Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 62

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Angler's Notebook
by Jerry Bush

In the fall, tributary steelhead are energetic, large and strong.
While these are great characteristics for gamefish, these
characteristics may also harm steelhead during catch and
release. Steelhead are powerful fish, which may require the
fish to be played before reeling it in. However, it is best to
remove steelhead from the hook before exhausting the fish.
Proper handling of fish for photographs includes removing
your gloves, wetting your hands, supporting the fish's weight
when lifting and avoiding a death grip. Return the fish to
the water after taking a few quick photographs. Handle the
fish as little as possible during the release. Use a net with
slick, rubber mesh as opposed to nylon string netting.
Fishing patterns change when November arrives. Highspeed, turbulent winds are disruptive to anglers and boaters.
Anglers may have to change tactics and accept limited distance
casting, but the fish do not disappear. Some anglers are
successful by maintaining a positive attitude and recognizing
that stirred up sediment contains food sources for baitfish.
Gamefish lurk near areas where baitfish congregate. Strong
winds may help predict where fish are located. Baitfish seeking
dislodged nutrients will likely be found just offshore, on the
side of the lake, being splashed by waves. These waves may
also dislodge other food sources, such as crayfish. Look for

structure where gamefish may seek protection from turbulent
water, and drop a baited hook into these potential hotspots.
Knot tying is important for anglers to master. Learn how
to tie the knots most crucial for your fishing needs. Knots
that are important to fly anglers may not be critical to spin
casting anglers.
Enjoy solitude during the last few months of the year by
fishing trout streams designated as Delayed Harvest Artificial
Lures Only sections. Fly anglers may find streamers invaluable
when fishing for trout. Throughout most of the year, trout are
caught using insect imitations. However, colder temperatures
reduce insect activity, so minnows and similar baitfish become
prime forage for trout. Ignore shallow, fast moving water,
because most of the fish will inhabit deep pools.
When targeting Muskellunge and Northern Pike, have
needle nose pliers and a set of side cutters ready. Fishing for
these fighting gamefish requires lures with big, sharp treble
hooks. When netting and during the release, hooks present a
hazard to anglers and fish. Also, Muskellunge and Northern
Pike have sharp teeth. Both are known for continuing the fight
even while in the net, so getting fish untangled is a challenge.
Be prepared with the proper tools.

Fishin' from the Kitchen

by Wayne Phillips

This rich steelhead dish is the perfect end to a winter day.
Ingredients for four servings:
* 2 12-ounce boneless,
skinless steelhead fillets
* 2 Tbsp. canola oil
* 1 package frozen spinach
* 1 medium onion,
small dice

Procedure

* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 4-ounce package cream
cheese, softened
* Juice of ½ lemon
* Salt and black pepper
to taste

Sauté onion and garlic over medium heat in 1 tablespoon of
canola oil until softened. Squeeze the moisture from the thawed
spinach. Add spinach and lemon juice to the onion mixture,
and sauté until most of the moisture is gone. Allow to cool.
Season the steelhead with salt and black pepper. Spread the
top of one fillet with softened cream cheese. Layer the spinach

cream cheese. Place the
other fillet on top. Rub
a baking dish with the
remaining canola oil.
Bake in a 350-degree F
oven until cooked through,
about 20- to 30-minutes.

Serve

lip
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Steelhead stuffed with spinach, onions
and cream cheese
mixture on top of the

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phot

Use a serrated knife to cut portions of the steelhead. Serve
with lemon zest scented steamed rice and roasted beets.

Tips

For a more robust cheese flavor, use softened goat cheese
rather than cream cheese. Spinach and fish pair well together.
By using the mixture as a stuffing, the flavors blend into the
fish. Spreading cream cheese over the steelhead fillets adds
richness and also helps to bind the stuffing and the fish. Make
sure the mixture is cool before placing it on the steelhead.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2019

www.gonefishingpa.com

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019

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