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I recently found a good writer on ezinearticles.com who has some great Alaskan articles. I will be featuring the writing of Michael Russell here from time to time. Here is one of his articles. Dipnetting is a popular pasttime in Alaska this time of year. Read on:
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An amazing phenomenon occurs for a short time each summer in the Last Frontier as thousands of Alaskan residents, both young and old from all walks of life, take a break from whatever they are busy doing at the time to storm the shores of Alaska’s rivers. Other Alaskans know exactly what they’re up to as soon as they lay eyes on the long-pole contraptions of every sort, shape and size with very large nets attached. Some come alone, others come with friends or their entire families, having carefully planned this annual getaway and Alaskan family fishing tradition. Arriving in cars, trucks, campers and RVs, they bring their kids, pets, coolers, tents, gear for harvesting and cleaning, food, wood for fires and anything else they feel they might need for a day, a few days or a week or two at a time for some fun-filled work and
adventure.
This adventure and privilege of the Last Frontier is called dip net fishery and is only open to Alaskan residents. Since Alaska is known for world class salmon fishing with a variety of species, dip netting is an unparalleled and not to be missed, opportunity for all Alaskan residents to fill their freezers with prime subsistence for the coming winter. So with a whopping 25 salmon per head of household limit and an additional 10 fish per family member in sight, they go in droves to the various Alaskan rivers around the state as each is opened up for fishing. They are well equipped and armed with fishing licenses; dip netting permits for recording, a good cap and pair of sunglasses to guard against occasional seagull deposits.
How does one dip net? First you need a long pole with a handle that you are able to handle and are comfortable with, usually 10 to 15 feet, (shorter for kids) with a large net no bigger than 5 feet in diameter. You can buy one or be creative and craft your own, staying within the size limitations. Although many don’t wear any particular type of clothing, most are outfitted with chest waders that are designed to keep you warm and dry; that is if you don’t fall in.
You wade out as far as you feel comfortable, careful not to fill up your waders with water and hold the dip net straight out in front of you into the current. Now you wait. Waiting might be the hardest part for some. Sometimes you will wait a long time and your arms and legs will probably get tired, but wait you must until you feel a tug in your net. You then give the net a quick twist to the left or right depending on the direction of the current so the salmon can’t escape and then walk backwards or turn around and run quickly towards shore pulling the net behind you and empty out your fish on the shore for someone in your family or a friend to take over from there. You repeat this process over and over again until you reach your limit. Someone in the family or a friend will either bonk the fish on the head with a club or cut a gill to bleed it out or both.
To keep everything legal, your catch must be recorded on your permit as well as physically marked by clipping both tips of the tail fin of each fish before packing the fish away out of sight. It’s the law. A good pair of kitchen sheers should accomplish that task just fine. Now it’s ready to be put on ice in a bucket or cooler in preparation for the trip home.
You might reach your limit in one day or over several days or weeks. Dip netting is like the luck of the draw or “the great equalizer” as Alaskans like to say about this adventure extraordinaire. Sound incredible? It is and it’s only found in Alaska. If you happen to be fortunate enough to be in Alaska during this season, don’t miss the sight of these elbow-to-elbow dip netters as they get together with family and friends to have a bit of fun while dip netting for their food for the coming year. There’s nothing like it.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Alaska
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Tags: Alaska dip netting, Alaska Fishing, dipnetting, dipnetting salmon
Summer is upon us here in Alaska and the salmon are starting to return. Our fishing season starts in about a week. While out on the water we tend to eat a lot of fresh salmon. There is nothing like a fresh Alaskan Sockeye (red) salmon picked right out of the net and into the skillet for dinner! We are spoiled up here! Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. You will enjoy this recipe.
Lemon Garlic Alaska Salmon
2 tablespoons butter*
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 (4 to 6-ounce) Alaska Salmon fillets or steaks
Lemon juice
Lemon wedges
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic.
Season salmon on both sides with lemon pepper. Place salmon in pan and cook for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, measured at thickest part, or until fish flakes when tested with a fork. Turn salmon halfway through cooking to brown on both sides. Sprinkle with lemon juice before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Makes 2 servings
*NOTE - Olive oil may be substituted for the butter.
Fresh salmon is always better, but if you must used frozen, make sure it is thawed before cooking. This recipe will work equally well with any variety of wild Alaskan salmon.
Enjoy!
Shane
The Alaska Heritage Seafood Cookbook: Great Recipes From Alaska’s Rich Kettle Of Fish
Life’s a Fish and Then You Fry: An Alaska Seafood Cookbook
The Riversong Lodge Cookbook: World-Class Cooking in The Alaskan Bush
Tags: Alaska recipes, Alaska salmon, Alaska salmon recipe, Alaska Seafood, Alaskan Recipes, wild Alaskan salmon
Sometimes you feel the blandness of one more chicken meal may finally kill you, and you need to serve something sumptuous and fulfilling, like Alaskan smoked salmon! There’s nothing that can cure meal blues like a rich and flavorful piece of smoked salmon. But, you may say, smoked salmon isn’t a meal by itself (unless you’re a true Alaskan). What else can I do with it? There is much you can do to make a special and memorable meal with Alaskan smoked salmon. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Caesar
The Caesar salad is a classic, served in virtually every restaurant in North America. SO you may be thinking, why would I want to do that over again? Because using Alaskan smoked salmon as part of the salad turns it from a side dish into a truly satisfying meal. To make the very best Caesar salad use fresh baby romaine lettuce leaves along with freshly grated parmesan. Add croutons and use homemade or bottled dressing. Finally, add the crown jewel of the salad, the Alaskan smoked salmon. Toss gently so as not to break up the flaky smoked salmon. Caesar salad goes well with soups, such as tomato basil or butternut squash.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Quesadillas
If you want a deviation from normal Mexican fare, try a quesadilla made with Alaskan smoked salmon! Gather up a small tub of goat cheese, one package 8-inch tortillas, 4 oz Alaskan smoked salmon, 2 tablespoons dill, 1 tablespoon horseradish, and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Mix the dill, sour cream, horseradish, and goat cheese in a small bowl. Spread two big spoonfuls on a tortilla, and place thinly sliced salmon evenly over cheese mixture. Top with another tortilla. In a small pan greased with butter fry each side of the quesadillas about one minute, or until brown spots appear. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream for dipping sauce. This delicious treat can even be found at the Alaska State Fair. Be looking for them.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Pasta
One of the easiest ways to incorporate Alaskan smoked salmon into your dinner menu is to combine it with pasta. From bow tie to angel hair, smoked salmon can be used in so many pasta dishes in an infinite variety of sauces. Personally, I think smoked salmon goes best with a light pesto or butter and garlic sauce; these allow the smoked salmon flavor to shine through. Alfredo sauce is also acceptable, though it mutes the flavor of the smoked salmon a bit. Try to steer clear of marinara sauce, which will overpower the delicate smoked salmon flavor.
Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder
Instead of using clams in chowder, why not consider using Alaskan smoked salmon? The rich flavor provided by Alaskan smoked salmon makes for a hearty chowder that is rich and flavorful. Start by frying a few chopped up pieces of bacon in your pot. Leave the grease in the pot and melt 1/4 cup butter. Sauté a mixture of onions, celery, red potatoes, garlic, thyme, and dill in the mixture. When onions are soft add 1/2 cup of flour and mix thoroughly. Then add 5 cups of fish or vegetable stock and 3 cups half-and-half. For flavor, add 1/4 cup dry white wine. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmering for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This chowder goes great with a thick slab of fresh sourdough bread which can be dipped into the soup for an extra tasty treat.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just dinner with the family, Alaskan smoked salmon can make the meal unforgettable. So ditch that chicken, and prepare a memorable dinner your family will thank you for.
Resource Box:
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Shane Bryan, a long-time resident of Alaska, shares his love of Alaska with you at http://AlaskaSpirit.com . Also don’t forget to check out his store where you can get Alaskan smoked salmon and other Alaskan gifts shipped directly from Alaska. http://AlaskaSpirit.com/store/
Find this article at Ezine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?id=1649281
Note: Please feel free to reprint this article and any of my other articles at ezinearticles. All I ask is that you leave my resource box intact. This way you get great content for your website and I get a link back to my website.
Tags: Alaskan smoked salmon, smoked salmon caesar, smoked salmon chowder, smoked salmon pasta, smoked salmon quesadillas, smoked salmon recipes
Summer is a great time to travel to Alaska. It is a great time to enjoy our long days and mild temperatures. There is so much to do for the Alaska traveler that you’ll have to keep coming back to do everything!
Here are a few things you might want to fit into your Alaska travel agenda:
(907) 272-5634
Runs every weekend from May 16 through September 13. This free festival in the heart of downtown Anchorage has over 300 booths. Great place to find local food, great entertainment, Alaska souvenirs and much more! Great atmosphere!
Chickenstock Bluegrass Festival
(907) 235-6396
This is the 3rd annual bluegrass festival held at Chicken Gold Camp in Chicken, Alaska. This year’s festival takes place June 13, 2009. Just an interesting note: the reason this place is named Chicken is because nobody could agree on how to spell ptarmigan. If you love bluegrass festivals, this is the place to be!
Alaska Highland Games and Gathering Of The Clans
(907) 243-7255
This event takes place on June 27 in Eagle River, Alaska. Not your usual Alaska fare but a lot of fun. They’ll have a Scottish band all the way from Scotland plus several professional athletes from around the country.
(907) 452-8671
Join everyone in downtown Fairbanks on June 21 for a car show, children’s rides, petting zoo, gold panning and much more!
104th Midnight Sun Baseball Game
(907) 451-0095
It really is possible to play baseball at midnight in Alaska! No lights necessary! The Alaska Goldpanner’s game begins at 10:30 p.m.
(907) 262-5438
Mom is a big quilter so I had to include this one for all you quilters out there. Come see what Alaskan quilters have been working on. This festival takes place in Kenai, Alaska June 25-27. Come check it out.
(907) 255-2747
Catch the big one in Valdez! As of this writing the leader is only 155 pounds - easy to beat. Prince William Sound is an excellent place to catch a big halibut. It could be worth $15,000! Also check out the salmon derbies and kid’s derby. Valdez has plenty of fishing action for the fisherman.
Alaska has much to keep you entertained. This list is only a taste. Spend a bit of time searching in Google and you will find no end of things to do while traveling in Alaska. Enjoy your Alaskan vacation!
We hope to see you again soon,
Shane
Tags: Alaska events, Alaska Travel, Alaska vacation ideas, Alaskan bluegrass, Anchorage Market, Midnight baseball, Midnight sun, Valdez Halibut Derby
Fishing season is here again in Valdez! The halibut derby is underway again with a chance to win $15,000 for the largest fish. So far the lead is a measly 120 pounds. I’ll also be off fishing this weekend but it will be commercial long-lining for halibut. Gotta pay the bills.
Halibut is a delicious fish. If you haven’t tried, you need to find a piece from your local fish market. You will be thoroughly delighted. Here is a great recipe you can combine with a beautiful weekend grilling.
Barbecued Halibut
4 pounds (1.8kg) thick-cut halibut fillet
1/2 cup (120 mL) soy sauce
1 cup (240 mL) dry white wine
2 tablespoons (30 mL) lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced or mashed
1 teaspoon (5 mL) ground ginger
1/2 cup (120 mL) salad oil
2 tablespoons (30 mL) fresh rosemary
6 tablespoons (90 mL) fresh chopped parsley
1 pound (456 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/3 cup (80 mL) butter
Cut thick - 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more - fillets into 1 x 2 (2.5 x 5 cm) pieces. Combine soy sauce, wine, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and oil and pour over fish. Marinate four hours.
Pour off marinade and reserve. Sprinkle fish pieces generously with rosemary and parsley. Skewer carefully or slip inside a hinged wire broiler and place on the grill over low coals. Cook until fish flakes when tested with a fork, about 10 minutes depending on thickness. Baste occasionally with part of the marinade.
In the meantime, saute mushrooms in butter, add the remaining marinade, heat through, and pour over broiled fish at serving time. Serves eight.
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I obtained this recipe from a great cookbook called Cooking Alaskan. This is real Alaskan cooking by Alaskan. If you love cooking you will want to have this book.
Tags: Add new tag, Alaska Fishing, barbecued halibut, halibut, halibut recipe
