re: Why do Fried Oysters Seem so Flavorless the Last Several Years?

For the best oysters, shuck them yourself and keep them in their natural brine.

Seafood houses, by law, can't do that now and have to pack them in clean water and that takes away a good bit of their natural flavor.

I only buy oysters by the sack and shuck them myself. After I use the oysters I strain and save the liquid (oyster liquor) to use in gumbos and other seafood dishes. It freezes well and is a great addition to seafood dishes------just make sure to taste the dish before adding more salt.