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I snuck out again for three hours this morning and it started out dead, nothing at all in my old honey hole so I pressed on and found a stray kitty about 18" then pressed on another quarter mile and nailed another. While I was netting it my other rod took off and it was a good one 22" and 3.5 lbs. I netted it and after they were taken care of I baited up and cast out then went to work on the second pole and the other took off. Caught that one and cast one out while I tried to bait up the other and caught another cat. It was crazy hot fishing in that spot but all great things must come to an end so I started trolling a little further away from the truck and realized I only had 5 minnows left so I turned around and headed back got 3 more on the way back. I ended up with cats from 17" to 22" and they weighed from 1.5 to 3.5 lbs really pretty fish today. I'll post pics in the morning if the computer will work. Later J
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Sounds like you had a very productive 4th. Thanks for posting!
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Thanks it was a fun day. I know I need to go try the Kokes or walleye, but these cats are so much fun lately and the size is probably better than anything else I can consistently catch so I keep going back after them. Plus they are close and quick for me so I can still do other things in the day. Took the family floating the Oneida narrows yesterday after, it was a blast, but the fishing didn't look real good with all the tubes floating by. Have a great one. Later J
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Here are a few photo's for Yote since he likes comic books... Later J
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Thanks for posting up the pics. They are worth a 1,000 words for people like me.
That looks like a good collection of cats you got there. Some fine dinning if you ask me. How do you cook them up?
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A that's a good question, if I knew a great way to cook these critters I'd try to keep a few. Instead I just weigh and measure them and let them go. I have smoked a few and like that, but it takes me so long to get them ready that I get lazy and let them go. One day soon I'm going to try baking one in a cheese it crust and see how it turns out. I'll let ya know if its a keeper receipe. Later J
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Were the cats still in the shallows, or do they seem to be moving deeper?
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Sounds like they are keeping you busy. How early you starting out? Been wanting to beat the heat myself...
It's fun when they get so aggressive that you stay all kinds of busy! Almost regret resetting the second rod sometimes, but . . . games afoot!
As for prep. Can be simple and easy. One of my favs is a hearty sprinkle of Cajun or blackening spice, then just bake with some olive oil - like it was chicken.
Of course there's smoking them:
[inline CatFilet.jpg]
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[inline "Smokin Cats.jpg"]
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I like to take them after they have been filleted and skinned and cut them into 1 inch wide strips, batter them in a beer batter or a good wet batter and then deep fry them in peanut oil that is 350 degrees for about 2-3 minutes or till golden brown in color.
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The cats are a little deeper, but still in shallow water. Found some in the deltas of channels others still around the spawning carp. Didn't try any deep water this trip. It seems like the cats are spawned out now, but I'm not sure. I know other years the cats are back in the river in later July and August so I think they will be moving soon. It's been fun while they have been where I could troll for them. Good luck if ya try them. Later J
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Yote I get launched about 6:30 and start fishing around 7:00. Thanks for the recipe. I'll have to try some, its just hard where I'm the only one in the family that likes fish. Anyway hope you get out there and have some fun. Later J
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Nice sack of cats!
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I'll have to try that. I really haven't given them a fair shot because the first time I tried them they didn't get fully cooked and so I still think I don't like catfish. Maybe next time. Thanks. J
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Thanks, they weren't the biggest, but probably the best looking for eating. Thanks. J
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Your welcome. I'm happy to go fishing with you some time and then show how to cook them up if we bring some home. They are pretty easy to make and taste great when prepared in a good fashion
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That sounds like fun. My biggest problem is going to be finding time to do it. My schedule is crazy for awhile not sure when I'll have time. How are you on short notice trips? When I see a chance to sneak out I'll try and PM you and see if the time will work for you. Later J
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