Fish Tales - True Stories My Father Tells Me

My dad is known for tall tales that happen to be true. If he'd sell his fish stories to other fisherman he would probably make a small fortune. My Dad is also one of the most generous persons I know. He would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. He is the folklorist of his age.

Today, on Father's Day, I called my dad. I always look forward to the tales he might tell, or the recipes he's created, and foods he's cooked up. He tells me about the goings on of the lake, as they often always do, with a freshness and simplicity of living in the moment. He shares about things that go on as the world turns its course the way it always turned its course but, with a freshness of observation that so few have. In this my father teaches me what we should not forget.

The symbol for plenty is a fish. For those who know my dad, then they might understand why the fish is the symbol for plenty. I have heard it said that my dad catches his limit of 60 Sunfish every season with his trusty fly-rod, right from the shore of our lake. That doesn't even cover the other varieties of fish in the lake he catches.

The most recent story my Father regaled me with was that of the Gigantic Carp caught at the point. The lake my parents live on is divided by a low point (sandbar), known as "the Point" between the Big Lake and the Bay. My parents live on the Bay. During the Spring Carp come into shore to spawn.

Now Carp are know by some as bottom feeders. This is because of their method of mucking up the bottom of a lake or river by scooping up mud with their mouths. The purpose of it is to sort out the seeds and other food sources found at the bottom. Unless the lake they live in is completely contaminated there is hardly a concern. Carp do as carp do, they Carpe Diem (bad joke, I know).

When the Carp are near the shore during the spawning season it is the easiest time to catch them. My dad, with his bow and arrow, shot a 40lbs. plus Carp. It was longer than a yard stick and measured 24 inches at the waist.

In Minnesota the Carp isn't thought of as a delicacy. Most find the fish too oily for their taste. Yet, in many places across the country and in Europe this fish is fine eating. Part of the taste has to do with how it is cooked and the best way I know of is to have it smoked.

According to my father he had to have three smoking sessions for this Carp, each lasting 12 hours. Before smoking the fish he sets the fillets in a salt bath, or brine, for over 24 hours for all the fish. After that the fish is ready to be dried and put in the smoker.Now, I cannot tell you my father's secret recipe (though I am sure he would personally tell anyone that asked him for it) but, the results could change many people's mind about the Carp.

My dad, after smoking three batches of the 40lbs Carp proceeded to give it away to neighbors, friends, family. One neighbor, who he wasn't sure would like it, my dad told he didn't have to eat it all if he didn't like it. The next day the neighbor and his son came knocking on my dad's door asking if they could buy more from him. Unfortunately, my dad only had a few pieces left. So my dad told them that if they could catch another Carp he would smoke it for them.

The next day, with new bow and arrows, father and son were standing on the shore shooting at any Carp they saw move without so much as hit. I don't know if they are still trying this year because, the Carp are moving on but, I have a feeling the challenge will begin again next Spring.

There are many importances' to the story my dad told. The one that rings trues is the old saying 'teach a man to fish and he'll eat forever.' That's just part of what my dad teaches me. Just the general know how of doing things for yourself and being generous with what you have is worth its weight in gold or fish.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads that are just trying to set a good example for their children to follow. Thank you!