The Filet-O-Fish isn’t the best-tasting fried fish sandwich out there, but I get the appeal. There is a certain purity to the flavor: the pollock is clean, the breading is flaky, the tartar sauce is tangy and heavy on the relish, and the American cheese accentuates the creaminess of the sauce while adding a salty top note to everything.

Consider my trust in my editor tested. His bright idea? Ranking every fast food fried fish sandwich I could find in New Jersey, in honor of Lent during which Christians abstain from eating meat but can eat fish.

Just because you’re giving up meat on Fridays for Lent doesn’t mean you have to suffer without enjoying some fast food. Several options exist for fish sandwiches, and we did taste tests for them all in our area - which you can read here.