Flashers and Dodgers

Flashers and dodgers are devices that reflect the sun and can be used to troll for King, Silver or Chum Salmon: fish that are attracted to the reflected light. Because different colors reflect light at different depths, knowing which colors to use at which depths can increase your chances of catching fish. For example, if you are fishing on a sunny day, more light will be reflected at deeper depths, which means you should choose a flasher typically used in shallower waters. Generally speaking, flashers used at deeper depths can be used in shallower waters.  Remember, if the skies are cloudy, not as much light can be reflected, so you may need to adjust the colors to shallower depths depending on the amount of sunlight available. In order to be flexible and accommodate for diverse weather conditions, have a variety of colors and sizes on hand. …

Beer Battered Halibut with (Twice Fried) French Fries

Beer Battered Halibut with (Twice Fried) French Fries

The classic all-winning formula of Fish and Chips, good for meetings and parties, and an English classic you can do right at home! This simple but delicious and fun dish can be made with our Alaskan halibut and a little patience, just read on for our recipe and you’ll be eating the best fish and chips in your life!

beer battered halibut and french fries recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt & ½ tsp. black pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
    pinch of Old Bay seasoning.
  • 12 ounce bottle of COLD beer.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Whisk everything together until it is very smooth and free of any lumps.
  2. Cover and let this sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour). 
  3. In a deep, heavy bottomed pan, preheat cooking oil to 350F.
  4. Cut the halibut into 1½ to 2″ chunks and roll them in corn starch before dipping into batter.
  5. Fry in hot oil until the fish is golden brown.
  6. Drain well and keep warm in the oven.

INSTRUCTIONS for TWICE FRIED FRENCH FRIES:

  1. Peel and slice 4 large Russet potatoes into ¼” thick french fries (Alaska potatoes do not work well for this because their water content is too high). Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for half hour (see note). Remove from water and pat dry.
  2. Working in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pot, fry the potatoes in 325F cooking oil for two or three minutes, or just until they turn pale and a little limp. Remove from the oil and drain well on paper towels and cool the potatoes to room temperature. Make sure you let the oil heat back up to 325F between batches in this first-cook step.
  3. For the second-fry, increase the cooking oil temperature to 375F and fry the potatoes again, this time for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on fresh paper towels and salt immediately.

 

NOTE: Most cooking shows call for frying in peanut oil, which I never seem to have. I fry in canola oil, but any good cooking oil would work well.

NOTE: If you don’t have the time to soak the cut, raw potatoes in cold water, don’t worry about it. This step does help, but it is not absolutely necessary.

This recipe is courtesy of Cora Bridge. Thanks, Cora, for sharing this delicious recipe (and picture) with our Doc Warner’s guests. Be sure to let us know in the comments below what you thought of this recipe or submit your own recipe and photos to markw@docwarners.com.

Alaska Fishing License: What Permits Do I Need to Fish in Alaska?

You’re ready for your fishing trip, and you’re suddenly wondering “do I need a fishing license in Alaska?

When visiting Doc Warner’s Fishing Lodge, there are a few things you should understand about fishing licenses. Due to Alaska’s popularity as a fishing destination, the state puts necessary regulations on permits and licenses that pertain to both residents and non-residents

Weather in Excursion Inlet

Although many people equate the State of Alaska with long, snowy winters, moderate temperatures and abundant sea life make Southeast Alaska a sport fisherman’s dream. The predominant colors of Alaska’s Inside Passage are green and blue — green for the lush vegetation of the Tongass National Rain Forest and blue for the passage’s pristine waters. …