FoulHooked...(how'd that get there?)

Had the chance to get out and play one more time this year, and of course, had to take it. The weather showed us a little bit of everything this weekend. Friday was bitter cold with gusting winds in our face and snow flying. It was also fishless . I had one, short-lived fight late in the day (last time I take long- shanked J-hooks with oversized barbs steelheading ). It was truly one of those days though when just being on the river was all I needed. For some reason, white-outs are just beautiful when you're standing knee-deep in water a half a degree above freezing. Brian fighting the cold snow blowing in his face. Once we got off the water, nature started in with the typical northeast wintry mix. By the time we got out of bed Saturday morning, it was full-on pouring outside. We decided to make our maiden voyage to the DSR , seeing as we'd had no luck the day before, and it should be holding some fresh fish. Unfortunately, we had trouble finding any good-looking water that...

Yeah BOIY!

It's almost that time again. I tend to save it for when I just can't justify trying to fish due to cold (i.e. February). Why would you want to do such a thing as spend multiple nights in seriously sub-freezing temperatures? WinterCampers.com's Jim Muller answers that question pretty well, and give some good first-timer advice, in an article for The Conservationist . Couple more steelhead outings and I'll be yearning for the relative warmth of a fire-side lean-to in winter.

...it's just that our internet is still out from last week's storm...or rather...from the DPW worker cutting it to free traffic. Stay frosty!

The Biggest Pulls ...worth a read if only for the hilarious captions. Some conservation up front as well, and that's always good.

This is a long time coming, but, I just had the opportunity to try out a "new" fish recipe. Tomatoes and Trout Knowing I wanted to do justice to the trout I decided to keep Sunday (one filet went to my sister, the other was for Hannah and I), I went for a variation on a supposedly traditional Italian recipe. As laid out below, just use the quantities you feel comfortable with, and substitute to your heart's desire: Fish filet , skinless - any fish will do, but, my preference is salmonid . While the recipe will probably hold up to meatier fish like tuna or swordfish, and is undoubtably outstanding with most any white fish, I think it really shines with the pink and orange. "Dressing" Tomatoes - ripe plum if available, in quantity to roughly balance the same amount of fish, diced. Garlic - FRESH minced Onions - any mild onion, chopped or quartered (I used white pearls) Capers - to taste Olives - kalamata (or green or any other variety, if you prefer), pitted and...

Consider this my (belated) Thanksgiving. I won't even try to express how lucky I am to have the family, friends, job, ability to explore and enjoy my passions, and of course, woman who's company, I enjoy so much. Thanksgiving is supposed to be the day we reflect on our blessings, but I can tell you I count them every day. Top it all off with the fact that I was able to steal 3 days to myself (yes, I cherish solitude as well) to hit the Salmon River, and I feel guilty to complain about anything. This is my hour, I’m never going to bed. The sky is still black, but begs to be red. I just put my book down, but it begs to be read I’m not nod, I’m not napper, never rest my head. Some days I feel I’m getting smaller and smaller, but some nights, I seem to grow taller and taller. And we keep shrinkin’ and shrinkin’ but this will not finish. You’re never nothing, if you didn’t disappear. Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they change it. Just when I’m loving life, it seems to s...