BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Miscellaneous Topics => General Discussions => Topic started by: Lefty_Smoker on September 10, 2007, 05:51:25 PM

Title: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Lefty_Smoker on September 10, 2007, 05:51:25 PM
Just got back from a succesfull fishing trip to Manistee, MI.  The boat was in the water by 6am, and by 8am we already had 5 fish in the cooler.  We ended up with 9 fish landed and several more hookups that didn't quite make it into the net, but overall we had a great day on Lake Michigan.  We managed to get an 18-20 pounder (king) within a couple feet of the boat, but it threw the hook just as we were putting the net in the water to scoop him up.   :-\

The fish weren't as big as in previous years, but the action was fast and furious in the early morning hours.  Our day was cut short a bit by rain, but we still ended up with our limit of 6 kings and 3 coho.  We actually managed to land the 6th king (our limit) as we were pulling in the very last line before making the run for the docks as the skies began to open up.  Not even being subjected to a coast guard inspection on our way in to the harbor (during the down-pour) could dampen our spirits.  It was a good day. ;D 

Here is a shot of the four largest kings and 2 coho's. 

  (http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n268/mengelhardt/Manistee%20fishing%209-10-07/Salmon1small.jpg)

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n268/mengelhardt/Manistee%20fishing%209-10-07/Salmon3small.jpg)

Here is a shot of me with my biggest fish of the day.

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n268/mengelhardt/Manistee%20fishing%209-10-07/Salmon4small.jpg)

Looks like I'll have plenty of salmon for smoking (Kummok style) in the OBS in the coming weeks. ;D
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: rbentle2 on September 10, 2007, 05:58:12 PM
Man am I jealous. I love fishing out of Manistee/Frankfort area. Haven't done it for a couple of years though. My friend was up that way two weeks ago and they did about the same as you, except they caught only kings.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Mr Walleye on September 10, 2007, 06:03:24 PM
Good job Lefty!

No samon fishing here but we do get a lot of walleye. I was out last friday and I got a 5lb 8 ozs, 6 lbs 13 ozs and a 9 lb 14 oz. Plus anumber of 2 to 4 lbers.

You know what they say....
"Even a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work"  ;)


Mike
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Lefty_Smoker on September 10, 2007, 06:20:18 PM
We actually hooked a walleye a couple weeks ago while salmon fishing in Frankfort (Betsie Lake).  It nailed one of our flasher/fly combos.  ;D

Its been a pretty good year for salmon in Lake Michigan.  The quantity of fish usually makes up for the fish's lack of size the last couple years, well almost anyway.  ;)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: NePaSmoKer on September 10, 2007, 06:37:27 PM
Nice going there guys  ;D


nepas
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: tsquared on September 10, 2007, 08:54:02 PM
Looks like a nice load,Lefty! We've had a good year here for kings.(Vancouver Island) The freezer looks almost full. Our coho (silver) season is about to get rolling with a trip to fish the mouth of a river where they grow to 23 lbs. I caught a 14 lb silver on a bucktail up there a few years ago, and our biggest was a 21 on hardware. I've always been curious about the great lake fishery tho--good on you.
T2
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: LilSmoker on September 10, 2007, 11:46:02 PM
Great pics!, some lovely fish there, thanks for sharing (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/eusa_clap.gif)

LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: begolf25 on September 11, 2007, 05:29:26 AM
Nice looking haul there Lefty!
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Artmiester on September 11, 2007, 08:44:05 AM
Great catch Lefty!
Visions of bagels and cream cheese are already dancing in my head! :o ;D ;D
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Gizmo on September 12, 2007, 09:50:45 PM
After loading up the Bradley, you can try Raichlen's method:

http://www.barbecuebible.com/blog/2007_08/27_a_new_way_with_.php (http://www.barbecuebible.com/blog/2007_08/27_a_new_way_with_.php)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: LilSmoker on September 12, 2007, 10:54:22 PM
Quote from: Gizmo on September 12, 2007, 09:50:45 PM
After loading up the Bradley, you can try Raichlen's method:

http://www.barbecuebible.com/blog/2007_08/27_a_new_way_with_.php (http://www.barbecuebible.com/blog/2007_08/27_a_new_way_with_.php)

Great link Giz, i bet that fish tastes awesome!  ;)

LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Kummok on September 13, 2007, 08:28:21 PM
Some fine looking salmon there, Lefty!! One of our most common "quick" cooking methods for salmon at our house is to marinate in Reveo for 10-15 minutes or in a FreezeLock bag for a couple hours at room temp, in Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce, then grill for no more than 4-5 minutes. Mmmmmmm! Quick n' delicious, but a bit messy on the grill......
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: iceman on September 14, 2007, 10:17:20 AM
Quote from: Kummok on September 13, 2007, 08:28:21 PM
Some fine looking salmon there, Lefty!! One of our most common "quick" cooking methods for salmon at our house is to marinate in Reveo for 10-15 minutes or in a FreezeLock bag for a couple hours at room temp, in Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce, then grill for no more than 4-5 minutes. Mmmmmmm! Quick n' delicious, but a bit messy on the grill......
I'd gladly clean the grill each time for a great meal like that. :P :)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 14, 2007, 02:10:06 PM
Looks like a great days fishing there Lefty ;) :)

Rather jealous, pulled my lobster/crab pots today and took the boat out of the water   :'( :'( :'( as the season is nigh on coming to a close over here. Been a cr*p summer weatherwise as far as using the boat is concerned, roll on next season!  ;)

Still, got a fair few fish and lobster in the freezer to keep me going, just have to get my kicks outa listing to you guys telling your fishy tails!!  :D :D :D

Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 14, 2007, 04:13:09 PM
Nice looking fish!

Manxman, Lobster is my favorite food and have only had them in restraunts.  I have never cooked them myself.  Got any instructions?  I have access to the small Florida Lobsters here in my area.  A little expensive but obtainable.  Plan to get up to Maine one of these summers and try to get fat on them.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Habanero Smoker on September 15, 2007, 03:56:13 AM
Quote from: Wildcat on September 14, 2007, 04:13:09 PM
Nice looking fish!

Manxman, Lobster is my favorite food and have only had them in restraunts.  I have never cooked them myself.  Got any instructions?  I have access to the small Florida Lobsters here in my area.  A little expensive but obtainable.  Plan to get up to Maine one of these summers and try to get fat on them.

Make sure you have one of the locals help you pick out the lobster, or you may wind up with a lobster full of water with little meat. Also as soon as you get across the state border buy a book on "How To Talk Yankee", so you can understand the locals. ;D By the way, Maine is one of my favorite states to visit.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: LilSmoker on September 15, 2007, 05:00:33 AM
Quote from: Wildcat on September 14, 2007, 04:13:09 PM
Nice looking fish!

Manxman, Lobster is my favorite food and have only had them in restraunts.  I have never cooked them myself.  Got any instructions?  I have access to the small Florida Lobsters here in my area.  A little expensive but obtainable.  Plan to get up to Maine one of these summers and try to get fat on them.

Hi Wildcat, seafood is and always has been my favourite food, with crab and lobster at the top of the list, i used to buy them live and prepare them myself, i still do when i get time, but i envy Manx in being able to actually catch them also, i've caught a few, but always too small for the pot ::)

Anyway here's how i do my lobsters:

First of all the method of killing the lobster is varied, and some ways are more humane than others?

I either put the lobster in the freezer for a couple of hours, this is said to be a very humane way of dispatching, as it supposedly slows down the metabolism, and doesn't cause any suffering?

Another way is to drown it in fresh water, i always used to do this with crabs, as i was told by a fishmonger that if you don't drown/kill a crab before boiling, the legs sometimes drop off, caused by shock?

Some just drop the live crab/lobster into boiling water, and swear by it for good results, but i either use the freezer, or drowning method.

Ok as for the cooking, you want a nice big saucepan or cooking pot, fill with enough water to completely cover the lobster, i add a fair amount of salt, then boil the water.

Drop in the lobster, and bring back to the boil, for a lobster up to about  1 1/2lb  boil/simmer for 15 minutes if the lobster is bigger than 1 1/2lb add 5 mins per lb extra.

Once the cooking is finished, pour the whole lot into a strainer and thoroughly rinse off.

Allow to cool, and then it's ready to eat   ;)

Hope this helps my friend, if i can help further, let me know, if i missed out anything hopefully Manx will correct me (http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Respect/respect-023.gif)

This has got me all hungry now, ;D i'm off to find a fishmonger! (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/c.gif)

LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 15, 2007, 05:26:43 AM
Habs - Thanks for the tips.  Luckily I worked for 28 years for the Navy and 8 years active duty Army. Except for a few phrases I can generally interpret Yankee.  ;D  Are you serious about a lobster full of water?  Maine and Hawaii are the only two states in the US that I have not been to or thru.  I have seen enough photo's and write ups and talked with friends that were from Maine to know that I want to go there.  Could care less about Hawaii.  Costs to much to get there and even more to stay there.  Would have been nice in my younger days.

LilSmoker - That sounds pretty simple.  Thanks.  Any way to determine if they are done other than time?

Some of these local rednecks said to use crab boil.  I also love crabs but have not enjoyed the ones that were done with crab boil.  I think your method will be better.  Now if I can figure out how to do the melted butter like the restraunts do.  I love theirs.  Everything I have tried so far does not come out the same.  I also love that butter on grilled fish and shrimp.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Habanero Smoker on September 15, 2007, 06:02:25 AM
Yes, I'm serious. If you are buying off the boat, you have to be cautious. If you are ordering from a restaurant, or buying from a store, you are alright. If you know what you are doing, you can tell by squeezing them. I have a friend who grew up in Maine, and his father use to rent cottages on the ocean front. The way it was explained to me, when they grow a new shell, they may look large, but they may have not fully grown to fill the shell.

I used to go up there almost every August. When his parents pasted away he sold the property. Another thing I used to love, was walking along the shoreline digging for clams. You could find either the mahogany, or soft shell clams.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: LilSmoker on September 15, 2007, 11:06:23 AM
QuoteAny way to determine if they are done other than time?

Yes there's a few ways, don't remove the lobster from the boiling water until the shell is bright red, another way to tell if it's done is to pull off one of the antennae or one of the small legs, they should come off very easily if it's done.

For absolute peace of mind, if you have a probe type thermometer, the internal temp of a properly cooked lobster should be 180f  ;)

Habs: I've also been told about the growing into the new shell thing, biggest lobster i've ever seen was about 10 years ago, i was working on one of the channel islands Guernsey. Well i used to work for around 2-3 weeks then return home for a few days, and each time i would bring back lots of shellfish from the fishmarket there. One day went to go and order some crab and lobster, the guy said hey i've got something to show you, he took me out the back, and pointed to a tray, in the tray was this huge lobster! really huge!

The guy told me that one of the local hotels had bought it, he also said it was the biggest he'd ever seen, and he went on to explain about the new shell etc.
Anyway he assured me that this lobster was a true heavyweight!

LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 15, 2007, 04:39:27 PM
Thanks guys!  I would have been a sucker on the water thing. I understand now LS about when they are done.  Just like with crab and boiled shrimp, when the color has changed it is time for dinner.  ;D

Any ideas on the butter thing?  I have tried store bought drawn butter (yuk).  I have also drawn my own (yuk again).  I tried salted and unsalted butter melted with and without lemon juice added.  Just can't seem to figure it out.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 16, 2007, 12:52:34 AM
QuoteManxman, Lobster is my favorite food and have only had them in restraunts.  I have never cooked them myself.  Got any instructions?

Some good advice already given but heres what I do.

Because lobster are significantly thinner shelled than crab I think they do not need cooking nearly as much as most internet sites and cook books recommend, I think these tend to err on the side of caution because of "Elf and Safety"!

I put the lobster in the freezer for 60 - 90 minutes to slow its metabolism and "stun" it then plunge it into vigorously boiling salty water. Once the water returns to the boil which only takes a few seconds I cook it for around 9 minutes for a standard size 1lb to 1.5 lb one. If it is a bit bigger then I would add 3 or 4 minutes.

After it has been done I plunge it into icy cold water to stop the cooking process and leave it in for 5 - 10 minutes with perhaps one change of water.

After that I stand it on a plate to let the water drain out of it, giving it a bit of a shake occasionally.

Then I either freeze it or eat it. Cooking it this way also allows for warming it up on the grill gently at a later date or whatever without ending up with  lobster meat that is like rubber.

Because crabs have thicker shells I generally boils the sh*te out of them for about 15 minutes!! I worked in a shellfish processing factory as a teenager and any crabs that came out of the cooking vats that had lost claws were considered fair game and we feasted on the shed claws regularly! That was where I learnt to plunge the lobster/crab in icy cold water, we used to hose the mounds of them down with icy cold seawater.  ;) :D

When buying looks for lobster that havent got eggs underneath the tails or have a soft shell, both are illegal to sell here in the UK but notwithstanding that they are not in peak condition in any case and should be avoided. If buying live look for ones that are lively rather than those that look like they are on their last legs, I would NEVER cook one that is already dead no matter what some internet sites of sellers may say. "It has only just died" is not good enough, shellfish go off so quickly when dead.

There is a lot of advice given about lobster welfare and there is a "Lobster Liberation Army" here in the Uk that has been sabotaging lobstermens pots and stock boxes and vandalising the boats....... sad or what!  :o
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 16, 2007, 05:13:59 AM
Thanks Manxman.  Between you and LS I have received a valuable education (to me).  ;D  I did not realize it was so easy.  Any recommendation for the salt to water ratio?  I think I may pick up some lobster the next time I go to buy some more butts and briskets.  ;D
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Kummok on September 16, 2007, 08:46:42 AM
Quote from: manxman on September 14, 2007, 02:10:06 PM
....
Rather jealous, pulled my lobster/crab pots today and took the boat out of the water   :'( :'( :'( as the season is nigh on coming to a close over here. Been a cr*p summer weatherwise as far as using the boat is concerned, roll on next season!  ;)
....

Bring it up here, Manx....the feeder King season is just getting started!! ;)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 16, 2007, 12:33:17 PM
QuoteBring it up here, Manx....the feeder King season is just getting started!!

Now that is a good idea Kummock..... wonder what the freight will be!!??  ;) :D :D

QuoteAny recommendation for the salt to water ratio?

Only roughly, I have a stock pot that I use for cooking the lobster. Guess I put around 8 - 10 pints of water in it and a couple of tablespoons of salt.

Only ever cook one lobster at a time.....

hope this helps.


Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 16, 2007, 05:10:49 PM
I appreciate the help.  Will be trying it real soon.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 17, 2007, 01:16:26 AM
QuoteWill be trying it real soon.

Let us know how you get on, any particular lobster recipes you like?  :)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 17, 2007, 04:28:58 AM
Can't really think of any.  I love lobster and do not get it often (primarily because it costs so much in the restraunts), and I like it in pure form with melted butter.  I have tried it in dip form, but it seems to be lacking in that department.  Now crab or clam dip is great!   I have also had grilled lobster, but grilled shrimp is better.  Thanks for the offer though.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: LilSmoker on September 17, 2007, 06:00:14 AM
QuoteAny ideas on the butter thing?  I have tried store bought drawn butter (yuk).  I have also drawn my own (yuk again).  I tried salted and unsalted butter melted with and without lemon juice added.  Just can't seem to figure it out.

Hi Wildcat, i'm not too sure on the drawn butter thing, i believe "Drawn butter" is clarified butter with the fat and solids removed?, i think it also has flour and other ingredients added, it's also known as "ghee" in Asia i think?

Whenever i do garlic king prawns/crevettes etc, i make a type of garlic butter that i suppose would be classed as drawn?

Here's what i do, i melt some butter in a saucepan, once the butter clarifies, the fat will come to the top, and the solids/sediment will sink to the bottom, ladle the clarified/drawn butter into a dish.
Next i finely chop some garlic and parsley, pour the required ammount of butter into a pan, add the garlic, heat enough to dissolve the garlic, add required ammount of salt and pepper, add the chopped parsley, then take off the heat, add some fresh lime juice, stir well then serve.

You can add other stuff to experiment, lemon, chopped coriander etc, i always try and keep it fairly simple, i suppose flour could be added to it also.

Hope this helps some  ;)

LilSmoker (http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s62/Gitster59/Tip-Hat.gif)

Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 17, 2007, 07:55:56 AM
QuoteI like it in pure form with melted butter.

I tend to agree although LS's garlic butter above looks excellent!
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 17, 2007, 09:35:42 AM
Thanks LS.  Perhaps that is where I went wrong.  I got it all separated, but did not add anything to it after the fact.  I may try it again with a little salt and lemon juice.  I like garlic on grilled shrimp but not sure with lobster.  May give it a go though.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Dalby Spook on September 18, 2007, 11:30:14 AM
Just a couple of thoughts on lobster. If you'r squeamish about dropping them straight in boiling water you can also drive a metal skewer though the head. There is sort of a cross on the back of the head. The center is the aiming point.

A chef/ dive buddy of mine always either boils them in sea water or, even better, puts the rascals straight on to the BBQ. They sort of steam themselves from the inside. Beautifully  moist.

I,m right with Manx on the freshness. I wanna see them dancing a jig.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: iceman on September 18, 2007, 01:38:15 PM
Your right Dalby. Hard to beat when they go from the trap right into boiling sea water or a grill. Dang I miss that up here. Guess I'll stick with the king crab. :)
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: manxman on September 19, 2007, 01:22:15 AM
QuoteGuess I'll stick with the king crab.

Now i'm jealous!  ;) :D
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 19, 2007, 04:15:19 AM
I'm not squeamish at all when it comes to chow.  When I do the lobster thing he, she, or it will go directly into the boiling water.

Only had King Crab once in my life and it was fantastic.

Hey Iceman, do you think you can get your hands on a pair of those pliers?  If not let me know and I'll get some for you.  Plenty of them down here in the south.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: iceman on September 19, 2007, 03:46:25 PM
Quote from: Wildcat on September 19, 2007, 04:15:19 AM
Hey Iceman, do you think you can get your hands on a pair of those pliers?  If not let me know and I'll get some for you.  Plenty of them down here in the south.
I'm going over to Sportsmans Warehouse Friday and see if they might have such a pair. If not I'd like to have you pick a couple up for me and mail them up to me Wildcat. Thanks.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 19, 2007, 03:54:08 PM
Be happy to Iceman.  Just let me know.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: iceman on September 20, 2007, 02:39:12 PM
Hey there Wildmeow man :D
I went over to Sportsman Warehouse in Anchorage and they actually had "Fish Skinning" pliers there for $3.99 so I picked up a couple of them. Looks like the ones in the Bass Pro catalog so I think they will work just fine for pulling the rib membrane.
Thanks so much for offering to pick some up for me.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Wildcat on September 21, 2007, 04:32:18 AM
Glad you found a pair locally.  Make it easy to replace when it grows legs and walks off.  ;D  I can get them here for around $3 or $4 also.  Bass Pro is high priced, but I was trying to find a link with a picture for you folks.  I have been re-working my garage and getting rid of a lot of junk here lately since the doctor has not released me to play golf yet.  :'(  Still have not find mine.  I think I will just buy another pair anyway.  The ones I had are old and after being in hibernation for so long, they may be rusty anyway.  Hope my wife does not feel that way about me!  ::)  ;D

Glad to help you out anytime Ice.
Title: Re: It was a good day on the water
Post by: Stickbowcrafter on September 28, 2007, 11:29:51 PM
Congrats on the catch!

-Brian