Gar are often considered trash fish because they are not game fish and are usually thought of as inedible. But you can eat gar, and they do fight hard when hooked. Their teeth will cut your line so it takes a special rig to land them consistently, and they are good to eat if you know how to clean them.
Bowfin are hard fighting freshwater fish that are often caught while fishing for other speices. They eat minnows and other baits used by fishermen and will hit many lures from crankbaits to plastic worms. Some say bowfin can be eaten but few have tried them, but some that have say they are good.
Freshwater drum grow big and fight hard. A big one will give you all the fight you can handle on bass tackle. Many people eat them and say they are very good. A reader responds question here drew 19 responses so far, most saying they do eat drum. Most drum are caught while fishing for other species and they will hit many lures that bass hit. A jig and pig is especailly good for them.
Other fish may be considered trash fish by some anglers. What do you consider trash fish? Do you try to catch them and do you eat them? Let me know in an email or respond in the comments section on the blog about this article.