Fishing Forum

Was all psyched to hit Pineview, but didn't get up early as planned. As things turned out I waited for my son to get back from church, and by the time I was done messing around with things, it was time to look at an afternoon/sunset outing. After seeing the clawzilla, the boy wanted a shot at some 'dads. So we hit Hyrum, since it's closer. I still wanted a shot at the trout that had been eluding me from shore! We took the boat, and launched about 3:30 - quite calm, not many boats out, a few skiier, few fishers, few fishers from ski boats.

DC wanted to play with the bass from the dock. Pointed out - again - the sign on the dock which say, "NO!" Convinced him we'd work the boat around the docks. Had a few chases, even got a bit on a spinner-bait, but nothing much. Surprised how many of the littles ignored offerings. They usually chase EVERYTHING. Little spotted fish - wonder if they are tiger plants? THe bass seemed striped - longways, vertical for the perchies. Some med sized bass under the police boat. We moved on to the "outlet" and the 'dad hunter took to shore, while I dabbled around the bouy, and spotted some fish on the bottom. Double drop shot tipped with worm, and - bump bump. Some attention. Managed to hook one up. Perch aboard, deep six the skunk. Tried for more, but kept drifting off spot. Managed a number of bites. I think some little bass were playing too - kept spotting fish on top too.
DC pulled up some logs and found some claw-critters in the cracks. Some tiny, some small. Kept at it for a while, then it was time to troll.

We headed along the dam toward the other "inlet". Tried dragging a few things, but a feller at the docks had said "red spoons". So - rebel that I am, I tried ORANGE. First time out with the new sideplaners. Tried some other patterns on the other side - silver kastmaster, red striped spoon, and then onto a rainbow spoon. The big hitter was the orange bouyant spoon, seemed worm tipping did better than gulp minnows. Lots and lots of hits, and then numbers of takes. Of those - we boated maybe half. Then once it was dark, and we were limited out - we got hit again, so we actually hurried to reel in the other lines,so we wouldn't have to work at releasing more, it was dark, getting colder and windier. Also had a bobber and fly dragging a Pistol Pete fly w/spinner. It got hit a bunch, and taken a number of times.

None of the fish were huge, planters from 9-12, but some were chunks. And they all fought like wiper wanna be's! Even the little guys, we were suprised they weren't bigger for how they ran. The boy had a GREAT day, and kept saying so. What a good day fishing, he repeated a half dozen times on the way home <grin>. It was hit after hit - trolling along the shoreline along the south, mostly across from the dock and on to the swim area. But the water was busy, lots of jumping. They'd jump as the board went by, then wait - bang, we'd know we were hit, as they jumped behind the board, or the fly. You could tell the were following, and taking swipes - repeatedly. Had several doubles, but never managed to land both.

Plus there were the 'dads to be entertained with. Quite strong they are. This one was weightlifting this pencil. Held it up like he could write with it, and who says they are dumb-dads! If DC's got something to play with, he's a lot better off. Just don't like all my worms be used up with his "play".

Figure I'd fire up the smoker tomorrow, so prepped up the goods tonight. After the fillet session, threw together a brine/marinade for them to rest in overnight. I'll follow up with the results.

For this round - Light Switch On!
[signature]

The aftermath. If you're one who doesn't appreciate folks that take their legal limit, then stop here, read no further. If you'd prefer to enjoy the above story thinking all those critters were freed, do not proceed.

For those that enjoy a good flavorful smoked fish, this is for you. Read on, and enjoy the rest of the pix. I'll post a followup after the smoker session.

If you want more specifics on the recipes, well, I can't and there's a reason for that. I might share my fishing holes, but I can't share my recipes.

Feel free to PM if you have specific questions.

Nice report and pictures John, looks like you and your son had a great outing, well worth the wait for the afternoon bite.
[signature]

Thanks Kurt - and thanks for showing me the planer board setup. Simpler than I was afraid it might be. Between the rigger, and the boards - now I just to grow eyes in the back of my head! It's tough when you have to complain about fighting doubles!

It was good to get on some fish, and great to see my son get excited about a fishing trip. Makes it all worth it.

I'm now convinced that Willard needs another visit from me - new ammo, I'm ready! Bring on the Kitties, Bring on the Eye and the Wipers! I'm looking at Tuesday or Thursday evening, bringing a friend down - probably work the feedlot, and freeway bay.

After a marinade in the flavored brine the fillets were ready for the next step in their venture. My assistant really enjoys the smoker sessions. Does everything he can to be involved, and "help" along the way. Plus he loves the hose when it sprays water! I didn't marinade the perch, but was planning to smoke it too, but it mysteriously disappeared when I wasn't looking. Not sure what happened.

We have an apple orchard behind us - good supply of nice fruit wood. Plus some Alder chips mixed in with the apple chunks. I like to add some fresh herbs to the water to add to the aroma. Sometimes I'll even put sage in with the wood and let it join the smoke. But that's more for pork-n-beef.

BTW - I was kidding about not sharing my recipes. I'll tell ya anything you want to know, just don't ask me for exact measure, metric or otherwise. If you refer to the pic of the bowl of herb-n-spice - I "measure" the Julia Child way - a pinch of this, and a palmful of that. More based on relative "parts" than specific amounts. I did add a couple extras to the "broth", including some home-made fish stock I'd just made. But that's a whole 'nother recipe!