December fish smoke

[L20A]

My friend speared some Amberjack on Sat. and gave me some filets so I decided to smoke it with some mackerel that I caught last month. Amberjack is my favorite fish for smoking and mackerel is a close second. I fired up the "Cracker smoker" and put some grapefruit wood and some maple on the coals.

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0574.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0574.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0575.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0575.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Some of the filets were very thick, about 3", and I had to butterfly them. I like to smoke fish with the skin on as it keeps in the moisture in. I used foil for the pieces that I butterflied from the thick filets. I let 'em dry a little while & sprinkled salt on fairly heavily. That is the only thing that I do to 'em. Every once in a while someone asks for Cajun or some other rub on 'em & that is OK but I like 'em best with just salt.

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0572.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0572.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0573-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0573-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I usually use briquettes but I had none so I used lump and I have to say it really makes a hotter fire. The temps were holding around 200*. Usually it runs 170*. I had a heavy smoke set-up and it really pushed it out.

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0576.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0576.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0577.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0577.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The fish was done in less than 4 hours. Usually it will run 5-6 hours. It is right at 80* today so that contributed to the fast smoke. I have to use much less lump next time. Anyway, I pulled the fish & wrapped it in freezer paper & then foil. It is still hot & I want to keep 'em moist. The juices were coming off of it when I picked it up to wrap it.

My wife will make fish spread with half of it. She makes the best I have had. Anyone wanting her recipe, send me an e-mail or PM and I'll get you the recipe. If enough want it I'll post it in this thread.

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0578.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0578.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0580.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0580.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/?action=view&amp;current=100_0579.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd442/L20A/100_0579.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks for looking.

[Fishawn]

Fish looks great & COOL smoker

[L20A]

Fish looks great & COOL smoker

Thanks. It is the lowest tech smoker I have seen. But it works well for me. Cost me all of $70.00 to build.

[Fishawn]

Thanks. It is the lowest tech smoker I have seen. But it works well for me. Cost me all of $70.00 to build.

A lot of the guys on my wifes side of the family have the wood smokehouses & they produce some great Salmon/Steelhead & sausage.... One of them burnt down during a Thanksgiving day turkey smoke about (aboot in Canada) 15 years ago.... The video & commentary on that is pretty funny

[Bearcarver]

Looks Great L20A !!!

Bear

[Bearcarver]

Looks Great L20A !!!

Bear

Sorry about this second post.
Something went weird, but funny:
I got a flag that said the forum requires 30 seconds between posts, please try again in 29 seconds.

I laughed, because my one finger typing is faster than it used to be.

Then I waited & hit "Submit"----And got a double post! Booooo-- LOL

[L20A]

Looks Great L20A !!!

Bear

Sorry about this second post.
Something went weird, but funny:
I got a flag that said the forum requires 30 seconds between posts, please try again in 29 seconds.

I laughed, because my one finger typing is faster than it used to be.

Then I waited & hit "Submit"----And got a double post! Booooo-- LOL

Same thing happened to me recently. Kinda makes you wonder about yourself, huh?

[sweet_magnolia]

Nice!!!

[Slanted88]

Aww Hell...Ya turned yer back & Louie snagged yer gig! Ya done that up right fer chowin!

[Squirrel]

Wow! That is absolutely beautiful fish! I sure would like to taste that. Great job sir!!!!!!!!!!!!