St Joe Report

[EdB]

My buddy and I hit the St Joe on Sunday. We fished from 10:00 till 3:00 and looked like we would get the big skunk. We were almost done for the day when I get a good hit, nice fight and a nice hen. We were drifting spawn bags. Water was clear and low. It was cold for most of the day and ice was tough on the rod eyes and reels. But it was good to be fishing open water for the first time in a while. Had the river to ourselves.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/3070Steel2_2-1-04-med.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/530/3070Steel3_2-1-04-med.jpg

[Steven Arend]

Where about were you on the Joe? I went up to Jasper Dairy launch and it was frozen across. I did not make it up to the dam to see how it was up there. We had to cancel a trip Friday because of to much ice floating in the river.

[EdB]

Steve, check your PM.

[scoot]

excellent fish in the toughest conditions of the year. I would be very proud of that one.

[stelmon]

You da man Ed, nice fish!:)

[Spanky]

Nice hen Ed. How loose were the eggs, or did ya let her go!

[EdB]

I let most of them go but I killed her as I needed some fresh spawn. Notice she had a right pec fin clip too. Her skeins were tight, not close to laying stage yet.
She was also delicious in the fish boil I just finished for dinner.

[DavidH]

Originally posted by EdB
I let most of them go but I killed her as I needed some fresh spawn. Notice she had a right pec fin clip too. Her skeins were tight, not close to laying stage yet.
She was also delicious in the fish boil I just finished for dinner.


Can we have your recipe please?

[EdB]

It is very simple. Boil about 2 quarts of water in a pan. Add potatoes for about 10 minutes, then add onions and carrots for about another 5 minutes. Then add a quarter cup of koser salt and add your fillets in serving size or smaller chunks. At this point , you boil about another 3-8 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillets. Smaller size fish like spring coho 3-4 mintes, 6 to 10 lb fish about 4-6 minutes and if it a real large fish with thick chunks go 6-8 minutes. Sometimes I just make this with fish without the veggies and cook something else on the side. It helps if you can put a colander or strainer in the pot to keep your fish separate from the veggies but it is not critical. The salt water can get a bit foamy when boiling and I like to rinse the fish and veggies under hot running tap water for a couple seconds when taking them out of the pan, just a quick rinse. While cooking the veggies and fish, melt some butter and I like to add a squirt of lemon juice and shake of garlic powder to it. When all is done, dip the fish in the butter as you eat it or drizzle it over the fillets on your plate. Plain butter works fine if you don't like lemon or garlic. I was very skeptical this would taste good before I first tried it many years ago. I usually like to season up salmon and trout quite a bit for the grill but this recipe is excellent!

[No Threat]

I had my doubts about how good boiled fish could be until I did my first one last summer. My kids love it and my wife, who hates fish,will actually eat it. Its my favorite way to eat salmon and steelhead by far.

Jeff

[Mitch]

HMMM, sounds interesting. I guess I've always avoided trying it because it didn't sound all that appetizing. I'll have to give it a shot.

By the way, way to go on the fish!

Mitch

[Spanky]

Other than small cohos or skippers, It is the only way to cook salmon and steelhead.:) High heat and a rolling boil is the secret!

[fishing addict]

Isn't that what they call poached fish;in the restaurants?I,like fish stew also,which is similar but you add some squash and cook it like a soup,instead of briefly.