And no, that exclamation point is not a typo.

But let’s rewind to explain the “why” of this phenomenon.

For Christians around the world, Lent meansgiving up meaton Fridays, turning instead to the sea for sustenance.

Mcdonald’s filet o fish sandwich meal

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But at the end of a long, busy week, who’s not tired?

A large-scale meal of large-scaled fin friends can seem daunting, so…fast foodto the rescue!

So which is the best fast-food fish sandwich?

Checkers Deep Sea Double

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We’ve reeled them all in to see which ones sink, stink, or swim.

Here’s how they ranked.

Checkers Deep Sea Double

More is more, and more is better, right?

Checkers Crispy Fish Sandwich

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Especially when it costs only 40 calories more to double your fish and add some cheese?

(Yeah, we’re not sure how that math works, either.)

Ends up, not so much.

Hardee’s:Carl’s Jr. Panko Breaded Pollock Sandwich

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This became even more difficult with the dark chunks of fishier-tasting meat interspersed throughout each patty.

and not in that good, nostalgic way.

That said, onto what’s relevant.

Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich

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This is fine; we’re all adults here, and we can balance bites.

But where this soft, flaky fish fails is in an odd, unnatural sweetness.

However, a few of their (also underrated) seasoned and salty fries provided some balance.

Burger King Big Fish

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Used to be that they’d advertise the use of Alaskan pollock; this year it’s not specified.

And a foundation feels exactly like what it is.

If it were a house, it’d be categorized as builder grade.

Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich

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pieces of red onion aside.

Otherwise, it’s just generally neutral, as basic as a pair of black leggings.

Needless to say, whoa, has it changed since then!

McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish

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Gone is the crumbly breadcrumb breading; they took a cue from Wendy’s to introduce panko.

Their tartar has gone the sweet route, countered by tangy pickles … er, pickle.

Without the steam, it’s dry in the middle.

Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe

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In fact, the thickness of the actual fish is barely more than the generous pickle.

It was a game-changer.

Wendy’s found it … and crossed it.

Popeye’s Spicy Cajun Flounder Sandwich

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The corners were mostly bready filling, fried to inedibleness, and the meat was bereft of moisture.

And that’s not the only way you might feel gypped by Mickey D’s take.

The sponginess of the bread, is lovely and doughy when fresh.

Culvers-Northwoods-Walleye

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The tartar sauce is the absolute best on the market.

The very light, un-greasy square of crunchy, golden-fried fish stick-tasting Alaskan pollock.

The answer is a weird addictiveness of its flavors.

Arby’s Spicy Fish Sandwich

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That’s not to say the large, fillet-shaped piece of fish disappears into it.

It’s nicefirm, mild, and without too many chunks of stagnant fishiness.

It has shredded lettuce and slices of tomato as refreshing palate-cleansers.

Popeye’s Classic Cajun Flounder Sandwich

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To tie it all together, there’s tartar on top and the bottom.

You won’t feel you’re missing out on it at all with this newcomer.

And that’s just fine, too.

Culver’s North Atlantic Cod

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They sell it in a dinner platter, but in sandwich form, it’s impressive.

It’s also immediately clear that you’re getting your money’s worth in quantity as well as quality.

A spritz of lemon juice, perhaps, before digging in, or a bit more sauce?

But for ranking purposes, doctoring an advantage is a no-no, so here it sits.

For the first time ever, their fish sandwich gets spicy and we’re totally here for it.

First of all, this sandwich is as loaded with ingredients as it is with flavor.

Or, pro-tip over here, ask to upgrade the bun to the Hawaiian.

(You’re welcome.)

Popeyes Classic Cajun Flounder Sandwich

Well, the chicken champs have done it again.

READ MORE:We Tasted 11 Spicy Chicken Sandwiches & This Is the Best