You’re serious this year. You’ve always wanted to go and now is your chance. It’s time for the 2007 fishing vacation and you are going to Alaska. I wish we had more space and more time to adequately address all of the fine details of the Alaska fishing lodge offerings. Alas, there is limited time and space. Over the coming days, I will attempt to review the top lodges in Southcentral Alaska.
So, to start, let’s look at a Alaska fishing lodge stalwart. If awards could made to the finest locations in the fishing world, you would not need to go any further than Deep Creek Fishing Club. In a word…SAWEET! If you’re partial to the Alaska style – you’ll love this place…rugged and full service. Located on Kenai Peninsula at Cook Inlet. It’s a short distance from Anchorage for convenience. For the next month or so, it’s Halibut and King Salmon and then Sockeye in mid-June. By mid- to late July through early August, you’ll also have Silvers as well. Gear up and don’t sleep late.
Make sure you check out the latest fishing reports at http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/r2weekly.cfm
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Alaska Fishing Lodges
I love Salmon. I have never been to Alaska and I have never fished for Pacific Salmon but, if there is a mecca for Salmon fishing, it's the Last Frontier.
Alaska fishing lodges are stoked for the new season and for the months to come. Every year, visitors come from far and wide to fish the rivers of Alaska for its God-given bounty. As I understand it, there are no Ritz-Carltons here; and if you want to play gol, go to South Carolina.
Alaska fishing means outdoors; it means mountains, streams, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Halibut fishing to your heart's content. I've just recently gotten interested in the offerings in Southcentral Alaska for fishing vacations. If you've ever been there, I'd love to hear about it.
Just watch out for the bears...
Alaska fishing lodges are stoked for the new season and for the months to come. Every year, visitors come from far and wide to fish the rivers of Alaska for its God-given bounty. As I understand it, there are no Ritz-Carltons here; and if you want to play gol, go to South Carolina.
Alaska fishing means outdoors; it means mountains, streams, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Halibut fishing to your heart's content. I've just recently gotten interested in the offerings in Southcentral Alaska for fishing vacations. If you've ever been there, I'd love to hear about it.
Just watch out for the bears...
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Fish Fry
Now, you need to be aware that any fisherman worth his salt has his own unique way of cooking a freshly caught trout, bass, catfish, salmon or whatever fish he caught. If you are fish-challenged, here are some simple tips to make you look like a fishing lodge chef.
1.Frying
Bread and fry a freshly caught fish is simply the best. For the novice fisherman/cook, make sure that the butter is extra hot but not yet burning; and make sure that the fish is well coated in batter. Season your batter to your heart's content - salt and pepper at a minimum. Be bold enough to get a little funky with the spices (Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning is one I like).
2.Grilling
Here's an interesting fact - although grilling would seem to be the easiest way to handle your fish, most of the juice drips into the coals. A newbie might assume that grilling fish is the same as grilling steaks or burgers - not quite.
If you go ahead and grill, you should coat the fish in oil to prevent losing moisture. The oil will seal a part of the moisture inside.
Keep an eye on the fillets and turn them as soon as a cut would reveal that the fresh fish is cooked halfway through. After being flipped, watch the fish carefully. Remove the fish as soon as it is cooked through.
A great option to basting the fish with oil is to wrap it in foil. The aluminum foil will keep the moisture and marinate the fish in its own moisture. Placing herbs and spices inside the foil with the fish enhances the grilling process and the fish itself.
3.Baking
Baking is the easiest option for the fisherman who does not want to fret over the fish during cooking. The fisherman can prepare the marinade (always a nice touch) and pre-heat the oven, then pop the fish in. Don't overcook the fish. In a restaurant once, I had trout that was baked in paper sack with spices and vegetables - it was delicious. I wish I could remember the name of the dish and the restaurant but it was in Tampa, FL.
Whatever fish you caught, a good recipe and proper cooking will boost your experience. Take time to prepare for cooking, and DO NOT OVERCOOK THE FISH.
1.Frying
Bread and fry a freshly caught fish is simply the best. For the novice fisherman/cook, make sure that the butter is extra hot but not yet burning; and make sure that the fish is well coated in batter. Season your batter to your heart's content - salt and pepper at a minimum. Be bold enough to get a little funky with the spices (Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning is one I like).
2.Grilling
Here's an interesting fact - although grilling would seem to be the easiest way to handle your fish, most of the juice drips into the coals. A newbie might assume that grilling fish is the same as grilling steaks or burgers - not quite.
If you go ahead and grill, you should coat the fish in oil to prevent losing moisture. The oil will seal a part of the moisture inside.
Keep an eye on the fillets and turn them as soon as a cut would reveal that the fresh fish is cooked halfway through. After being flipped, watch the fish carefully. Remove the fish as soon as it is cooked through.
A great option to basting the fish with oil is to wrap it in foil. The aluminum foil will keep the moisture and marinate the fish in its own moisture. Placing herbs and spices inside the foil with the fish enhances the grilling process and the fish itself.
3.Baking
Baking is the easiest option for the fisherman who does not want to fret over the fish during cooking. The fisherman can prepare the marinade (always a nice touch) and pre-heat the oven, then pop the fish in. Don't overcook the fish. In a restaurant once, I had trout that was baked in paper sack with spices and vegetables - it was delicious. I wish I could remember the name of the dish and the restaurant but it was in Tampa, FL.
Whatever fish you caught, a good recipe and proper cooking will boost your experience. Take time to prepare for cooking, and DO NOT OVERCOOK THE FISH.
The Keeper
Once you’ve hooked, netted your trout/bass/catfish dinner, and are headed home, you need to clean them first thing.
I made a stupid error of absent-mindedly putting my catch in the freezer once without cleaning them. Yeah, that rotted…in more ways than one. Many years ago, I had gone to a stocked trout farm with my new wife – she’s still the one, by the way – and caught 4-5 nice size trout. Then they went to waste. Instead of looking like the outdoors stud, I looked like a loser. Even in the freezer, the guts rotted when it was time to thaw them…lesson learned.
Anyway, cleaning and gutting is quick and easy. Remove the scales by laying your trout on its side and running a sharp knife against the lay of the scales (tail to head direction). Then, turn the fish on its back, and run the tip of the knife from just under the tail to the gills. Remove guts. Remove the head if you want but now you broil, fry, grill or freeze for later.
There, now you look the stud. And you’ll like a hero when you cook them to their succulent best.
I made a stupid error of absent-mindedly putting my catch in the freezer once without cleaning them. Yeah, that rotted…in more ways than one. Many years ago, I had gone to a stocked trout farm with my new wife – she’s still the one, by the way – and caught 4-5 nice size trout. Then they went to waste. Instead of looking like the outdoors stud, I looked like a loser. Even in the freezer, the guts rotted when it was time to thaw them…lesson learned.
Anyway, cleaning and gutting is quick and easy. Remove the scales by laying your trout on its side and running a sharp knife against the lay of the scales (tail to head direction). Then, turn the fish on its back, and run the tip of the knife from just under the tail to the gills. Remove guts. Remove the head if you want but now you broil, fry, grill or freeze for later.
There, now you look the stud. And you’ll like a hero when you cook them to their succulent best.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Beginner musings
Since I'm spending so much time talking about being a beginner...let's talk more about some of the basics since there are many kinds of fishing equipment in stores as well as fishing advice online. Here are the things a beginner needs to know the first few times out.
How to fish with bait
To sink the bait, you should purchase lead weights; which should vary depending on how fast the current is moving. Anglers commonly use and recommend bank sinkers with a number-two hook. You need a swivel to act as a stop.
The commonly used bait for just about all fish is the trusty worm. Another popular bait is chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting soft and allowing the bait to stay on the hook. Other baits are skin from fried chicken, fish guts, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, and shrimp. Another interesting choice is Velveeta...I can't stand that stuff but fish love it.
How to fish from a boat
It is important to determine where you will fish - out in the channel or closer by the shore. Deeper channel water requires a heavier jighead compared when fishing on shore or from a bridge (which I don't necessarily recommend since it is sometimes a long way from the water to the net and the fish may not be securely hooked).
In the channel, with heavy weight, this keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with the current. A great technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with the line trainling behind the boat.
How to fish with bait
To sink the bait, you should purchase lead weights; which should vary depending on how fast the current is moving. Anglers commonly use and recommend bank sinkers with a number-two hook. You need a swivel to act as a stop.
The commonly used bait for just about all fish is the trusty worm. Another popular bait is chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting soft and allowing the bait to stay on the hook. Other baits are skin from fried chicken, fish guts, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, and shrimp. Another interesting choice is Velveeta...I can't stand that stuff but fish love it.
How to fish from a boat
It is important to determine where you will fish - out in the channel or closer by the shore. Deeper channel water requires a heavier jighead compared when fishing on shore or from a bridge (which I don't necessarily recommend since it is sometimes a long way from the water to the net and the fish may not be securely hooked).
In the channel, with heavy weight, this keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with the current. A great technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with the line trainling behind the boat.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Start from Where You Are
Some of my earliest memories of fishing with my late Dad was at a man-made lake in Virginia (Lake Anna). When I first started going there, it was definitely back in the day, before the nice homes by shore that you see now. I think we started going there in the late 70s. It wasn't fancy, we stayed at a camp ground in our Swinger RV, and took out our 18 foot Cobia bowrider outboard for leisure boating and fishing. I think we may have even started with a john boat...I loved those Summers.
Anyhow, I didn't know much about fishing then, not like I'm an expert now, but I know a lot more. One of the best things about the internet is being able to research items BEFORE you go shopping at the bait and tackle - no one wants to look like a rookie.
So, for the experienced, you may know more than me, but for the beginner, there are some things you should know. For example, the most important piece of equipment is the rod. For rookies, a simple rod and bait will suffice. The type of material used and the features it has is not important. What matters is getting used to the the feel of the rod and having fun. There is always time to specialize and get fancy with your tackle.
There are several types of rods - they are made from wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber. It is important to know before entering the store or ordering online the kind of fishing you'll be doing and under what conditions - from a boat, from the shore. Feeling the rod’s handle in the palm of the hand and practice casting with a rod will test how flexible and how easy it is to use.
The proper length depends on the kind of fish and type of bait that will be used for fishing. A 4 inch to 6 inch rod is adequate for light bait and small fish (spinners and Smallmouth for example). Since larger fish (Big Daddy Salmon) will require larger bait that usually requires one to cast in a longer distance, a rod that is 6 inches or longer will be needed.
There is no age limit for anyone to start fishing. Fishing takes a lot of practice before being able to excel at it. One can purchase a new fishing pole either online, at a local store or another way to get started - buy a second hand pole on eBay before deciding to buy a brand new one.
Any way you start, it's the beginning of something great.
Anyhow, I didn't know much about fishing then, not like I'm an expert now, but I know a lot more. One of the best things about the internet is being able to research items BEFORE you go shopping at the bait and tackle - no one wants to look like a rookie.
So, for the experienced, you may know more than me, but for the beginner, there are some things you should know. For example, the most important piece of equipment is the rod. For rookies, a simple rod and bait will suffice. The type of material used and the features it has is not important. What matters is getting used to the the feel of the rod and having fun. There is always time to specialize and get fancy with your tackle.
There are several types of rods - they are made from wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber. It is important to know before entering the store or ordering online the kind of fishing you'll be doing and under what conditions - from a boat, from the shore. Feeling the rod’s handle in the palm of the hand and practice casting with a rod will test how flexible and how easy it is to use.
The proper length depends on the kind of fish and type of bait that will be used for fishing. A 4 inch to 6 inch rod is adequate for light bait and small fish (spinners and Smallmouth for example). Since larger fish (Big Daddy Salmon) will require larger bait that usually requires one to cast in a longer distance, a rod that is 6 inches or longer will be needed.
There is no age limit for anyone to start fishing. Fishing takes a lot of practice before being able to excel at it. One can purchase a new fishing pole either online, at a local store or another way to get started - buy a second hand pole on eBay before deciding to buy a brand new one.
Any way you start, it's the beginning of something great.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Smallmouth
One of my favorite ways to fish is with spinners for Smallmouth while wading in a river (like the Shenandoah near Front Royal, VA). However, I’ve also fished for Smallmouth from the shore - under bridges and from the bank. The problem with fishing on the shore is tangles – tangles in trees and sometimes your fishing partner gets a hook in the shirt – or lip! Hooks caught in underwater hazards like submerged roots and trees are easier to untangle when you’re wading, so that might be something you want to try.
For the new angler, when I use the term "spinner", I'm referring to a lure that is a small blade, which rotates on a spindle when being reeled in or taken back through the water. It’s allure is that gives off a flash as light is being reflected on the revolving blade, characterizing the bait fish’s scales and movements. It’s very exciting to see a bass stalk and strike the spinner in clear water.
Most of my Smallmouth fishing is catch and release. I don't like to keep them on stringers too long and I usually try to fish all day and I'm on the move.
For the new angler, when I use the term "spinner", I'm referring to a lure that is a small blade, which rotates on a spindle when being reeled in or taken back through the water. It’s allure is that gives off a flash as light is being reflected on the revolving blade, characterizing the bait fish’s scales and movements. It’s very exciting to see a bass stalk and strike the spinner in clear water.
Most of my Smallmouth fishing is catch and release. I don't like to keep them on stringers too long and I usually try to fish all day and I'm on the move.
It's that time...
I'm from DC, well actually Fairfax County, VA. I was born in and grew up in Alexandria and spent my Springs fishing for nasty channel cats and carp that want to rip your arm off on the muddy banks of the Potomac. I never ate the catfish, wouldn't dare. Some people do - that's scary. The carp look like something coughed up by son with a chest cold.
Anyhow, it's Spring and it's time to throw a line. It's time to get your license and untangle your line and tackle. Whether you bass fish with spinners in freshwater rivers - man, I love that - or fly fish for salmon in Alaska or in Michigan - this blog is your spot. If you're new to fishing, that's great too. Outdoorsmen and women are a good lot and those who respect one another and our natural world are welcome to add their thoughts and experiences.
That's the first post...welcome to all. You'll hear from me again soon. In the mean time, please share your upcoming fishing plans for the Spring and Summer (and Fall).
Peace.
Ted
Anyhow, it's Spring and it's time to throw a line. It's time to get your license and untangle your line and tackle. Whether you bass fish with spinners in freshwater rivers - man, I love that - or fly fish for salmon in Alaska or in Michigan - this blog is your spot. If you're new to fishing, that's great too. Outdoorsmen and women are a good lot and those who respect one another and our natural world are welcome to add their thoughts and experiences.
That's the first post...welcome to all. You'll hear from me again soon. In the mean time, please share your upcoming fishing plans for the Spring and Summer (and Fall).
Peace.
Ted
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