Friday, June 29, 2012

A drum that you can't beat

If you've followed the Fishin' Hullabaloo for any length of time, you know that E Dub likes to catch some strange now and then. And, in Wyoming, it doesn't get much stranger than the freshwater drum.
Found in only two lakes in the state, the drum is relatively rare in the Cowboy State. The freshwater drum is a stream-lined fish that looks like it should be in salt water. I've caught them weighing around 2-3 pounds, and the state record is 11 pounds, 14 ounces.
According to a federal fact sheet , drum were accidentally introduced to Wyoming.
I accidentally catch drum while fishing around rocky points and bars for smallmouth bass. I know of no one who actually targets drum, but there would be no shame in such a quest. The drum is a strong fighter that will test ultra-lite gear.
I haven't caught one on a flyrod yet, but that might become a goal in the future.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Walleye makes a great meal

Living in trout country, I don't get to catch many walleye. But when I do, very few of them get released. That's because walleye is one of the best-tasting fish swimming. Last week, I landed three, including this 22-incher.
One of its fillets was enough for dinner for my wife and me. Usually, I fry walleye, but I tried a recipe off the internet for baked walleye. It was great, maybe even better than fried. Here it is:
Roll walleye fillets in a batter of equal parts bread crumbs, grated parmesan and potato buds. Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Eat them.