Perch that need a soaking (Jordanelle report 1-8)

[tomegun]

[#000080][size 2]At 10:00 this morning it was a toastie 20 degrees at the Rockcliffs. I caught the first 5 fish on my first 5 drops.[/size][/#000080]
[#000080][size 2]I caught about 50 perch(one got away [blush]). About dozen rainbows at Jordanelle. Missed a ton of fish.[/size][/#000080]

[#000080][size 2] The guy that I fished monday with met me on the slush at 1:00(I can't reveal his name because he was home sick[]). It was non-stop action all day. I go ice fishing to eat, read a book, and to goof off. This was work[cool]. For 2 hours the sun hid behind some clouds, then it was absolutely beautiful. [/size][/#000080]

[#000080][size 2] Conditions Alert: I thought I was at the 7-11. The top layer of ice became very slushy. It was basically standing around in over an 1" of water. Bring a towel, if you want to have dry things bring stuff that will float or is watertight.[/size][/#000080]

[#000080][size 2] Todays gear/baits: I used 3 ice Lightening Rods(not at the same time, I only have two hands) with 2 quantum and 1 Shimano Stradic reels. I drop shotted a glow icefly above a foxy 1/8 jig. A wax worm was on top and a meal worm on bottom to start the day. After about an hour, I spliced and dice a perch for my wet offerings. [/size][/#000080]

[#000080][size 2] The Rainbows were sporting spawning colors, but their bellies were flat. A gave Jed my 3 biggest bows and safely released all the others. [/size][/#000080]
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[Kent]

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=85366;search_string=search_string;#85366"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=85366;search_string=search_string;#85366[/url]
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[Kent]

I can't put my finger on it right now, but TD also said not to use iodized salt.
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[tomegun]

[size 2]Too late, I used the idolized salt. Kent, that was perfect. I was looking for TD's post on that. 20 mins and I'll give up the secrets.[/size]
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[walleyebob]

Yup,,never use Iodized salt for curing stuff. Don't know why.



Bob
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[tomegun]

Where the hell are ya when I need ya? thanks alot Bob[cool]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][size 1]Hey, Tommy, sorry I got off the computer early last night and did not get your PM until early this morning. Hope you don't mind, but I will share my response with the others. [/size]

[size 1]I did not think to mention the iodized salt thng...and I do not know exactly why...but smarter folks than me have determined that kosher salt or plain sea salt is preferable in curing meat and fish. I don't think there is enough iodine in the salt to make a smell or taste difference to the fishes. [/size]

[#ff0000][size 1]If I have a bunch, and want to freeze some for future trips, I scale the fishies, then fillet them and cut out the rib cages. Don't rinse off the blood(flavor). I freeze from two to four small fillets per bag. I put them in and then and then add only a couple of tablespoons of water. Then, I squeeze out all the air, twist the bag closed and rubber band it. (even one air bubble will cause freezer burn and mess up the freshness)

To prepare for fishing, I thaw (or use fresh) the fillets and lay them flesh side down on a paper plate...on a cutting board. Using a razor sharp knife, I cut strips about 1/4 inch wide and from 1/2 to 1 inch long. I sometimes cut them so that they have a wide end and then taper to a point.

When all the strips are cut, I sprinkle them with salt and squirt on either some shad oil or crawdad scent. Mix everything well and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator...or take it and go fishing.

The salt helps toughen and preserve the fish bits, and fish like salt. I don't think the type of scent you use makes too much difference, but it is a good idea to take two or three with you when you go fishing. Sometimes a drop or two of something else...on a piece of used meat...can make a difference.

I hook the strips in the wider end...through the skin first. If you have a lot of trouble cleaning off the used meat, pinch the barbs down on your hooks. Easier for the bait stealers, but you won't miss many big biters. [/size]

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[FishFearMe]

In reply to.......

[#000080][size 2]The guy that I fished monday with met me on the slush at 1:00(I can't reveal his name because he was home sick[]). [/size][/#000080]

[#000080][size 2]A gave Jed my 3 biggest bows and safely released all the others. [/size][/#000080]


Who did you go fishing with ??????[]
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[kidsnme]

Tomegun, Great report!!!

What area was you fishing and in how deep of water? How thick is the ice now? I'm planning on hitting Jordanelle Saturday to help thin out the perch population.
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[tomegun]

[size 2]We were on the southside by the trees 30 feet off the bank about 50 feet west of the first rocky point. You can see the tracks on the ice/slush. We were fishing in 20 feet of water. I tried stay stay out of the shade. Slayerace fished in 15 feet on monday. He did alot better than me.[/size]
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[Jedburton]

way to go tom!!! so much for preserving my anonymyty. well I just hope noone from my work is on this site, I am going to be "sick" for the rest of the week anyway. so I will be heading out to starvation probably on sat.

Jed Burton
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