael Valley
The inside of Valley Fish and Cheese. Image credit: Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Fish in the smoker. Image credit: Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Marie breads the catfish fillet. Image credit: Sharon Moen, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Catfish fillet with lime sauce. Image credit: Sharon Moen, Wisconsin Sea Grant
Recipe
Thanks to our guest
Michael Valley, Valley Fish and Cheese
Credits
Marie Zhuikov | Host
Senior Science Communicator
What I do at Sea Grant
Marie writes about Great Lakes water issues, Sea Grant activities and research. She also works on podcasts, oversees the Wisconsin Sea Grant blog, and takes photos. She works in collaboration with program scientists, outreach specialists and institute staff to build water science literacy. Prior to joining Wisconsin Sea Grant in 2012, Marie worked for Minnesota Sea Grant for 15 years.
Sharon Moen | Host
Eat Wisconsin Fish Outreach Specialist
What I do at Sea Grant
Sharon Moen provides information, trainings and opportunities so that people can make science-based decisions when producing, procuring, marketing or eating fish, especially in Wisconsin. She works with commercial fishers, food-fish producers and fish consumers so that Wisconsin can better support sustainable fisheries industries and improve human health. Prior to joining Wisconsin Sea Grant to focus on the Eat Wisconsin Fish initiative, Moen worked for Minnesota Sea Grant for over 20 years.