Saturday, February 25, 2012

Dreams do come true...

Christmas, anniversary and birthday all rolled into one today! Can not wait to get my new baby to the river!
Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Prawn-ton-cups

This recipe is a quick and delicious healthy appetizer. Chris has been having a lot of success with our prawn traps and as I was packaging the haul for the freezer I could not resist cooking up a few and experimenting in the kitchen.

First I took some wonton wraps and placed them into muffin tins. A quick shot of cooking spray and then into a 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes. Keep checking them, when the tips start to turn brown they are done. Remove the wontons and allow them to cool and crisp up.
Next I made a spicy coleslaw. Shredded cabbage and carrots combined with my secret dressing (I guess it will not be a secret anymore).

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2-1 tsp sriracha hot chili sauce

I simply cooked the prawns in boiling water for 2 minutes, allowed to cool and then roughly chopped. Put a layer of coleslaw in each wonton and then top with chopped prawns. Beautiful and delicious!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's day to the best fishing partner a girl could ask for!


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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Success on a Pink Hook







The Jester and I had another successful Steelhead outing this morning. Chris had to work again and missed out on a couple of beauties! We left home at 5:30am and had our lines in the water by 7:15. Another angler wandered into the spot just after we did and he did not seem pleased when Kris and I each had a landed hatchery Steelie on shore within 30 minutes. His frustration was clear and he began to toss his line directly into the pool we had been drifting to. Of course this had the effect of spooking the fish and we spent the next hour and a half casting without another bite. Although there was not much action we were thrilled with the fish we caught and happy that the rain stayed away for the morning (and I must of course point out that my fish was MUCH bigger than the little fellow caught by the Jester).













Friday, February 10, 2012

Packing for Steelhead


The Jester and I are heading to the river at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning so I am spending this evening getting my gear together. Chris bought me this little Sage chest pack for Christmas and it is the perfect size for an afternoon on the river. Of course I always have the backup of my fishing partners who bring enough extra tackle for a small village. Many of our favourite fishing spots are slippery, rocky and almost always wet. I love that I can access all of my essential gear without having to move once I am in the perfect casting position.

A few trout beads, a couple different wool colours, the occasional spinner, a handful of splitshot and a smattering of swivels is all I need in my tiny tackle box.


I will shamefully confess that I do not tie up my own leaders. Chris has always just handed me pips boxes or foam boards with beautifully tied hooks. I have attempted this egg loop knot a few times but never mastered the technique. In exchange I always ensure that I pack us a delicious and nutritious lunch, this arrangement seems to suit him fine. Tomorrow I will be using both classic steel and hot pink hooks. Floats, pliers and the ever important combo clippers round out my gear. I also have room for my camera (complete with life jacket) and a flashlight.

I have fresh line on my lovely Shimano Curado and the weatherman is calling for 90% chance of rain. I think it will be a fabulous Vancouver Island day for fishing glory... stay tuned for the results.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Mixing business and pleasure

I have been blog absent because Chris and I went on a little road trip vacation to Calgary. We lived there for seven years before coming to our senses and returning to the West Coast, but we left behind many friends who we miss dearly. Of course the vacation somehow had to involve our fishing obsession. We attended the Western Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition. Chris and I had a great time looking at the booths and demonstrations. It was a great way to compare all the different tackle in one place.

Chris also attended a fly workshop at Country Pleasures Fly Fishing that was run by April Vokey from Fly Gal.

The class was on Steelhead Intruders and Chris learned a lot, and produced this great fly.



Between Vancouver and Calgary we managed to do damage at 10 different fishing shops and came home with lots of goodies. We are planning a Steelhead excursion for this upcoming weekend, so we will see if that Pink Intruder is a lucky one.