QUILLBACK

The Quillback is a freshwater fish in the sucker family, native to a large portion of North America. It gets its name from the long, quill-like front section of its dorsal fin, which gives it a very distinct profile. Though it's often mistaken for carp due to its body shape and color, the Quillback is not a true carp and is actually more closely related to redhorses and buffalo fish.

Quillbacks are bottom-feeders, using their downward-facing mouths to sift through sand and mud for insect larvae, crustaceans, and detritus. They aren’t typically targeted by anglers but are sometimes caught accidentally while fishing for other species. However, with the rise of bowfishing, the Quillback has gained a little more recognition.

Record Size: Around 10lbs

Where to Find Them: Slow rivers, backwaters, silty lake bottoms

How to Cook a Suckerfish 

1. The long front dorsal fin ray is called a "quill" and gives the fish its name.
   
   

2. Despite being common, it's often overlooked because it rarely bites hooks.
   
   

3. It’s known to hybridize with other sucker species, creating rare "mutant-looking" fish