Jack salmon is a peculiar name for a fish that often causes confusion Some people might think jack salmon is really salmon, but it’s not The name “jack salmon” actually refers to a few different species of whitefish, especially the Pacific whiting.
This article will explain everything you need to know about jack salmon, including:
- What types of fish are called jack salmon
- Where jack salmon comes from
- Why it’s called jack salmon
- How to identify jack salmon
- The taste and texture
- Is jack salmon healthy to eat?
- How jack salmon became popular in St. Louis
- How to cook jack salmon at home
What Kind of Fish is Jack Salmon?
The term “jack salmon” is a bit misleading. True salmon are in the salmonidae family of fish, while jack salmon belongs to the cod or hake families.
Here are the most common types of whitefish that jack salmon refers to:
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Pacific Whiting or Hake Fish that look like cod are called Pacific whiting They live along the Pacific coast of North America. It’s a mild, inexpensive whitefish.
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Walleye: In some areas, especially the Midwest, jack salmon may refer to freshwater walleye from the Mississippi and Missouri river systems. Walleye is a popular game fish.
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Sauger: Similar to walleye, the sauger is another freshwater game fish that may be called jack salmon locally. It’s closely related to walleye.
So while jack salmon isn’t actually salmon, it’s used as a marketing name for a few sustainable whitefish species, especially Pacific whiting.
Where Does Jack Salmon Come From?
As you now know, jack salmon isn’t one specific fish but rather a generic name used for various whitefish. Here are the main sources:
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Pacific Whiting/Hake: These schooling fish are abundant along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Baja California. Large quantities are fished commercially in the Pacific Ocean, making this an inexpensive fish.
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Walleye and Sauger: These freshwater cousins are native to lakes and rivers of the central United States and Canada. They are popular sport fish targeted by anglers in the Midwest.
So Pacific whiting comes predominantly from the Pacific Ocean, while walleye and sauger originate from freshwater lakes and rivers of North America.
Why Is It Called Jack Salmon?
The name jack salmon is peculiar, and there are a few theories regarding how this fish earned its misleading moniker:
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Appearance: Pacific whiting in particular bears a resemblance to salmon in its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and forked tail. When cut into steaks, it looks quite similar.
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Use of Smaller Fish: One theory claims that “jack” refers to the use of smaller, younger male salmon. The use of smaller fish resulted in the name jack salmon.
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Affordable Alternative: Jack salmon provided a more affordable alternative to true, more expensive salmon. It was nicknamed jack salmon to attract buyers who wanted that salmon flavor at a lower cost.
Whatever the exact origin, jack salmon is clearly an invented marketing name meant to sell consumers on a salmon-like fish that costs a fraction of the price of real salmon.
How to Identify Jack Salmon
Since jack salmon is just a marketing name, identifying it takes some detective work. Here are some tips:
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Check the length – jack salmon are typically 1-3 feet long when caught. Larger fish are likely real salmon.
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Examine the tail – jack salmon often have forked tails similar to salmon.
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Look for white gums – Pacific whiting will have light gray or white gums instead of the black gums of salmon.
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Note the mild flavor – jack salmon don’t have the same rich, fatty salmon flavor.
The best way to know for sure is to ask your fish market or look for “Pacific whiting” on labels.
The Taste and Texture of Jack Salmon
Since jack salmon can refer to a few different fish, the flavor profile can vary slightly. Here’s a quick overview:
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Pacific Whiting/Hake: This has a delicate, mild flavor similar to cod or pollock. The meat is lean, white, and flaky.
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Walleye: Walleye is considered a premium-tasting freshwater fish. It has a delicate, mild flavor with a light sweetness and firmer flesh compared to whiting.
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Sauger: Similar to walleye but not quite as prized for its flavor. Still a relatively mild tasting fish.
No matter which specific fish is being sold as jack salmon, they all have a mild, subtle flavor. There’s no “fishy” taste. Their muted flavor makes them perfect for frying, breading, or seasoning with spices and herbs.
Is Jack Salmon Healthy to Eat?
Jack salmon is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here are some of the key health benefits:
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Lean Protein: Jack salmon provide 20-25 grams of protein in a 3-4 ounce serving. Protein helps satisfy hunger and provides lasting energy.
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Heart Healthy Omega-3s: All fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk. Jack salmon has moderate levels.
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Low Mercury: Since jack salmon actually isn’t an apex predator like true salmon, mercury levels are very low. It’s responsibly fished.
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Affordable: Jack salmon provides heavy doses of nutrition at a fraction of the cost of many other seafood options.
The main downside of fried preparations is the extra fat and calories from breading and frying. Opt for lighter cooking methods or balance fried jack salmon with vegetable sides.
The History of Jack Salmon in St. Louis
Jack salmon has a peculiar history and strong local association with St. Louis. During the early 20th century, jack salmon grew into a menu staple and regional favorite around St. Louis and throughout the Midwest.
Some key points about jack salmon in St. Louis:
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According to local lore, the original Dohack’s restaurant in St. Louis started serving Pacific whiting as jack salmon on their menus as early as 1923. This practice helped popularize the name at eateries around the city.
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To this day, jack salmon remains a common menu item at old school seafood restaurants and fish frys across the St. Louis metro area. It’s hard to find a fish fry without jack salmon on the menu!
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The strong cultural association even led some to claim jack salmon was “invented” in St. Louis, although it was certainly being sold under that name throughout the Midwest region.
So while jack salmon can be found on menus throughout the Midwest, it has a particularly strong history and local popularity in St. Louis.
How to Cook Jack Salmon at Home
Want to enjoy jack salmon at home? Here are some simple recipe ideas to recreate the flavor:
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Fried Jack Salmon: Dip thick jack steaks in egg wash and breadcrumbs and pan fry in 1/2 inch oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Fish Tacos: Season grilled or baked jack salmon with Cajun spices. Break into flakes and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw.
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Salmon Patties: Mash jack salmon with eggs, bread crumbs, onions, and seasonings. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown and cooked through.
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Salmon Salad: Flake cooked jack salmon and mix with yogurt or mayo. Add diced celery, onions, pepper, and parsley. Serve over greens.
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Salmon Cakes: Similar to salmon patties but formed into round cakes and browned in a skillet. Top with lemon cream sauce.
Jack salmon takes well to almost any preparation you’d use for true salmon. Experiment with healthy Mediterranean and Asian style recipes for variety.
Where to Buy Jack Salmon
If you want to try jack salmon, here are some tips to find it:
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Check the seafood counter at your local grocery store or fish market and ask if they have any Pacific whiting or jack salmon.
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Look for frozen jack salmon fillets at grocery stores, especially during Lent when demand is higher.
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See if any restaurants in your area serve jack salmon and ask where they source it.
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Purchase fresh or frozen jack salmon online from seafood retailers if you can’t find it locally.
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Try catching your own! Jack salmon can be fished along the Pacific coast and some inland lakes when seasons permit.
Jack salmon is the common Midwestern name for whitefish like Pacific whiting that resemble salmon. While it’s not actually salmon, jack salmon provides a tasty, affordable alternative with plenty of health benefits. With its long history in St. Louis and the Midwest, jack salmon remains a cherished menu tradition at fish frys and seafood shacks in the region. Give this unique fish a try!
By Rodney Hsu, Fishing with Rod | Published in December 2001
Fish come in all sizes, every angler knows that, however a fish needs to reach a certain size to become sexually matured. In the case of Pacific salmon, sexual maturation occurs between 2 to 5 years after birth, depending on the species. During this process, the characteristics of male and female will diverge from an uniform look that they possess in the ocean. Generally, the male will be larger than the female individuals, and individuals within a school of run do not differentiate largely in size. However there are exceptions. Anglers who frequently target salmonids during their returns will often encounter the odd fish that are distinctly smaller. This is often seen in chinook and coho salmon. Why are there such unique differences between the appearances of a male and a female spawning salmon? Why do some fish return into the river earlier than they are expected? More importantly, does size really matter? The theory behind these mysterious behaviours is rather complex and in many cases it resembles the rules of mating in the human society.
The term sexual dimorphism (di = Two, morph = look=) is simply another jargon that biologists have made up to explain why boys and gals look so apart. By looking at the appearance and behaviour during mating, biologists are able to end the universal question – Who exactly is in charge between the sexes?
In the ocean, it is almost impossible to tell the gender of a salmon because they both look identical. Once entering the freshwater prior to spawning, both genders go through certain changes that will set them apart.
These changes are more evidently shown in male individuals. Hook jaws and sharp teeth are developed, and a hump back can be found in certain species such as pink salmon. The purpose of these changes are thought to be both offensive and defensive. Males need to look big to hold their ground and fight off any threats to search for the mate of their dream. These characteristic changes are also displays to show the gals how large and fit the male is so he should be chosen as the father of her offsprings.
Such phenomenon is not only seen in salmon, but also in just about every species on this planet. Male individuals of some species possess colourful displays. The more colourful you are, the larger chance that you will be chosen by a female. Why do females get to do all the choosing? The answer to this one million dollar question is simple. Eggs are expensive, sperms are cheap, so a female needs to choose wisely as she does not have much to spare.
What is a Jack Salmon?
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between jack salmon and regular salmon?
Fish biologists define a jack as a male salmon that matures at an age younger than the youngest mature female. Because they are younger, they are also smaller. Jacks are only found in some salmon species- Chinook, coho, and rarely, sockeye.
Is jack salmon a good fish to eat?
Nowadays, jack salmon can be found on everyday menus at most of the local chicken and fish houses, sometimes offered as fried fillets but more often served whole, which shouldn’t be a deterrent. Bone-in fish tends to be moister and more flavorful than fillets, and whiting pulls very easily off the firm, hard bone.
What is considered a jack salmon?
A “jack” salmon is a male salmon that matures and returns to spawn one or more years earlier than typical adult salmon of its species. This early return means they are younger and smaller than the adults they are spawning with.
Do jack salmon go back to the ocean?
Male Chinook salmon that return to their fresh water stream a year or two earlier than their counterparts are known as “jacks”. (Most Chinook salmon mature at age 4 or 5 after spending 2 or 3 years in the ocean.)