My Pike Chowder

I've had more than a few requests for this so here it is.

Deb's Pike Chowder.

I apologize for my inability to give you specific measurements. That's not the way I roll at fish camp.

In a large soup pot on a low heat, simmer:

• 6-10 (or more to taste) strips of thick-cut Maple Bacon, cut into healthy chunks.
• 3-4 potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks
• 1 large onion, diced large
• A couple of tablespoons of minced garlic... to taste.

Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender but not soft, the onions are translucent but not crisp, the garlic is well absorbed but not browned, and the bacon is curling but not crisp. Add olive oil or more bacon if the potatoes start to stick. A couple of tablespoons of water helps too. This will not take long. Check often to make sure potatoes, onions and bacon are not sticking.

While your pot is simmering, cut a pike or two, depending on size, into 1-2 inch chunks and dredge in flour. Shake off excess flour. This is important. The flour is your thickener but you don't want mud.

When the potatoes, onions garlic and bacon are ready, Add:

• the floured pike chunks
• sprinkle liberally with curry powder.

Cover and continue to simmer only until the pike is translucent. Just a few minutes.

Stir all your ingredients and Add:

• 1-2 Cans of Creamed Corn
• 1-3 Cans of Evaporated Milk

The amount of Corn and Milk will depend, of course, on how much chowder you are making. Add a little at a time and test for flavor and thickness.

Stir until hot but do not over-cook or you will have problems with the milk.

Serve hot in deep bowls with a dab of butter, salt and pepper on top.
This recipe deserves more than crackers. I like large-cut croutons or dried baguette rounds. Buy or make your own.
A hot loaf or two of garlic bread or your favorite baguette on the side is perfect with the recipe

BTW: This recipe is also great with all your Walleye Cheeks after a long week of fishing. 

Enjoy!

Write A Letter To Save The Algoma Central Passenger Train (ACR)

Whether you live in Ontario or just visit for, for instance, your favorite fishing trip, please help camp owners and residents along the 100-year-old Algoma Central Passenger train line save the train.

Visit the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains and learn how to send email letters and fill out the survey to help save this historical attraction and necessary service.

Grand Rapids Michigan Ultimate Sport Show

I'm at the show now. Come visit me. Booth # 1353.

Let's talk fishing.

I've still got some Bigger Fish to Fry fishing adventures open for 2014.

Breaking A Snagged Fishing Line

Here is yet another great video from Ivo of Thundermist Lure Company demonstrating the fine art of breaking a snagged fishing line. Break the line, not your rod or your fingers.

Traverse City Michigan Hunting and Fishing Expo

Come visit me at the Traverse City Michigan Hunting and Fishing Expo, March 14 - 16. I'll be in booth 422 with Cameron Lake Fishing Lodges. Let's talk fishing, okay?

Help Save the Algoma Central Railway

The Algoma Central Rail Passenger Train will be closing on March 31. There is some action to extend that date to April 29.

But April 29 will not help the numerous camp owners along the line. Snow will still be deep in some places and ice will still be on the lakes. Moving everything out of a camp before the passenger train shuts down for good will not be possible. Some camps will likely will be left to deteriorate in the elements or burned to the ground with all their contents.

And likely some of your favorite fishing destinations will be closed too. Some can be accessed by float plane but not all. And air service does change the affordability of perhaps one of your favorite fishing destinations. 

Whether you live in Canada or elsewhere, you can help reverse this devastating decision by reading this article, watching the video and signing the petition at Sault Online.