Figuring Out What's Fresh

The fish's eyes should be clear and bulge a little. Only a few fish, such as walleye, have naturally cloudy eyes. Whole fish and fillets should have firm and shiny flesh. Dull flesh may mean the fish is old. Fresh whole fish also should have bright red gills free from slime. If the flesh doesn't spring back when pressed, the fish isn't fresh. There should be no darkening around the edges of the fish or brown or yellowish discoloration. The fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or ammonia-like.