game fish

American  

noun

1. an edible fish capable of affording sport to the angler in its capture.

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game fish British  

noun

1. any fish providing sport for the angler

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Etymology

Origin of game fish

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The sky was blue and the waters flat and calm, perfect conditions for them to explore the shallows of the bay and look for walleyes, large-eyed game fish common in Lake Michigan.

From New York Times

Abundant salmon and other game fish might once again swim in the Upper Columbia River Basin.

From Seattle Times

Crews use sonar to triangulate schools of game fish, trading tips and sightings over the radio.

From Los Angeles Times

Besides boats not being able to use his marina, Valdez worries about the reservoir’s kokanee salmon, which are important food for prized lake trout and tasty game fish in their own right.

From Seattle Times

Steve Kambouris, 38, a snakehead devotee from Dundalk, Md., believes the species will eventually be considered a nonnative game fish, something to market to sport fishermen, not a pest to eradicate.

From Washington Post