game fish

American  

noun

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

---

game fish British  

noun

1. any fish providing sport for the angler

---

Etymology

Origin of game fish

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Once they reel in a big game fish, one of the resort’s chefs will slice it minutes later.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Riverkeeper, originally the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, found its early successes fighting for striped bass, the most popular large game fish in waters around the Hudson River.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Mr. Eidman, who also operates fishing charter boats out of Monmouth County, N.J., said Chesapeake Bay was an important source of game fish like striped bass throughout the Atlantic coast.

From New York Times • Jul. 11, 2023

There were channel cats, the chief game fish of the river.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson