Fried fish...

[carpsniper]

Went out to theDPCA area last night to take Duane (Carptracker) Chapman bowfishing. After Duane spent the day demonstrating how to clean "Asian" carp. You could definately tell thatHe had done it a few times. Bass Pro fried it up for folks to try. Steve and I did our best to make room for freshly cooked fish. Bulzeye did a great job coordinating with BP and arranging to have a videographer there to capture the technique.
Once we got on the water the Gremlins appeared. (with a vengence) They even jumped on Bulzeye's boat when he got close.
First I went to put the running light on the back and noticed that thepins were broke. [:@]No rear running light.
Nextthe one genny died. No big deal. That's why I have two. I figured I could get it going in a bit.
But then, we broke the prop on the troller. [:@]I've never broken a prop on a troller. Ever! and I have hit my share of mud, gravel, sticks, stumps, logs, rocks, well you get the idea. No spare. [:@][:@]
Well, Bulzeye was on the way. Maybe we could get Duane onto his boat and still get Duane a good nights fishing.
But when poor Bulz showed up he snagged something with his outboard and the tilt wouldn't work.
So we headed to a place that looked like it would be outta the wind.
For Bulz and Judd they couldn't get into very shallow water because of the outboard. For us, out came the push pole. We went quite a ways (I'd say I pushed the pontoon boat about 16 miles[:-]) and I was just about to say "It's time to go guys" when bulz called. The starter busted on his outboard. [:@]
So we fired up and headed back to get them and get to the ramp before the rain got there. [&:]
Duane tried to help fix the starter but there was more to it than we could do on the water.
Back to the ramp but Bulz had put in at a different ramp. So he had to get a ride to go get his trailer and bring it back.
Well once everything was loaded up and tied down, we headed for home. At the corner where We turned A CPO was sitting. He began to follow us a the hit his rollers. [:@]No lights on the trailer. We luckily it turned out that we just had the wrong adapter plugged in. Quick switch and we were on our way again.
Then the storm hit...Christine did a great job driving through blinding rain while I slept.
We made it in the driveway at about 3am.

When can we go again!

[bowman15]

So the gremlins stayed with you guys after I left! A least your trailer lights were an easy-fix. I felt sorry for Judd and Duane, even tho the problems were for you and Chris to deal with later. That was Judd's first time on a boat at night under the lights. At least he got a fish. I'm happy for him. I just wish you guys could have seen the area the way Chris, Jason, Mark and I know it. It's an excellent area for bowfishing.

The cleaning-demo was big hit. We even had a guy sign up for club-membership right there, and another and his father should be contacting us in the near future. That'll put the membership over 80, if i remember correctly. Not too shabby. Once again, we're awesome enough that people want to spend money to be associated with us! I'm just kidding, but it is great how the club grows more and more with each public show or seminar.

And btw, this wasn't something centered on the Illinois Bowfishers; it was a leason on how to better utilize our resources in this sport; i.e. eating some of the fish we harvest. Duane has several ways of cleaning and preparing carp for the table. I for one had never tried carp, but I think I more than made up for it yesterday. I ate more than my share of fish, and I really enjoyed it. I'm still not too keen on trying common-carp, but I can't wait to try gar, and I can't wait to have silvers again. I got a gallon-bag full of fillets from Duane before I left and my wife and I plan on havingsome for dinner this week. She loves fish as much as I do, so I know she'll like it. It was just an all-around good fish. The meat was firm and a very clean looking white. When it was cooked it was very flavorful without being over-powering, which is common with common-carp. I'd compare it to catfish. And the breading used was supplied by Bass Pro. It was Uncle Buck's Original. It has a little spice to it. I plan on having it alot more in the future. I guess we'll have to start making trips to the Illinois River to stock the freezers.

[HNI_Christine]

16 miles of push poling eh?

I thought it was interesting that Murphy jumped from our boat to his. Sorry 'bout that Chris.

Still trying to run through the bad gasoline from the last trip, a broken prop on the troller, my new retriever reel won't crank.. almost a typical night on the water for us.

It wasn't the best bowfishing but Duane did shoot a nice egg-filled common.

I'm very glad the CPO pulled me over to let me know the lights weren't working. The driving conditions were horrible, I'd hate to try it without tail lights. There were long stretches of the drive when I couldn't see anything in front of me. Driving by 'The Force' isn't much fun at 2am.

Anyhow, it was a great day at Bass Pro and we had fun out on the water despite Mr Murphy's best attempts.

[fishpoint]

It was great to see everyone last night. Bulz and I made a wrong turn going back to Big Basin to pick up my car and probably added 15 minutes on the return trip. I got home at 0200, I left Bulz in his car taking a catnap before he attemptedto drive home.

Duane C. may not be 'the' smartest man on earth but when it comes to asian carp and boats he isis definately someone you want with you. He had a knot for every purpose and he almost got the starter fixed on the outboard.

It was great evening of problem solving! The bugs should be all worked out for the next trip.

[carpsniper]

ORIGINAL: fishpoint
It was great evening of problem solving! The bugs should be all worked out for the next trip.

Oh, I wish that were true.

ORIGINAL: HNI Christine
16 miles of push poling eh?

[:-]At least!

[carpsniper]

Duane Cleaned fish and explained his process for 6 hours straight.


The day started out kinda slow but picked up steadily.


Bass Pro Shop provided the cooker(s), oil, breading and cook.
We wound up purchasing one of the breading containers. It works well.


Aisian carp, very tasty!


The good folks at the Illinois Natural History Survey provided the fish.
There was also an example of a Black carp and grass carp. I could see how someone could easily mistake a Black carp for a grassie.


Kevin Irons Of the Ill Nat. History Survey explains the problems caused by the silver and Bighead carps. They also had some great displays.

Sea Grant was there as were the Coast Guard Auxillary and of course the Illinois Bowfishers.

[carpsniper]

If a day of eating fried fish wasn't enough, We decided where to eat before heading to the water.


Duane was the first to score.


She was full of eggs.


Cameras get as many shots as bows.


Even after a rough night these guys are all smiles. What a group.

[Fishhunter]

What? No one got nailed by a really large silver with Duane along? Wish I could have been there. The first one at BP in Columbia was great.

Bowman15, if you happen to be at the Family Fish Fair at Grafton, you'll get to try some carp that will blow you away. Duane's fried fish, even in the BP coating, is all right, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to marinated fried carp. Even common are good that way.

[bowman15]

Alright Fishhunter. I'm trying to makle that one. If you bring the recipe, I'll bring the appetite.

[robow7]

Most excellent! Thumbs up to all that attended and battled the Gremlins.