King Salmon

As we planned this adventure, we really wanted the kids to be able to meet up with us at various points along the way and experience our trip along with us.  So our arrival in Alaska was quickly followed by a visit from Mitchell.    Of course, we wanted to make sure that Mitchell could experience as much of Alaska as a week-long trip would allow… but the thing that he was most interested in was a fishing trip.

To say that Mitchell loves fishing would be an understatement.  And it just so happened that our arrival in Alaska coincided with the run of the King Salmon (I know… darn the luck!).

With a brutal 3:30am alarm on a cold and drizzly morning we headed north and met up with our guide Colton (who is AWESOME – check out his company at http://www.drifterzparadise.com).

Apparently cold and rainy is the best fishing weather… who knew?

There is a saying up here – there is a reason why they call it “fishing” and not “catching” – but things can go from boredom to mayhem as soon as you get a bite.  We only had a window of about 4 hours for our excursion – good thing we took advantage of our time on the river!

That’s about 50 pounds of salmon – I could barely hold that sucker up for the picture!  And they have some SHARP teeth!  Once we cleaned and filleted the fish we literally had an entire trashbag full of salmon!  Good thing we have lots of friends to share our good fortune with!

No fish from the grocery store can compare to freshly caught king salmon – I had no idea how good salmon could be.  One of my favorite ways to prepare salmon comes courtesy of Dinner at Tiffani’s (yes, that Tiffani from Saved by the Bell – check out her show on the Cooking Channel – it’s awesome!  Trust!).  It is easy-peasy… but SO very very good!  The friends we are staying with said this was the best Salmon they have ever had – which is high praise coming from born and raised Alaskan’s!

Honey Miso Glaze

1/2 cup Honey

2 tbsp each Miso Paste, Lime juice, Soy Sauce

5 cloves garlic, minced

Prior to grilling or broiling, baste salmon with some of the glaze.  Grill or broil to medium rare – PLEASE don’t overcook this!  Remember the salmon will continue cooking a bit after you remove it from the grill or broiler.  A few minutes before removing from the grill baste salmon with more of the glaze – and don’t be stingy, really coat that sucker!   Remove from grill and let the feast begin!  Enjoy!