Just got back from another trip to the Marlborough Sounds. We caught some nice 'eating' fish. Pictured below are some blue cod and a spotty. Spotties don't seem to be regarded as a desirable fish to catch, but they are one of my favorites to eat. (These are saltwater fish). Also shown is my Gr8pics diamond sharpener (great for hooks and knives), a NZ-made 'Victory' filleting knife that has been sharpened a lot, and my all-round useful Cold Steel Finn Bear.
This filleting knife has all its bevel on the left side of the knife.... and is sharpened this way for right-hand users. This is an idea used in a big local fishing company. Evidently this allows the operator to cut closer to the backbone when filleting..... thus getting a better yield. This is a logical idea, although for a man just filleting a few fish the difference is probably insignificant.
The Finn Bear is a great little knife. The stainless blade is good for working around salt water etc. It can be used for filleting if there is nothing more suitable available, although a longer, narrower knife is something I prefer in most cases.
There is a small creek flowing into the bay where we stay. A medium sized eel lives in a pool near the top of the beach. When we come in from fishing this eel often comes out to greet us and it has become our habit to throw it small offcuts of fish. The eel is quite used to us and does not seem to be shy at all. In fact I think my niece and nephew have been able to stroke it and feed it by hand.
We have some kayaks. My wife's dog has just been introduced to the idea of accompanying us on a kayak. I am amazed at how intelligent and adaptable this 'city' 'indoor' dog is. I am looking forward to taking her out with me more into the wilderness as I feel fairly sure she will help me hunt when she gets the idea of what I'm trying to do. (I've only been married for about 10 months, and I haven't had many opportunities yet to take the dog out). Anyway, here is a picture of my wife, Jackie, and our dog Lizzy.
This filleting knife has all its bevel on the left side of the knife.... and is sharpened this way for right-hand users. This is an idea used in a big local fishing company. Evidently this allows the operator to cut closer to the backbone when filleting..... thus getting a better yield. This is a logical idea, although for a man just filleting a few fish the difference is probably insignificant.
The Finn Bear is a great little knife. The stainless blade is good for working around salt water etc. It can be used for filleting if there is nothing more suitable available, although a longer, narrower knife is something I prefer in most cases.
There is a small creek flowing into the bay where we stay. A medium sized eel lives in a pool near the top of the beach. When we come in from fishing this eel often comes out to greet us and it has become our habit to throw it small offcuts of fish. The eel is quite used to us and does not seem to be shy at all. In fact I think my niece and nephew have been able to stroke it and feed it by hand.
We have some kayaks. My wife's dog has just been introduced to the idea of accompanying us on a kayak. I am amazed at how intelligent and adaptable this 'city' 'indoor' dog is. I am looking forward to taking her out with me more into the wilderness as I feel fairly sure she will help me hunt when she gets the idea of what I'm trying to do. (I've only been married for about 10 months, and I haven't had many opportunities yet to take the dog out). Anyway, here is a picture of my wife, Jackie, and our dog Lizzy.
