Home Blog Page 25

How to Tie: Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon

Greg Stohrer
-
0
How to Tie: Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food ties a simple European style nymph that will fool trout in any water, the Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon.

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Easy

The effectiveness of European style nymphing and their flies alike are no longer a well-kept secret. In every area of the country, this style has been adopted and tested with great success. Although a significant portion of success can be attributed to the rod and gear setup, the flies used in this style must also get credit. The Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon is just one example of a simple European nymph that will flat out produce fish.

For simplicity, this fly is as basic as it gets. Only using a few materials allows tyers of all skill levels to master the Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon immediately. As a beginner, nothing is as satisfying as tying your own fly and catching a fish on it. This is a great pattern to test different colors on and create several variations for your nymph box.

Whether used in a European style nymph rig or a double nymph rig, this fly will produce trout. For finicky fish, a variety of perdigon style patterns could very well be the ticket. Guides have flocked to these style nymphs due to their simplicity and effectiveness, regardless of the water they are on. If targeting trout this fall, do not forget to tie up a batch of Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon’s and watch the action unfold.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie the Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.

Proposed Regulation Aims to Safeguard 13 Million Acres of Alaska’s Fish and Wildlife Habitats

Nelson Oxley
-
0
Proposed Regulation Aims to Safeguard 13 Million Acres of Alaska’s Fish and Wildlife Habitats

On Wednesday, September 6th the Department of the Interior (DOI) proposed a rule safeguarding 13 million acres within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The rule would conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife species.  The National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska encompasses 23 million acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the largest contiguous block of public land in the United States, and the rule would conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife species.

The DOI’s proposed rule would protect five Special Areas within the National Petroleum Reserve, totaling 13 million acres containing an estimated 37,000 miles of coldwater streams and 1.1 million acres of lakes and ponds. Future oil and gas leasing and industrial development would be limited in the Special Areas, which are well-known for their significant natural and historical values and provide unique habitat for fish and wildlife reliant upon migration corridors and aquatic connectivity. Included in the protections is Teshekpuk Lake, the largest lake in the Alaskan Arctic, the largest thermokarst lake in the world—formed by thawing permafrost—and one of the most biologically productive and diverse wetland ecosystems within the Arctic.

“Opportunities to protect 13 million acres do not come around very often,” said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “This rulemaking would safeguard vital habitat for fish and wildlife. We applaud the administration’s work to protect fish and wildlife habitat for the benefit of all Americans.”  

The Special Areas also provide a bulwark against climate change, as their carbon storage would be preserved.  The rule would raise the bar for development through establishment of clear guidelines consistent with the current BLM management plan.  The rule would also establish an outright prohibition on any new leasing in 10.6 million acres, more than 40% of the NPRA.

Protecting 13 million acres, about twice the size of Massachusetts, in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska is part of the administration’s effort to conserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to caring for and recovering America’s rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. Across the country, TU brings to bear local, regional and national grassroots organizing, durable partnerships, science-backed policy muscle, and legal firepower on behalf of trout and salmon fisheries, healthy waters and vibrant communities.

Contacts:

Check out the articles below:

DIY Fly Fishing Alaska: Gear Guide & Travel Tips

Video of the Week: A Week in Alaska with Wild Fly Productions

Video of the Week: For Wild’s Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles Episode 6

Landen German
-
0
Video of the Week: For Wild’s Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles Episode 6

In this Week’s Video of the Week, we take a break from hunting season to present a look back at Tight Loops‘ last episode of their series “For Wild’s Sake“. In this episode, Chase and Aimee search for the rare and native Apache Trout. Lauren Flynn a Wildlife Refuge Specialist states, “A lot of these Cutthroat sub-species as a result of non-native trout introductions, are annexed like princesses in towers in these small headwaters.”  So sit down and enjoy the shift in weather with the amazing storytelling from Tight Loops.

After being sick for a large majority of 2021 and unable to film and adventure Chase and Aimee are back on the road and in pursuit of their next native fish. So keep your eyes peeled for more amazing content down the line from these two! Make sure to follow along here: tightloopsfly because you won’t want to miss out!

Check out these epic articles as well!

Video of the Week: In Search of America’s First Trout “For Wild’s Sake” Episode 5

Video of the Week: For Wilds Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles by Tight Loops

Video of the Week: Why you need to go Backpacking by TightLoops

 

Golden Dorado of a Lifetime with SET Fly Fishing

Nelson Oxley
-
0
Golden Dorado of a Lifetime with SET Fly Fishing

After our Patagonia expedition alongside SET Fly Fishing and Rachel Finn, and the forthcoming release of the film “After You’ve Gone,” we seized the chance to chat with Rachel and explore her captivating journey in the pursuit of the elusive golden dorado. Take a look at the full interview below, including how you can book your own Golden Dorado trip with SET Fly Fishing. 

Flylords: What is your relationship with the guides and the operation in general with SET Fly Fishing?

Rachel: I met the folks from SET Fly Fishing in January of 2020 when I hosted a trip at their Casa del Campo location. Before my DIY fishing adventure, I spent a week solo in Junin De Los Andes, equipped with a rental car. Gustavo and Matias proved incredibly helpful in guiding me, particularly on the Malleo River. They even graciously invited me over for dinner at the lodge one evening, as my friend Geri Myer from Driftless Angler happened to be there!

Following that, I embarked on my hosted trip and had the pleasure of meeting some of their excellent guides. We had an outstanding journey, and it was evident that I needed to come back. The subsequent year, I organized another group and took them to Spring Creek Lodge – yet another remarkable adventure! It was immediately clear to me that the people at SET were truly exceptional individuals.

I’m excited to announce that in April 2024, I’ll be returning with two groups. The entire experience at any SET location is genuinely heartfelt and sincere!

Flylords: You mention “Dorado fishing is a full time job–it’s a drug,” can you explain this a little more?  

Rachel: Well, I borrowed that phrase from my dear friend Lori Ann Murphy, who resides in Belize. A few years back, during my visit to her, she was guiding me on her Panga. I was positioned at the bow and, admittedly, I was being quite talkative—perhaps excessively so, to the point where I wasn’t fully engaged in the fishing. Lori grew frustrated with my chattiness and sternly remarked, “The ready position is a full-time job!” It was then that I realized I should keep quiet and stay focused.

Dorado fishing is akin to that experience in many ways. It demands unwavering concentration because opportunities can arise unexpectedly. It’s not always about sight fishing, so strikes can occur at any moment. It’s a challenging but wonderfully rewarding endeavor, both physically and mentally, and I find the demanding nature of it strangely appealing.

Flylords: Dorado is a species you cannot find everywhere, what was your experience in Argentina targeting them?

Rachel: The first time I visited, it was during the off-season, mainly to explore the lodge at Itati. It was scorching hot, and the Upper Parana River was unusually low and challenging. However, we ventured into the Ibera Marsh, which was undeniably stunning. We set up camp there and enjoyed two days of fishing. During that time, I managed to hook a couple of fish, including one on a crease fly!

Max and his dorado

Fast forward to this past November, which is prime time for fishing. I returned with the Flylords crew, and the Upper Parana did not disappoint. The three of us were fortunate enough to land Dorado, and some of them were quite sizable. Max Erickson truly excelled in his angling pursuits!

Flylords: What is so special about dorado fishing compared to other freshwater/saltwater species? What would you compare a golden dorado to?

Rachel: Dorado are the apex predators of their habitat, known for their mystique and the formidable challenge they present. Personally, I don’t possess extensive experience in saltwater fishing, and I’m still in pursuit of landing a permit, which, I must admit, proves equally elusive.

When it comes to freshwater angling, you could draw a parallel to the Musky (which I’ve yet to catch, despite one memorable encounter with a follower). Both species share the quality of being exceedingly elusive and demanding, requiring relentless casting of substantial flies throughout the day.

Flylords: If this fish was the biggest fish you have ever caught, what is next on your bucket list?

Rachel: I’ve had the opportunity to catch a couple of Kings during my guiding days in Alaska. I went Tarpon fishing just once, and it was with Diana Rudolph, an incredibly skilled angler. During that outing, I managed to hook into a substantial fish, but the power exhibited by the Dorado I encountered was truly remarkable, especially within the confines of a river.

Rachel with an 80lb Surubi (giant catfish)

Ironically, a few days later, while fishing with the remarkable guide Carlo on the Upper Parana, Max and Zento were away, conducting an interview with a Dorado biologist. Without cameras around, I had the exhilarating experience of hooking and successfully landing an 80lb Surubi (a giant catfish) using an old Scott 8wt Eclipse rod. It was quite a wild adventure, and the credit for that achievement goes to Carlo.

When it comes to my fishing bucket list, size isn’t the foremost consideration for me. While I would certainly relish the opportunity to catch a permit (I’m headed to Ambergris and Xcalak in November for that very purpose) and, of course, a Tarpon, my ultimate bucket list item would be to swing a fly for a massive Atlantic Salmon in Norway. It may be a lofty dream, but a girl can certainly dream!

Flylords: If you’re back in Argentina, do you favor fishing for dorado, trout, or seeking other species you haven’t fished for yet?

Rachel: In an ideal world, I would pursue both Dorado and Trout on every fishing expedition! SET Fly Fishing has been venturing into numerous new areas that appear incredibly promising for both Trout, such as northern Patagonia and helicopter fishing, and Dorado, featuring their new lodge Jetu’u – Cabana de Esteros in the Isoro Marsh. I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore these locations!

Flylords: You mention “time is precious, and I am going to be a little more conscious on how I spend it.” How do you find solitude in fly fishing, and what does time mean to you?

Rachel: I often fish alone, and I genuinely relish the solitude. It seems that being an artist naturally aligns with such solitary pursuits. However, I also derive immense pleasure from fishing with my friends. There’s nothing quite like sharing a small stream with a buddy, taking turns, or spending an entire day in a drift boat with dear companions.

Regrettably, it sometimes takes a profoundly impactful experience, such as the loss of someone close or grappling with illness, to underscore the importance of such moments. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s a truth I’ve come to appreciate. Alongside the moments well spent, I’ve also realized that I’ve “wasted” a fair share of time. Perhaps it’s the perspective that comes with age—I’m now 61—and it’s fascinating how we often refer to time as a currency, talking about “spending time,” and the like. I’m genuinely striving to make better use of my time and be less selfish with it. What I’ve learned, without a doubt, is that time is more valuable than money.

Be sure to stay tuned for the full release of “After You’ve Gone.” Big thanks to Rachel Finn for taking the time to interview. 

If you would like to book your own adventure to pursue Golden Dorado in Argentina, make sure to have SET Fly Fishing at the top of your list. You can also find more information about the operation at SET through Fly Water Travel. As Rachel talked about above, they are experts and will coordinate a top-class experience for your Golden Dorado adventure. 

Check out the articles below:

2023 Behind the Lens: “After You’ve Gone”

10 Tips for Catching Golden Dorado in the Marshes

Former Football Stars Embark on a 10-Day Fly Fishing Adventure: An Anglers’ Dream

Cameron Smith & Harrison Creed
-
0
Former Football Stars Embark on a 10-Day Fly Fishing Adventure: An Anglers’ Dream

Two Retired Football Players Tackle Fly Fishing In A 10 Day Journey Through The West

The adrenaline pumping through you as you brace for impact; the strenuous performance with unwavering expectation; the heightened emotions running rampant in your mind as your every movement is monitored under a microscope awaiting the fate of celebratory applause or the soul crushing dismay of a disappointed audience; this is football at a high level. 

We pour our blood, sweat, and tears into a game that accepts nothing less than perfection, despite the physical toll, the mental exhaustion, and the sacrifice it takes to execute what’s expected of us. For years we give ourselves to this sport, this game, that defines who we are as men, only for it to be stripped away, leaving us forever tampered by an experience that nothing on earth will ever replicate. All that we are left with is an insatiable need for the same level of competition, prosperity, camaraderie, physicality, and esteem, we are no longer privy to. As that limelight wanes and the once adoring spectators slowly disappear, what was once a deafening harmony of enthusiastic cheers, is now a taunting whisper of a memory reminding us that any amount of success or accomplishment will always seem miniscule in comparison, at least in the eyes of past admirers. 

Almost two years have passed since we last stepped on the field, and the transition to normalcy has been plagued with unfathomable growing pains. Our identities have been questioned, friends have been lost, relationships with family members have changed, our purpose feels uncertain, and the battle between who we are and who we once were wages on. However, as time continues, the line separating our past and present selves has begun to blur, because the truth is, every version of ourselves is one in the same, an accumulation of one’s soul. The pursuit to find the very edges of human performance lives on in our blood; the difference is simply the path we must take to find it. 

For centuries, our predecessors journeyed the west on a quest to transcend an unfulfilling existence they were otherwise doomed to. We are determined to simulate an ounce of that experience in order to rediscover the pieces of ourselves we lost when we hung up our cleats. What better way to connect with the deepest parts of ourselves than to confront a sport vastly different from football; a sport whose opponents must harness inconceivable synchronicities in order to participate in a perfectly fluid dance between the river, the fish, and the individual: fly fishing. 

Cameron Smith

For eighteen years, football dictated how I lived my life; it decided what I ate, who I hung out with, when I worked out, what I did everyday. It determined my status, the perception other’s had of me, the direction my life was going, and who I was as a person. Most of those years were filled with my fondest memories, my dearest friends, and experiences I will forever be grateful for. Things took an unfortunate turn though, when I finally accomplished the one goal I had been working towards, playing in the NFL; it was no longer just a game, and the pressure took a toll on me. I needed a creative outlet, a way to relax and distract my mind. So, while I was going through my first training camp with the Vikings, I purchased my first camera. 

Immediately, my passion for photography started eating away at my passion for football, which had already been battling with my passion for duck hunting for several years. Once I combined the artistry of photography with the adventurous thrills of hunting, football started feeling less like a game I loved to play and more like a chore that was taking away from my opportunity to create and spend time outdoors.

At the beginning of my second year of football, life as I knew it was turned on its head when I found out I needed open-heart surgery. As the result of a positive COVID test and NFL protocols that followed, I was put through extensive health screenings. These tests led to the discovery of a genetic heart condition, a bicuspid-aortic valve that caused my heart to grow 3X the normal size: a condition that would have resulted in heart failure and ended my life had it not been caught in time. 

Fortunately, I received the best care and treatment and was given the opportunity to continue my football career. I didn’t let this second chance go to waste; I gave it everything I had to get my body back in shape after surgery. However, during my recovery, I was also spending more and more time hunting and taking photos than ever before.

Fast forward to just under a year post surgery, I was back on the field playing the first preseason game against the Broncos. Throughout all the training leading up, I had been having random spurts of anxiety and feeling unstable in my body, but I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet. I pushed myself to my limits in that game, but it abruptly came to an end when my head bashed into the ground with force equivalent to a car crash. It resulted in a concussion and I was sent home in the second quarter. 

I lied in bed that night with my mind racing a mile a minute as I weighed my thoughts. On the one hand, I didn’t want to give up a career I had been given a second chance at, a career that I had worked so hard for to begin with. On the other hand, I had been putting my body on the line for a game that was, in the end, just a game. My perspective had shifted tremendously after my surgery, and I no longer valued the prestige, the money, or the novelty of playing in the NFL. Instead, my priorities were spending time with my friends and family, pursuing my love of hunting photography, my health and well-being, and the freedom to truly make my own choices without the stress of the game hanging over my head. In other words “YOLO”, and life is just too damn short to be exhausting every ounce of your being for something you do not love. 

I retired two days after that game; that was nearly two years ago. The transformation between then and now has been an amalgamation of identity crises, career changes, cross country moves, and countless rash decisions in effort to figure out who I am outside of football. I went as far as selling all of my belongings including all of my athletic wear, my high end, designer clothes and shoes; I stopped going to the gym; I convinced myself photography wasn’t a career and got my real estate license instead, just to realize I was wasting my time on something else that I hated; I withdrew from my friends and family; I spent a lot of time by myself; I traveled the country in a sprinter van; I forgot who I was. Through all of this I struggled with an immense amount of anxiety, depression, and a complete lack of purpose or direction. 

As with all storms, the clouds have since subsided and life has begun to fall into place. I am slowly realizing that many of my personal characteristics that I attributed to football are so ingrained in my soul that they didn’t just disappear when I said goodbye to the game. I am back to working out consistently and eating healthy, I have settled down in  a new city that I finally feel at home in, I have regretfully repurchased many items I believed I needed to cleanse myself of, and I have discovered that the components that led to my success as a football player are the same qualities that will lead to my success as a photographer. 

Harrison Creed

I was born and raised in Ulysses: a little town in southwest Kansas, where I spent most of my youth hunting and fishing. However, once middle school rolled around and I was introduced to the sports world, my focus shifted and sports became my priority over all else. Throughout high school, I divvied my time between football and baseball, but dedicated my college years to playing football at Kansas State University, where I graduated with a degree in Agriculture Business. 

My journey as a photographer all started in my final semester of school; I was done with football and my classes were all online, in response to the pandemic, so I needed something to do to stay busy. I decided to really dive into photography. I’m a big believer that “if you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will,” so I immediately began reaching out to as many outfitters as I possibly could, to get my foot in the door and work on building my portfolio. Throughout that final spring semester, I ended up shooting for an outfitter in West Texas and also did some shoots in Missouri and South Dakota during snow goose season. It was a lot to juggle on top of my school work, but by the time I graduated, I was absolutely obsessed with content creation and knew I needed to pursue it as my full time career. From the very beginning, my mission as a photographer has been to “tell a story that’s never been told.” Because of photography, I have an abundance of opportunities to travel the world, capture the experiences of unique individuals from all walks of life, and tell stories that would otherwise never be told.

This October, Cam and Harrison will embark on a 10-day road trip across five states through mountain west with one mission in mind: share the journey of the Anglers’ Dream.

Follow Cam and Harrison through the @_theomnicollective. Follow Cam @_killacam and Harrison @harrison.creed to see their journey. 

Check out the articles below:

The Other Football Season: False Albacore on the Fly!

Flylords Original Series: Fly Shop Tour – ALL EPISODES NOW LIVE!

Iconic Musician and Devoted Fly Fisherman Jimmy Buffett Passes Away at 76

Nelson Oxley
-
0
Iconic Musician and Devoted Fly Fisherman Jimmy Buffett Passes Away at 76

Jimmy Buffett, affectionately known as the “Fly Fishing Mayor of Margaritaville,” peacefully departed this world at his Sag Harbor residence in Long Island, New York, on Friday, September 1st. He was surrounded by his loved ones and faithful canine companions.

Hailing from Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett ascended the ranks to become a renowned musical icon and dedicated fly angler, ultimately naming the Florida Keys as his beloved home.

Music was undoubtedly his passion, but alongside it, Buffett developed a deep love for fly fishing as one of his cherished hobbies. Buffett played a pivotal role in crafting the Dragonfly stand-up paddleboard collection, with a special fondness for both paddleboarding (SUP) and fly fishing. He frequently delighted his fans by sharing social media snapshots of his adventures as he glided along secluded coastlines in pursuit of bonefish, a fish species that held a particularly captivating allure for him.

As many devoted fly fishing enthusiasts are aware, Tom McGuane played a significant role in the vibrant Key West scene during the 1970s, a period when the excitement of tarpon fly fishing gripped the islands lining U.S. Highway 1. In the company of fellow luminaries such as the late author Guy de la Valdene, the late author Jim Harrison, and the late author and artist Russell Chatham, the tarpon fishery near Key West reached its zenith, becoming the catalyst for the annual pilgrimage to the Keys during the spring and early summer, a tradition that has endured for half a century and counting. Buffett made appearances in Key West and even composed original music for the vintage cult film Tarpon.

In his lifetime, Jimmy Buffett left an indelible mark on the world, not only through his music but also as an avid fly angler and a beloved figure in the Florida Keys. His passion for life, adventure, and the tranquility of the waterways endeared him to countless fans and fellow enthusiasts. As he sails into the sunset, the memory of the “Fly Fishing Mayor of Margaritaville” will continue to inspire those who share his love for music, fishing, and the joy of coastal living.

To see the obituary, please view it by clicking here. 

Check out the articles below:

20 Celebs that Fly Fish

Lodge Spotlight: Nemacolin Resort

Fill Out UMASS Striped Bass Survey For Chance To Win Patagonia Backpack

Nelson Oxley
-
0
Fill Out UMASS Striped Bass Survey For Chance To Win Patagonia Backpack

Attention to all anglers targeting striped bass along the Atlantic coast! As the fate of striped bass remains uncertain, a dedicated research team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has initiated a survey. This survey aims to gain insights into your thoughts and sentiments regarding the condition and vitality of the striper fishery, the challenges it faces, and the effectiveness of existing regulations. By participating in this survey, you have the chance to voice your perspectives and personal experiences, thereby contributing to the formulation of future educational and advocacy initiatives centered around striped bass conservation. By filling out the survey, you have a chance to win a Patagonia Guidewater backpack.

To fill out the survey from the University of Massachusetts, and a chance to win a Patagonia Guidewater Bag, please click here. 

Check out the articles below:

King of the Flats: Sight Fishing Striped Bass on Cape Cod

The Best Saltwater Fly Reels, and How to Find Yours

Kirk’s Kitchen, Flavor on the Fly: Psari Plaki (Greek Snakehead)

Kirk Marks
-
0
Kirk’s Kitchen, Flavor on the Fly: Psari Plaki (Greek Snakehead)

Northern snakehead: a species that spark both disdain and adoration. As controversial as they may be, there’s no denying the excitement of pitching flies into their path. These frankenfish, native to Asia, have been making quite the splash throughout parts of the Eastern Seaboard for two decades. Anglers are drawn to their explosive strike, raw power, and succulent meat. But here’s the catch: at the end of the day, they’re still an invasive species that could be causing some ecological ruckus. Their true impact is still a bit of a head-scratcher, as our understanding is incomplete and biologists are still addressing significant knowledge gaps, but if the last twenty years have taught us anything, it’s that they ain’t going anywhere anytime soon. In my view, you’ve got two options: succumb to frustration and resentment, or transform this unexpected phenomenon into a fishing and culinary bonanza.

drone, snakehead, marsh, fly fishing
Searching deep within the Snake Farm (if you don’t know the song “Snake Farm” by Ray Wylie Hubbard, do yourself a favor and que it up).

The Snakehead 411

Alright, let’s break it down. When it comes to fly fishing for northern snakehead (Channa argus), we’re venturing into some relatively uncharted territory. Sure – it’s a thing, but it isn’t exactly sitting with the cool kids at lunch either. First off, we need to understand a snakehead’s preferred habitat. They often thrive in the thickest, most snag-infested waters you can imagine. Simply put, casting accurately is the name of the game. Keep your fly within the small pockets of open water and luck will be on your side. Weedless flies can help to level the playing field, but truth be told, you’ll generate more strikes focusing on your casting than you will focusing on some new ultra-weedless fly pattern.

snakehead, fly fishing, cooler, field to table, psari plaki
When it comes to snakehead, the fight isn’t truly over until the fish is on the stinger or in the cooler.

Playing with Fire

Snakehead are not for the faint of heart. They’ll challenge your equipment, your patience, and your stamina. But after all, it’s that very challenge that makes them so alluring in the first place. Well, that and their taste of course. They’re a critter of extremes; to some they’re much-maligned but to others they’re practically worshiped. Either way, they’ve earned their stripes in the both the angling and culinary realms.

fillet, filleting, campfire, fish, snakehead, yeti cooler
Filleting the day’s catch while the fire burns down.

Their meat boasts a firm, ocean-fish-like texture and mild, widely-approachable flavor. In my opinion, it’s leaps and bounds above other comparable freshwater species. You don’t have to do a whole lot to it, simply pan-frying it will result in a happy crowd. But, if you’re looking to crank it up a notch, Psari Plaki is my go-to. So pull up a chair, log, cooler, or whatever you can fit around the campfire, because this one ain’t for the kitchen. In my book, there’re no substitutes for open air and hot coals.

dutch oven, cast iron, preheating, camp cooking, open fire, coals
Preheating a cast iron Dutch oven over coals.

Psari Plaki (Greek Snakehead) – Field Edition

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb snakehead fillets, pin-bones & skin removed
  • 1 large white onion, sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 Kalamata olives, sliced & pitted
  • 6 heirloom tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • Fresh basil, chopped for topping
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 0.5 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
field to table, camp cooking, open fire, snakehead
An impromptu kitchen.

Method:

  1. Light a fire and prepare a mature coal bed.
  2. Place the onion, tomatoes, and garlic atop the coal bed. Allow to char for 3-5 minutes then remove.
  3. Place a Dutch oven atop the coal bed. Allow to preheat for a couple minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, largely dice the charred onion and tomatoes and finely dice the charred garlic.
  5. In the preheated Dutch oven, add the olive oil and diced onion. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent (about 4-6 minutes).
  6. Add the diced tomatoes, diced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  7. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry together.
  8. While the flavors blend, season the snakehead fillets with salt and pepper.
  9. Place the seasoned snakehead fillets into the Dutch oven, then spoon the sauce over the fillets.
  10. Cover with a lid and let cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is fork tender.
  11. Remove from the fire and garnish with sliced Kalamata olives and freshly chopped basil.
  12. Serve over a toasted baguette and enjoy with your favorite pale ale, India pale ale, or white wine.
psari plaki, greek fish, baked fish, cooking, snakehead
Psari plaki roughly translates to “baked fish” in Greek. Plaki is a genre of cooking that involves baking protein with onions and tomatoes.

Until next time, enjoy, and good luck out there!

Check out the companion video for this installment of “Flavor on the Fly” by following @flylords on Instagram. If you’d like to cook this recipe in the kitchen, instead of outdoors, check out the article below or click HERE.

Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks. 

Flavor on the Fly: Psari Plaki (Greek-Style Snakehead)

Flavor on the Fly: Grilled Snakehead & Fried Wild Turkey with Caprese Skewers

Flavor on the Fly: Beer Battered Fish & Chips

Fishing Tips: 10 Tips for Hopper Fishing

Andrew Braker
-
0
Fishing Tips: 10 Tips for Hopper Fishing

Who doesn’t like fishing hoppers? These are the 10 tips for hopper fishing.

Angler Story of the Week: Cali Bluefin On The Fly

Nelson Oxley
-
0
Angler Story of the Week: Cali Bluefin On The Fly

A note from Sam Allen:

“Bluefin tuna are, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the fly fishing world. They are remarkably wily fish, feeding with reckless abandon at one moment only to be spooked by the slightest unfamiliar sight or sound the next. Success requires equal parts: skilled angling and adept boat handling, along with a healthy dose of luck. The angler and captain must be perfectly in sync and each piece of equipment has to perform flawlessly from the moment those feeding tuna are spotted until the moment the gaff hoists one over the gunnel.” 

Angler Story of the Week from Sam Allen, be sure to check out his Instagram @milwaukeeflies and Capt. Mike Silva @silvascalesntalessportfishing. Check out the post by clicking here. 

Check out the articles below:

Bluefin Tuna on The Fly: An Attainable Pipe Dream

Angler Story of the Week: Bluefin Tuna Landed on the fly

1...242526...360Page 25 of 360