How to Best ways to catch, clean and cook a Trout from a (Wyoming) Lake

The specifics of how to make the perfect leader, hook and bait, where and how to cast, to land, clean and cook a Trout from a (Wyoming) lake. Tried and true methods that will mean a healthy omega-3 rich supper instead of Fast Food for a change. A MUST READ for Boy Scouts, your kids and campers. Gluten-Free for Celiacs!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fishing gear; poles, #10 treble hooks, swivels, slide weights, Rainbow glitter and Krill-type floating bait, some lightly swatted houseflies or worms, surgical clamp, cooler, ice, lucky hat

1. 
   Lake fishing in the winter or summer is fun!

   Wyoming lakes, at least, require a further cast from shore to reach the deeper water, so a longer, rather than a shorter, pole is better. Skip the fancy spinners, and go DUNK. Modern line is very thin yet strong, so 8 or 10 pound line works well. If your old pole keeps kinking up, cut off the leader, have someone hold unto the end of the line, and walk as far as you can, run the line around a stump or bush, have them let go, and walk back and forth for A LONG TIME. The line will untwirl, and your line will not "Catch," half-way, shortening your cast.
   Take a good-sized weight, the oval type with a hole through the middle that will slide up the line when the fish bites, yet will provide resistance, too, and put that on your line above the swivel. Use about three feet of your line for a leader, and attach a fairly big swivel, for small ones won't work as well, and your line will twirl up faster, just from casting and reeling it back in.
   The best tie I know of is to run the line through the eye of the swivel (& hook) 3 times to make three concentric circles about the same size. Then take the end of the line and run it through the middle of these circles 3 times. Take the end of the line in your teeth while pulling the swivel, leader, or hook with one hand, and the line in the other. The knot will tighten down small, but if you get a hitch or a circle still sticking out, pull again, or start over, for such fouls can catch on rocks or reeds, and foul your catch. Then take the line and "The dog goes around the tree and then in the hole..." 3 times, again. That is, your line end goes around the line in a hitch 3 times, and tighten. Clip the end fairly close and tug the line to see if it holds well.
   Don't use the type of swivel that has a clip on it, for it's extra stuff to get caught in something. Cut that part off with pliers if you have to.
   Use a #10 treble hook or somewhat larger for lake sized trout, and be sure to gently sharpen the edges more if you know how. I find that - If you have the patience! - A larger hook means a larger bait can mean larger fish (If they're out there).
   The reason for the long leader, in WY, anyway, is in that the bait must go in deep water, yet float above the "Sea weed" out there for the fish to find it better. The suggested bait below floats - But if you SEE the bait floating up on the surface, either use a shorter leader or find a deeper water cast. Don't fish from inviting shallow sandy beaches...

2. 
   The mixed bait has a yellowjacket on the one exposed barb, and lots of spit

   As you work on putting on the bait, reel up your line so that the weight is right up to the tip of the pole. That cuts down the frustration of having it wrap up around the pole's end, and that's where you want it when you cast, too.
   I suggest Rainbow Glitter Power-type Bait with some Krill-flavored Power-type bait mixed together, for Trout feed on many colors of bugs throughout the year, and this way, you'll match them all. The sunny sight of the glitter really helps, and the smell from the Krill-flavored bait does too. Don't over mix, just make a nice sized ball of it all, and squeeze it flat. Place two of the treble hooks barbs flat on the bait, and then mush it up around the eye, the stem, and around two of the barbs - BUT NOT THE THIRD! You can wrap some of the bait around the base of it, but shape the bait so that that barb part projects cleanly out. Sometimes, the trout "Mouth" a bait and try to spit it out, and a clean barb will still hook them. Be sure there's enough bait to cover the other two barbs, so that when they mouth it, it's still "Soft" enough. ALWAYS cover the EYE of the hook, for fish understand what they eat will have barbs, or legs, or wings, but THEY WILL NOT BITE IF THEY CAN SEE THE EYE OF THE HOOK, believe me.
   Now, my own secret: Take a small part of a worm, or even better, a nice large colorful housefly or bug you swatted not too hard and embed it one that one projecting barb. It makes it look to the fish as if some strange creature has caught, and is eating that fly - And it has its own attractive colors to boot. If the worm part is too long, they'll rip it off and ruin your setup. If you must use a regular hook, use the bait-holder type, cut the worm in half, and carefully (I know, it ain't easy) thread the hook down the hole, making as few punctures as possible, unto the worm, until the eye of the hook is FULLY COVERED. You should have extra head on the worm, so at the end, poke through the neck to leave a "Tidbit" sticking out. Then, for flotation, put on a colored bait marshmallow, EXPOSING THE BARB.
   Spit all over the bait, and run that spit up the leader. Fish are very sensitive to smell and taste, and the slimier it is, the more "Real" it tastes to them. Needless to say, avoid eating or handling spicy type foods, lotions, & lubricants before you go fishing, for the very scent will carry to your bait and line.
   PICK YOUR SPOT WELL: All good fishermen and hunters know to look for "Sign" of game. That is...

3. 
   Sunset at a lake - The last and best chance for a bite, if you haven't yet

   A good deep channel in the water you can cast to: Study the water surface to see where it changes from the depth. Good places are always where the water enters or drains from the lake. On poor fishing days, you can still always almost catch as the sun sets and the fish get one last bite before darkness. When the air is full of mating bugs, there will be feeding frenzies. Near sunset, are they jumping to catch flies? If a thunderstorm is moving in and the other fishermen are leaving - WORK IT. (Just don't use your pole for a lightning rod...)

4. 
   This way, if the pole moves at all, you'll hear it, and see it, too.

   Where are the others fishing? And catching? Finding fish guts & scales & used bait containers? Be there early at sunrise, and/or at sunset. NEVER CAST AGAINST THE WIND. It's a waste of time. Cast from the leeward side of the lake where the waves don't surge the line. Lay your pole(s) on the ground about ten feet back parallel to the shore, slightly elevated on a bush or rock. Make the line a little taut. The wind will otherwise affect the exposed line, and jerk the bait around. Don't STARE at the poles, the Japanese believe that "Ki" is projected from your eyes in a vibration the fish can tell, & I believe it. Sit off to the side, and have your old blue Ford off, too, so that your oily gasoline odors don't go over where you cast. Don't cast your own shadow over the water. Check your bait every 15-30 min or just wait & relax. Look at your bait, has it been bitten at? Try a new casting spot? When your pole is getting dragged to the lake, or moves out of line, YOU'VE GOT A FISH. Usually. Muskrats, ducks and things can fool you, but you'll KNOW if it's so when you pick up the pole.
   Main thing: HOLD THE POLE UP VERTICAL, AND LET THE FISH FIGHT THE POLE, not you. Have your drag set tight, but not too much. As it swims back and forth, trying to find reeds or something else to foul the leader in, walk the other way and reel in the slack. Keep your thumb/forefinger on the line to keep the line taut for the reel to decrease internal snags. Once in a while dip your pole, reel in line, and slowly pull up. A catch net is a waste of $. Just pull the trout to lay in the shallow shore or dry land & he'll quit fighting. Reach down and wrap your finger around the leader twice, and carefully pull it up and take it back to your truck (old blue Fords are best). Take your thumb and index finger and hold the fish by inside the gills tightly. With a long surgical clamp, or long-nose pliers, grab the hook and twist around and pull. Yes, you'll pull some insides out, but you have to. In fact, Native Indians would first humanely kill the fish quickly with a sharp stick into the brain, (While thanking the spirit of the fish for providing food for life) so that it would not produce adrenaline as it slowly dies, making the meat taste more gamy. (Less splatter on your sunglasses...) Open your cold tap water bottle (Or lake water if you must) and pour it into your cooler with your frozen ice bottles, or use store ice. The quicker you ice it, the better it will taste.

5. Fish are fairly smart, for they do travel in schools, you know. Meaning that as they go group hunting around the lake, you will experience a feeding frenzy when they're where you are - When they're biting. So be prepared for when they do. Scan the waterline to see if there's tons of minnows and use polarized sunglasses to see into the water to see the actual fish. Try to mimic what they're going after in your own bait. If you can use live, squirming bait, that'll work - Especially as an add-on to the above.
   Out-wit the fish, if you can.

6. 
   Scaling the trout first

   Later, clean your fish under (Running tap) water with a sharp flat blade on a cutting board, holding the fish head by the gills, scraping from tail to head, but don't worry about getting all the scales. They disappear anyway while cooking, and if you get an extra bit of calcium, that's healthy, so what? Trout, as a "Fatty Fish" is nowadays suggested as a weekly supplement of Omega-3 oils good for the heart - And nutrients we Celiacs especially need to absorb, too.

7. 
   After this cut, just pull the head from the body, and most of the guts come right out!

   Make a cut behind the head at the top and the bottom at the neck. Pull the head out and most of the guts come along out easily, too. If you've got a lot of fish eggs, you've got (Expensive) CAVIAR! Treat it and cook it like meat, but don't waste it down the drain.

8. 
   This bloodline can be pushed out with your thumb

   Slice the belly from the lower throat to the anus, and clean out the insides. There's a blood line next to the backbone that has to get cleaned out - It tastes yucky! Pull the gills from the head with your thumb and forefingers, but keep the dorsal fins meaty part - "Waste not, want not." Poke the eyes out with your thumbs from the inside out, and cut the head in half.

9. 
   Here you can see that it's stickleback minnow eating season for the trout.

   Cut open the stomach to see what they're eating right now. You can change your baiting strategy if you want, and even save your old bait if you have to, or get back lost hooks.

10. 
    The thin slices are then cut in half. Otherwise they spread out and

    Slice the fish thinly (Half inch?), then cut those slices in half. It fries better and faster that way, without so much sticking together as you turn it. Dry the meat first for less splatter some by putting it on a clean paper grocery bag, or the like.

11. 
    A lower heat for sauteeing the garlic, but keep the butter and add oil for the frying

    Pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, turmeric (Good to settle the insides - Celiac's) whatever you like. Slice up some healthy for the heart garlic and even jalapeno (for your sore joints) and slowly sautee them on medium-low heat in your choice of vegetable oil, real butter (Contains good cholesterol) , or virgin olive oil. Then put these tasty morsels in a small bowl, and add (Gluten-free La Choy) shoyu and (Fresh) lemon juice for a dipping sauce. You can have made a nice pot of steamed brown rice for a nice bed of a totally healthy meal! Fry the head and tail too - Great calcium, like a potato chip!
    Campers and Boy Scouts note! Ask your local convenience store if you can pay for a handful for those little condiments like shoyu, mayo, lemon, (Read the label ingredients for gluten...) etc. Beats trying to keep cold a whole container of the stuff after opening. They'll usually tell you you can have them free...

12. 
    Just that right shade of almost crunchy golden brown

    When frying, ALWAYS hold the frying pan handle as you open the lid, and turn the pieces with a long tongs. Turn down the temp some before you do so to avoid splatter, then turn it back up high after you put back the lid. Wear eye protection and long sleeves - It's worth it! Don't overload the pan, make several batches. I like the meat a golden brown, and I put the pieces in a bowl to drain.

13. 
    And it's Dinner Time! (Chopsticks optional)

    There I squeeze lots of fresh lemon (Plastic lemon can have gluten...) over the cooked pieces, which soaks right in. THEN I can put them on a plate with the rest... Dipping sauce, brown rice, mayo... Whatever else. Taste, what when we used to live in Hawaii, we called "Broke da mouth!"
    Now, if you happen to have a spare potato, have it sliced in french fry sized pieces, and fry them up on high heat until brown, too!
    Save the oil in the fridge for another time if you must, or - Keep it to start your next campfire. Or in an emergency, a signal fire.
    Dispose of the bones and guts far from you campsite, like in a gopher hole for the varmints to eat, unless you'd like to invite in some bears and flies looking for a meal - Like You.
    Go to my Espionage Webpage, www.rickhyatt.freeservers.com to learn more about me as a "Fisher of Men."

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER CAST AGAINST THE WIND. If it's too windy, do something else for the day. If the wind is blowing sideways, use that to your advantage when you cast.
• Keep a spare pole ready with bait and all to go if your first one fouls, or they're REALLY biting and you need to quickly switch hit.
• Cut open the trout's stomach to see what they're eating, so you can change your tactics if you want to. Minnows? Mussels? Flies? Recycle them or your old bait or keep your old hook? (It will be mushy, use it only if you run out and thicken it with something like cornstarch or old dried up worms.)
• A lucky pole, hat or shirt? Well, they're LUCKY for SOMETHING, be it the right size leader, a lack of/or smell, not too bright a color - It can't hurt = It just works! If some one PLACE you cast works, remember it. How is the wind blowing that day? How hot? What time of day? Cloudy, or sunny? What kind of bugs are flying around? Are the fish jumping for them? Are the birds flying around because there's so many bugs to eat? Are there less fishermen and boats and jet skis because it's a weekday? Was a thunderstorm coming when the fish suddenly went wild, blowing things down unto the water? Did you leave your wife at home that day? (Just joking...)
• Leave your cellphone in the truck - It doesn't skinny dip too well.
• Don't play loud music or shoo the ducks - Remember the fish can hear too... If you must play the radio, softly listen to Rush Limbaugh, Olden Goldies or Classical, they like that.
• Rub some sagebrush smell on your lucky hat or shirt? Covering the downwind human smell can't hurt... Tell your wife not to perfume that day...
• Be a Man! Eat the fleshy parts of your squeezed out lemons instead of throwing them away! At least, you won't catch the Scurvy!
• Change your lucky blue Ford's oil & filter every 3 mos. or 3K miles, or whenever the oil looks like old fish guts. But don't fish that day with oily fingers.
• The best way to finish up is to bury your hook in the soft handle of your pole as much as you can, right behind the reel, so that it's harder to get poked by the rest of it. Then point the pole down so the weight goes to the end, swirl the pole several times, and that will pretty much keep it contained together until next time.
• If you get your line wrapped around the pole as you go to cast, simply point the pole DOWN, and let it all run down off the point of the pole. Easier than trying to untangle all. Tighten your line until the weight comes up right against the tip. Look at where you want to cast, and keep your mind on landing it there - Nothing else. The rest of the cast comes naturally. It's the Art of Zen Trout Fishing.

Resources

• http://www.rickhyatt.freeservers.com

[rickahyatt]

on 9/17/2008 Damn good article!
I know.
I wrote it.