Long Hikes and Keeping fish fresh
Hey Guys,
I'm just looking for some ideas on keeping fish fresh while in the backcountry. Typically I hike in a few miles or more to where I'm fishing and just wondering what everyone else does to keep their fish cool after catching them and continuing fishing and then hiking out.
Thanks,
-Pemi
Way back in the day of wicker creels one could line it with fresh grass and wet it occasionally. Air flow through them also kept heat from building up as in a closed container. My dad and his buddies used to do it that way. They'd dip a hand in the water and sprinkle it into the basket from time to time. Haven't seen a wicker on the stream in quite a while though.
The wicker creel also works well for keeping beverages cold. I have an old one that was my grandfathers, I still take it in the truck just in case I need a cold one streamside. Be sure to keep the cane well spar varnished, wet equals mold. The leather needs saddle soap and neetsfoot oil. The creel is worth preserving.
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I learn more about the world while talking to myself when fishing alone
[This message has been edited by Jonezee (edited 26 May 2006).]
...and my fish won't spoil all day? Do you clean and gut them before putting them in, or just knockem' out and toss them in? I was curious as to whether people clean them right away or do that at home, I wasn't sure if it made a difference in keeping the fish fresh while out?
Always been told that any game should be "cleaned" as soon as possible after harvesting to reduce heat retention and spoilage. If keeping a few trout to eat, per spouses orders usually,I bleed and gut them and,if close enough, take them back to the vehicle and ice them down right away.
If you want to keep fish, NEVER put them in a plastic bag. Instead, take along a brown paper bag, put them in it and wet the bag from time to time. You put that in your vest or creel. Something about plastic bags that depart a bad taste and enhance spoiling.
I just usually throw some mossy vegatation in the creel.
Works really well, moss really retains moisture well.
Mike
Where do you dispose of the "leftovers" after cleaning them if you stay out? Do you bury them, or do you bag it and pack it out with you? I know this seems like a stupid question, but I've always cleaned them at home, but if they'd stay fresher from doing it while out, I'd rather do that.
Keep them on a stringer in the water until your ready to hike out. Clean them ASAP. IMHO the guts should go back into the water and be recycled naturally. Check the regs though because some places it's not legal. I've used those canvas polar creels and they work OK for a short time. Soak the canvas.
Hi Folks,
I keep fish several times a season for
a fish fry which I much enjoy. I like to
cut or rip the gills on keepers and let them
bleed out. I also like to remove entrals
soon after death. I have a live well in my
boat so I can often bleed/clean my fish
after coming home. If it is necessary to
clean fish for table fare while still on the
water, be aware of your states regulations
as to disposal of entrals. Also, some
states may require leaving head and tail
attached to permit measurement/ID of your
fish. Warm regards, Jim
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