The quest went to the Merrimack River is search of new fish, such as carp, walleye, redbreast sunfish. When we arrived at the river we spooked several fish from the shallow pools that were lit by the morning sun. They were smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and the place was loaded with them.
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| Perfect habitat for smallmouth in this stretch of Merrimack River. Rocks, current, and pools. |
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| We were not the only ones who thought so. |
We could see that most of the smallmouth were small fish, eager to jump on anything that swam through the water. The challenge would be to have the first one be big enough to fillet (one of our quest rules is that we must keep and eat the first legal specimen caught). Since we usually microfish, we don't carry too many big lures, but we did the best we could with a shiny 3.5" Bagley Bomber. After about a half dozen casts we hooked up. Not a big one, but big enough. (at least it would not have too much mercury).
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| The Lure, 3.5 inches |
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| The fish, 11 inches |
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| Dave has caught bigger ones |
We filleted the fish that night and placed it in the freezer for future preparation. Any suggestions on a recipe?
I suggest roll it (in a dry meat rub) and smoke it! Smoked fish is so delicious. The downside is the time it takes but it's soooo worth it.
ReplyDeleteSmoke his bass!
Eric
We smoked our commons shiners and they were terrific, maybe we'll take your advice and smoke this smallie as well!
ReplyDelete