Chapter 2: The Art of Dip Netting.
An amazing phenomenon occurs for a short time each summer in the Last Frontier as thousands of Alaskan residents, gather their long pole contraptions with large nets attached to them, strapped to their cars, trucks, campers, and RV, driving along the Seward Highway to venture on this fishing tradition.
As long as we’ve lived here, I’m ashamed to say this is the first time we’ve ever tried fishing. Well, there was that one time we went to the lake, rented a boat off Ft. Rich, and soaked up the sun. But no fish was actually caught, but we sure "looked" like fishermen! But this time, this was the "real deal", I mean we came out of there reeking of fish!
This adventure, Dip Net Fishing, is a privilege to the residents. It’s a time we fill up our freezers with Salmon, with the intention of filling it up, at the cap of 65 salmon for my household of 5. We ventured out into the Kenai River not knowing what to expect, but so excited for this once in a lifetime kind of adventure.
How does one dip net?
One must acquire a huge net, apparently, the bigger the better… we purchased what seemed to be a huge net for us, turned out to be a tiny net. Luckily, our good friends, The Newbys were there to get us the right gear!
We are outfitted with chest waders that will keep us warm and dry.
Holding your dip net straight out in front of you into the current, you wait….
Waiting may prove to be the hardest part, but on this day, we didn’t have to wait for long, to feel that tug in our net. Then you give that net a quick twist so the salmon can’t escape and walk backwards pulling the net behind and empty your fish to the shore.
Once the fish is ashore, you may want to designate someone to be the official “Bonk The Salmon On The Head” or “Tear it’s Gills Out” position.
Then you clean that fish out (guts and all) and feed them to the birds!
Then, there you have it, your catch of the day!!! And repeat the process... that day we caught 5 in just a few hours...
While the hubby fished... we sat in the sand, hung out, and most of all, loved on "Rhage"...
Stay tuned for Chapter 3, Fly Fishing and The Grizzly...
wow! that look s like a LOT of fun (though I'd probably have to hand the task of gutting the fish off to someone else...) Is that the dog that you fell in *love* with? cuteness!
Posted by: michelle carrillo | July 10, 2009 at 11:09 AM