More photos from Grand Cayman

Bonefishing at Grand Cayman

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman -- When my wife, Kathy, gave me a bonefishing trip for my birthday, the choice of destinations was tough. I wouldn't go without her, so that eliminated any hardcore fishing camp.
We wanted a place where I could target bonefish and where we could enjoy the scenery, attactions and nightlife. That's why we selected this island nation located 480 miles southwest of Miami in the Caribbean Ocean.
We were not disappointed.
We flew out of Tampa at 2:05 p.m. on Christmas Eve and landed in George Town about an hour and a half later. The flight was smooth and uneventful. We checked two pieces of luggage. I opted to carry on my gear bag and fly rods. I could always buy clothing if the luggage was lost, but I didn't want to take the chance of losing my tackle.
I took a 6-weight TFO TICRX, 8-weight TFO TICRX and 9-weight TFO TICRX. The reel for the 6 weight had a sinktip line. The other two had full floating lines. I took the 6 weight just in case I couldn't find any bonefish and had to settle for bar jacks or whatever else might be interested in eating a fly.
We rented a compact Suzuki for our stay. That way I could drive to various fishing spots every day. Driving took some getting used to because they drive on the left side of the road in the Caymans. The steering wheel was on the right side of the car. Additonally, roundabouts there took some time to figure out.
We stayed at the Comfort Suites on Seven Mile Beach. Good choice. The place was clean, quiet and comfortable. The free continental breakfast wasn't worth a darn, but that was OK.
After breakfast on Christmas morning, we set out to explore the island and find some bonefish. I didn't even take a rod. I just want to get my bearings and find a few fish.
We stopped at South Sound, a place where I'd been told there were bones. We didn't see any and I really didn't like the look of the water. Most was too deep.
We headed toward East End  and stopped at a stretch of beach near Morritt's Tortuga Club. No one had suggested the spot. It just looked good. While walking along the beach, we spotted a bonefish coming off the thick turtle grass into a sandy area. We saw a pair of bones a little later.
We drove north toward Rum Point and saw a spot near Grape Tree Point. We stood at the side of the road and saw a pretty nice bonefish in a sand hole. We watched as a bigger one (a real monster) tailed in some thick turtle grass.
We then drove to Rum Point, had a soft drink and snack. We took a few photos, then headed back to Georgetown. We wanted to explore one more area near Barkers.
We walked the beach there, but didn't see any bonefish. We did see a pair of small snook swimming along the beach. Even though we didn't see any bones, the area just looked fishy.
Kathy and I were tired, so we headed back to the hotel. That night, we ate dinner at Papagallo Restaurant at Barkers. It was magnificent. I had an 18-ounce ribeye that was cooked to perfection. Kathy had a large salad and a pasta dish. She said her food was fabulous.
Later, headed back to the hotel, parked the car and walked around. We stopped at Coconut Joe's across the street from the hotel and had a few Christmas drinks.
The next morning, I headed off the fish. Kathy slept in, then laid out in the sun at the pool.
I arrived at the spot near Morritt's Tortuga Club. I figured the fish had been easy to spot there and didn't seem spooky. But I only saw one tailing bone in three hours, so I left and headed for Grape Tree Point. The sun was behind clouds, so it was difficult to see. But I did spot a couple of bones in a sand hole near the beach. They swam off before I could grab the rod.
I watched for an hour and didn't see any more fish. That's when I waded out and just stood in the turtle grass near a sand hole. I watched as two bonefish swam into the hole. They were so close that the entire leader wasn't even out of the rod tip. I was using a 12-foot leader and the fish weren't 10 feet away. I really didn't think they'd hit, but I was wrong. I flicked the fly in front of them and the smaller of the two quickly ate. I set the hook and the race was on. Even though it was a small bone, it still took me into the backing. I was using a fly that I named "Gibby's Bonefish Fly." I tied it on a No. 4 hook. It featured rabbit hair, dubbing, small lead eyes and rubber legs.
I landed the fish and tried to take a few photos. That's pretty tough when you're by yourself.
I released the bone, then began look for more. I moved 10 feet and saw another fish, a bigger bone. I dropped the fly about three feet in front of it and waited for the fish to swim closer. When it did, I moved the fly. That's all it took. I was fast into another bone.
This fish was heavier, stronger and faster. It made a really long first run. I even managed to take a few photos while I was fighting the fish.
It took about five minutes to land. I released it and looked for more fish. I saw about 20 others, but no takers. I even saw a couple of small schools.
Those were the only two bonefish I caught during the trip.
I fished Barkers the next day and saw more fish. But I didn't connect. I even saw several schools of tailing fish. I made what I thought were very good casts, but obviously not good enough.
One neat thing I found were some mosquito ditches near Barkers. They had baby tarpon and snapper in them. I spent about five minutes casting and had one 15-inch tarpon follow. I thought the fish was going to eat, but it turned away at the last second.
I planned on flying to Little Cayman for my final outing, but plane was full. So, I had a decision to make: Where to fish? I debated all night and wasn't sure when I got into the car. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I turned right. That meant I was going to do a repeat of the first day. I stopped at the beach near Morritt's and spent a couple of hours there. No fish.
I then drove to Grape Tree Point and fished there for three hours. No fish.
On the drive back to George Town, I stopped at Prospect Point on Sound Sound and waded for 90 minutes. The area looked very good, but I didn't see any fish.
After I returned and cleaned up, we drove downtown and walked around. I was looking for a souvenir cap and T-shirt. It was a holiday (Boxing Day), so most of the shops were closed.
We ate dinner at Coconut Joe's the last night. I had jerk chicken and it was great.
We played tourist the last morning. We drove up to the Turtle Farm and looked around. We then went to Hell. It's a real place that was named because of unruly terrain.
We returned the rental car and headed for the airport. Because of increased security, I had to check my gear bag (because of the flies and my Leatherman multi-tool). They did allow me to carry on the fly rods.
The flight to Miami was very quick. We flew over Cuba and I saw some gorgeous water. I hope to fish those waters some day.
We had a layover in Miami for a couple of hours. We caught our connecting flight to Tampa at 7:`15 and arrived about 8 p.m. We got our luggage, found our car and arrived home at about 10.
The trip was wonderful and I'm sure we'd do it again.
People in Grand Cayman were very hospitable and friendly. The weather was magnificent, with daytime temperatures in the high 80s and 70s at night.
The island is a little pricey. The Cayman dollar is worth about $1.25 to a U.S. dollaer. Dinners for two averaged about $80. Our Christmas dinner was $150, but we planned for that and didn't mind.
If I return, I think I'll book a flight to Little Cayman in advance to assure a seat. I've been told Little Cayman has a very good bonefish population.
Also, I think it would be a good idea to book a guide. Davin Ebanks come highly recommended (http://www.fish-bones.com/).
Lefty Kreh, the grand old sage of fly fishing, reportedly said that if you find a bonefish destination that your wife likes, the fishing probably isn't very good. I'd give Grand Cayman another try before I'd agree.

Resistent Viruses

Sick! I've been on 2 Z-pack antibiotics in the past three months. The second Z-pack ended on Christmas Day and now I'm on a second type of antibiotic, Cefuroxime (Twice Daily).

I coached the 9th grade bball team to victory yesterday in the Cocalico Holiday Tournament for 8th and 9th Grade Teams. When I got home, I had a 101.7 temp, couldn't swallow, ended up in the hospital around 6:30 p.m.

After preliminary bloodwork showed I had an infection (duh) and no mono, The ER doc prescribed a steroid to reduce the throat swelling, Hydrocodone for pain, and a CAT for my throat. The CAT showed no abscesses.

Julie and I got home around 11:30 p.m. after stopping at the 24 hr. CVS pharmacy to pick up my pain medication.

I slept well last night, but sweated like a pig and had to change my PJ's twice. 100+... fever all night long will do that to a man.

Morning came and I still can't swallow w/o gagging. It feels better, but not by much. My body temp went to back down to "my normal" - 97.6 degrees. I still feel flushed every now and then as if my temp is rising and then dropping.

This area of Pennsylvania has a lot of resistant viruses. Z-packs usually can handle the sinus issues, but those resistant viruses will often get into the glands and the the trouble begins.

My nephew, Aaron, had something similar around Thanksgiving and ended up in the hospital and was also prescribed a steroid to help with the swelling in his throat. What's funny is that he lives in Utah and here I am in Pennsylvania with a similar ailment!

I'm hoping to bring you a more cheery message for the New Year. It seems I always get sick around this time of the year. Maybe dad needs to consider moving to a better climate and fish from some greenies!

dad

Panen Lobster

Stories from Indonesia about Freshwater Lobster trap technique - which we call here as a lobster. For non-understand, please refer to the Niazor. MOH our Terai kat Sg or Sg Pahang Kuantan ...

Many techniques developed in this fresh water lobster harvest. With our understanding of this behavior lobster so many ways that we can capture to enlarge.


Flow Trapping

Flow Trapping is a technique commonly used to harvest the large pond with the flow because Trapping can menghemat time to catch lobster that will dipanen. Flow Trapping is usually done at night with the hope of morning catches have been able to dipilah (Sort). Nature of the lobster continue to search more fresh water from the pond water is made flow Trapping can be done.
Equipment required to perform flow Trapping:
1. Penampung lobster box to be in the arrest about 30cm high.
2. Board with about 10-15cm wide and 50cm long.
3. Aeration
4. Water hose

At Trapping water flow will be made available on the pond until we derived 2cm tall and seek also removed from the pond. Then we place the box that will be penampungan this side of the pond-side. Total penampung can be tailored to the swimming area. To measure swimming 2m2 Trapping flow 2 can be placed on both sides different. Board glider was placed on one side with a form such as a surfboard or commonly referred plosotan. Board attached to the edge of the box should be a little more into the box with purpose when the lobster could fall into the box. In the box we placed a penampung the aerator to prevent lack of oxygen in the box penampung.

Once we install flow traping, with plans to end our water alirkan surfboard until water flows down to the swimming policy through the board. With fresh water or new water flowing into the pond so the lobster has instincts find fresh water will follow the existing water resources. Because the water flow from the board will attempt to climb the lobster to the water resources. At the lobster has been achieved on board the lobster so this will fall into the city.
To prevent blurred back to the lobster pond water so that the box is not too high. Because the water continues to flow into the pond drainage holes should also remain open to prevent water full back.
Rat trap

Harvest mouse trap because this bid form similar to the common rat trap we do in our homes. However, this trap door for us to replace it with funnel-like mouth bottles with the aim of lobster that can not be out in return. Traps can also be used as a tool by selecting pemilahan huge holes that match the size lobster that we want.
As bait to lobster into a trap we can use Keong mas or fish that has been baked aroma that can be triggered to eat lobster. So that bait can be effective it must lobster dipuasakan 1 day before. And that is the bait traps should be enough until the bait has been eaten lobster is still available for the other.

Harvest by rat trap does not need this water swimming dikuras or reduced. And for more effective, traps can be installed for every one square meter and the time intervals each hour we can lift it to remove the trapped lobsters. But if we do not have time we can do so by putting it in the morning and at night dipanennya.

Christmas At Dad's

"Good Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen..."

Christmas comes and goes so quickly. And as I get older (Turned 55 on Christmas Day, it seems even quicker!

I was able to sit down for a moment today and "play" with some of my toys. I also found the time to upload some pics from my now "old camera". Hopefully, in the near future, I will be bringing some nice pics from my new Fuji Z33 WP. I picked it up at Ritz Camera in the Boscov's Department Store for a steal right before Christmas... It was my birthday present. ;-)

Before everyone woke up, I snapped this picture of our Christmas Tree. We like to change the ornaments every few years and create a new theme.



My youngest and middle sons still live at home with us. So, there is still an excitement in the air during the unwrapping of presents. Here is a pic that mom took of me as I grabbed the Christmas bag that held my new digital camera. That's Lil' Missy, my Jug and favorite lap dog, sitting with me. She has her christmas gift with her, a nice new bone!



Here are two "fishing related" gifts that Tom, Jr. picked up for my birthday and Christmas gifts... Cool!

My favorite crankbait in a Computer Mouse Form... I had a good laugh over this one. A very creative gift, fer shure.


A wooden pen case made from walnut and personalized just for me!


Here is the pen... Neat gift.


Around 10:30 a.m., my oldest son, his wife, and our granddaughter came over to our home to open presents. They had spent the night at the in-laws and were going to eat Christmas Dinner at my brother's home with us. Isn't our granddaughter precious!



"God Bless Us, Every One!" - Tiny Tim

dad

Boat and Motor Heading In For Maintenance

Usually during the long and cold winter months, I'll clean the gear and tackle out of the boat and take it up to Lakeside Marine in Harrisburg, PA. for it's annual maintenance once over. There are a few items that need to be done each year and I also have a couple of other problems that need to be corrected.

The annual maintenance items will include the draining and changing of the motor oil in the four stroke engine. A four stroke motor is like a car engine and burns only gasoline. The oil that is in the motor is for lubrication purposes. It should be changed every 100 hours or yearly, as I do. By changing the oil, one can prevent a costly repair bill from dirty oil destroying the crankshaft journals in the four stroke engine.

I would like the mechanics to make sure my steering cables are functioning okay and add grease to the fixtures... steering link rod pivot points use light weight oil, steering cable grease fitting using anti-corrosion grease or 2-4-C marine lubricant.

The water separator filter will need to be replaced with a new one

The trailer will be looked over for any stress related cracks or problems. They will also look at the wheel bearings and make sure they are packed correctly.

I have an automatic bilge pump system that uses a float to turn on the bilge pump. I had the boat up at the shop over the summer and water remained in the boat (I didn't remove my plug because of the auto-system). There should have been no sitting water in the boat if the system was functioning correctly. I think I located a corroded wire that causes the float to trip on the bilge pump. I'll have them check and fix it.

My Minn Kota TM has been ticking internally over the past few trips. It may be a bearing or bushing issue(?). It almost sounds like the ticking you hear from a depth finder transducer. The TM is still under warranty.

The last thing I would like to have done is the installation of two rubber rod holders on the front deck. I'll show JC where I want then installed. I tried to install one of them this past spring and I just ran into bracings, etc. So, the heck with it... I let the "professionals" figure it out. These rod holders will help keep my rods on the front deck as I negotiate rough water. In the past, they would flop around and fall into the gunnie. Not good for the rods at all! All my other boats had them and this one is going to get them, too.

Well, that should be plenty for Lakeside Marine to work on over the next few weeks. The boat will be in tip-top shape and ready fro my next adventure on the river.

dad

"Christmas Eve Service" December 24, 2009

What a joyous service we had at St. Anthony of Padua in Lancaster, Pa. this Christmas Eve. Our parish had gotten away from doing a children's liturgy, but it returned once again this year. The church was filled with family love and the gleeful sounds of babies and children from newborns to the aged.

Our community was brought together for the 139th year in joyous celebration for the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Fr. Daniel Mitzel called the children to the altar to gather around him as he sat and talked with them about Christmas. He shared a book called "I Spy Christmas". A book of many pictures that asked the children to seek out pictures of hidden Christmas related items. He told the children that although this was a "fun" Christmas book, there was one major person missing from it... Jesus!

Fr. Daniel Mitzel then read a few short Christmas related stories to the children. Stories that were centered on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Folks, this is the church of my childhood. The glorious wedding of me and my beautiful wife, Julie, was held here in 1977. The funeral services of my father (1988) and mother (2005) were held in this church. It brought back many memories as we sat in the pew.

As I enter the church, I have always look for the name of my father, William A. Boyd, Jr. (February 25, 1988) on a small name plate outside the elevator that was built by contributions from parishioners, including our family. I rub my fingers over his name plate each and every time I enter the vestibule to the elevator.

God bless all of you and may 2010 bring you health and prosperity.
dad

A Christmas Message from Dad

I was driving in the snow blizzard last Saturday and passed a sign advertising a play called "The Journey to Bethlehem." What a great play to put on during this blessed holiday season. However, plastered across the sign was a ratty-looking piece of wet cardboard with the word "Cancelled" written on it. My wife and I had a good chuckle for two reasons... 1. They misspelled "Canceled" in their hast to erect the cardboard sign (Not that I'm the world's best speller) and 2. What will we do if Mary and Joseph fail to take the "Journey to Bethlehem?"

Without "The Journey", our Savior and Lord Jesus wouldn't be rejected at the inn and born in a lowly manger surrounded by stock animals and angels as we've all been told in the Christmas Story hundreds of times during our lives.

The shepherds in the fields keeping watch would never have seen the star shining bright in the East. The Three Wise Men wouldn't have seemed so wise just wandering aimlessly through the dessert looking for the tell-tailed sign of the coming of the Messiah!

The foretold story of Jesus' birth was shared by prophets many, many years prior to the coming of our Lord. Would a snow blizzard have ever prevented this blessed event? I would say, "Absolutely Not!

I ask that we all stop for a moment to remember our men and women in uniform who are abroad helping to stop the threat of terrorism throughout the world. Families and young children will be celebrating this 2009 Christmas without their moms, dads, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and close friends overseas in far away lands hoping to bring peace and freedom to all mankind.

Many US veterans throughout our country's history have sacrificed their time, energy, and even the ultimate sacrifice of death for freedom throughout the world.

I am sure the folks of Nazi wore-torn Europe who are still with us understand the sacrifice that these men and women gave to free them from those terrible years of oppression, hatred, and death.

All my bloggers are in my prayers each and every day!

May you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
dad

Another Cyberangler cover photo

Rudy Gomez of CyberAngler.com emailed to tell me that a photo I took of Capt. Pete Greenan (fighting a fish on fly rod at right) has been selected as a cover photo at the site. That's the second photo of mine that Cyber Angler has featured.
You never know when you're going to take a decent photo. I always subscribe to the advice that veteran photographer Frank Ross told me.
"Burn a lot of film and you'll screw up and get a decent photo," Ross said.
And in this day of digital photography, it makes little sense not to shoot a load of photos.
I was fishing with Geoff Page a few years ago and we were doing well, catching lots of hefty redfish. Later that morning, we found a school on hungry bluefish. I asked Page if he had a hookless topwater plug. He did. I asked him to cast it out and work it back. I put on the 300mm lens, sat down in the boat and steadied the camera on the gunwale of Page's boat. When the blues started attacking the plug, I started shooting. At 4 frames per second, I took more than 400 photos that day. I screwed up and got a couple of good ones, too!
Check out my Cyberangler.com photo at http://www.cyberangler.com/. There are 16 featured photos, so just hit the refresh button until you see it.

Christmas at Grand Cayman

The flies are tied. The rods are packed. Reels ready. Leaders tied.
Look out, Grand Cayman, here I come.
Tomorrow at 2 p.m., Kathy and I will depart Tampa. We'll land in George Town, Grand Cayman at 3:50.  Grand Cayman is located 480 miles southwest of Miami in the Caribbean. We have a car rented (I'm not sure how I'll fare driving on the left side of the road) and we'll check into our suite sometime around 4:30. We're staying on Seven Mile Beach.
Christmas morning, I'll be fly casting to bonefish. I've Google-earthed Grand Cayman, and I'll probably head for South Sound. Of course, it all depends on the wind.
Lefty Kreh, the grand old sage of fly fishing, claims that if you find a destination that is good for the wife, then the fishing will suck. That might be true in some locales. But I don't think it will hold true in Grand Cayman.
A fried of mine, Capt. Al White of Rotonda, Fla., visited Grand Cayman about 18 months ago and reported excellent bonefishing. I trust Al. He fished South Sount, Breakers and another spot near Boddentown. With a rental car at my disposal, I can cover the entire island. Plus, I'm thinking about flying to Little Cayman on Sunday or Monday. I hear the bonefish and permit are fairly plentiful there.
The trip is a birthday present from Kathy. She surprised me. She always gets me great gifts, but this one was special. Of course, I wouldn't go anywhere without her, so many bonefish destinations were elminated (South Andros, Los Roques, Ascension Bay).
I wanted a place where I could spend a few hours in the morning casting a fly to wiley bonefish and then spend the afternoon and evening with Kathy. And we wanted a place where there is plenty to do, good food and great nightlife.
That's Grand Cayman.
I'll let you know how I do upon return. If I land a bonefish, great. If not, we'll still have a great time!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

2009 Young of Year (YoY) Report for Main and Lower Susquehanna River

Our good friend Bill was able to obtain the following data from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Big kudo to him for being persistent in his pursuit to get our biologists' studies.

I am definitely do not have a degree in biology nor do I play a biologist on t.v. But from what background I do have, it doesn't look good. What does look good is the lack of finding diseased fish. There were only a few located on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River totaling approximately 1.22% of the 327 studied.

I was in touch with my good friend, Mike Burton, who told me that there are actually better numbers from the fall studies, but we haven't seen any data from them at this point. UPDATE: This data is now on the PFBC website.

Please read over these charts and feel free to develop your own opinions about what the data may say to you. Some of the three charts may be cut off due to the format of the template. Just click on the chart and the full chart will appear on my PhotoBucket.

Page 1


Page 2


Page 3


Please pass this information on to all who you know has an interest in our smallmouth population.

dad

We Created a New Snow Record!

Well, it's official. The meteorologist at Millersville University was quoted in today's newspaper as saying the recent snow event from Saturday was the most snow ever to have fallen on any past December date in the Lancaster, Pa. area!

That is just plain wild crazy!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go."

Snow Ho, Ho, Ho!

Over 24" here in Willow Street, Pa. Expecting another 3-4" until the snow ends in the early hours of Sunday morning. Then the weatherman is calling for winds and drifting during the day on Sunday... Ho, Ho, Ho!

"Dear Newspaper Delivery Lady... Please do not throw the newspaper into the falling snow on my driveway again. That's why God gave us the mental power to create a mailbox with a paper holder. I searched for the newspaper high and low before plowing and had absolutely no idea where you may have (or even if you did) tossed it out of your warm vehicle. Well, I "found" you tossed newspaper in my snow blower clogging the auger! Thank you kindly and I'll need to use your Christmas tip money for fixing my beloved snow blower (Not really). dad"




Two cars and a truck to dig out... Move... and dig out again. This was our second dig out today. Thank God for my snow blower! I love it.

Finally got my Kow!

I got up at 2am, drove down from Richmond and was on the water by 5am. I was aiming for the morning tide change and finally after 6 trips of at least 8hrs each (usually 12), I got my kow. 45" 36lbs. I got him on braid early and decided to get him in the car. As I was getting back out, I get a call from Charlie Church, and told him Kevin got two, another guy got two, and I got one. According to his report, he did pretty darn good (50+lber!). I went out to the drift and got pretty close to the bouy. There were lots of boats out there. I had three take downs total. One of which I hooked up to. I had 8lb test line (looking for a line class record). After a couple of minutes the hook came out. I left out the expletives from the video. On the way back in I ran into a school of porpoises. Got back to Richmond by 5pm in time to make it to my company xmas party. Tired, but an amazing day.

Maine Saltwater Fishing Reports 2010: Smelt Season a Maine Tradition!!!

The Smelt bite has been outstanding on the Great Salt Bay(GSB) of Maine's Damariscotta River...We've been fishing from one of our portable Shanties using jig rods equipped with spring bobbers and tiny ice jigs...the bait of choice has ranged from bloodworms to small pieces of shrimp.

A far cry from our beloved midcoast Maine Stripers...However...Every December, whole villages of smelt shanties spring up almost overnight...an official, if unnecessary, signal of winter’s arrival. Smelt fishing is a deep and dependable tradition on the state’s coast. As soon as the ice is thick enough, smelters drag their customized shanties onto the tidal rivers and sit inside them, stoking wood stoves and tending to baited lines that hang through holes in the ice.

"Ocean-going smelt enter our tidal waters as early as November and December. Anglers get serious about smelting in January and can fish for them into March. Fishing can be done from a pop-up ice shelter. This means taking an ice auger to get through the ice, as well as a stove to keep the chill off, bait, bucket, rods, hooks and other tackle. Everything has to be hauled out onto the ice because the ice is too unstable to drive a vehicle. The majority of smelt anglers like to rent a shack from a commercial smelt shack operation where most of the items are taken care of by the proprietors. Small mom-and-pop businesses emerge each year with as many as 50 smelt shacks for rent on the ice of tidal rivers. The cost to rent these shacks varies, with the range of price somewhere between $10 and $15 per person. Bait, hooks, lines, and sinkers are provided...we use our own specialzed jig rods. There is a wood stove in the shack to keep the occupants warm.

Cooking Smelt:
This species' meat is white, delicate and sweet flavored. Preparation for cooking often involves simply removing the head and entrails. Frying is an easy method for preparing smelt. Mix one cup of flour, corn meal or breadcrumbs and one teaspoon of your favorite seasoning in a plastic bag. Shake cleaned smelt in this mixture so that they are lightly dusted. Fry the fish in 1/8 inch of vegetable or olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Fry for about 3 minutes on the first side and 2 minutes on the other. Drain the fish on paper towels and eat while still warm. Fried smelt are finger food, to be enjoyed plain or dipped in tartar or seafood sauces.

Throughout this season we'll be organizing daytime & evening smelting trips...A great weekend getaway for those of you in southern New England or for those of you looking to spend some quality time with the kids in an outdoor environment...Please contact us if you'd like to join one of our groups.

Maine Striper Fishing Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com