OPENING DAY and APPLEWOOD SMOKED TROUT

Applewood Smoked Trout - a smoky sweet sensation, a delight to any fish lover. It's opening day of trout season in North Georgia and beautiful day. I was lucky enough to be invited to Tom Broadwater's home away from home - "Fishcamp" at Boogs Creek. The fish were biting and the dogs and boys were a happy! The following evening we had enjoyed a seafood boil and what we hope were the last vestiges of winter cold. We awoke to a lovely breakfast of Bacon Egg and Cheese Bisquits along with coffee and milk. Powered up - and with the assitance of daylight the fishing began. It was like a bonanza, the water was cold and the sun was shining on the areas where we were fishing, a perfect combination for aggressive trout. By noon, I believe nearly everyone who had started that morning had reached their limit. It was time to get cleaning - the fish that is.
The next day, I took my lot of fish home and smoked them in my backyard. The secret to producing fine smoked fish, or grilled fish for that matter, is indirect, slow cooking. I choose applewood for its smooth and delicate flavor. No hickory smoke here, it's simply too overpowering for something as sweet and delectable as trout. The sweetness of the fish is really brought out by applewood and its ability to not be overbearing in effect. Moreover, the brown sugar, agave and salt rub didn't hurt either. After two and one half hours, I took a few whole fish off to give them a try. They were very juicy and flaky, perfect for dinner. However, I wanted the hard smoked stuff like you find in specialty stores. This type can be taken on a day hiking trip without requiring refrigeration. So I checked back a couple of hours later and was achieving the desired effect. The meat was much drier and had taken to the rub a lot better. Either way you like it, Indirect cooking a your favorite fish is something you've got to try. A couple of hours produces what you would want for dinner. A few more hours and you have a perfect party appetizer or the beginnings of a killer smoked trout dip! Did I say smoked trout dip... :) Stay tuned!

Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ifr0pcKQR8