A great activity to do in the winter is ice fishing. Especially during spring break, it's a perfect opportunity to spend time with the kids.
Going fishing is also a way to create an experience with those you love, to relax, to chat... in short, to "take it easy". It also lasts several hours, so it's better to make sure you have a good time and that the activity is a success.
You know me, I love to BBQ as much as I love to please those I love. So, when my family and I go fishing, I make sure we go for glory. And because I love you too, I thought I had to share some tips with you. 😜
The preparation
There are 3 big things to consider before you go fishing:
- the temperature (especially if, in addition, you are going to a place where there is no cabin);
- the fact that you may or may not catch fish; and
- the equipment to bring.
In any case, you must be prepared and have a backup plan.
So I recommend bringing plenty of warm clothing and cooking tools to cook fish and potentially other things. Personally, I don't like to take risks, so I always bring all the ingredients needed to cook a real meal. I don't rely on fish.
For example, I will plan for steaks or something to make burgers. I will bring with me cheese, lettuce, pickles, ready-to-cook burger patties (like BBQ Québec turkey or bacon burgers)… several ingredients in plastic containers. Since it will be cool outside, I also don't want to have to take off my gloves to cook, so I make sure to add 3 tongs in my bag: one to handle raw meat, another for cooked meat, and one last one for sides.
Obviously, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the fishing is good. So I'm taking a board of BBQ Québec Himalayan pink salt with me. That way, whether we catch a fish or not, we're spoiling ourselves either way. 😎
The most suitable BBQ
When you're fishing, you can't land your big competition BBQ on the ice. If you're in an isolated place sheltered from the wind and it's not too cold, a charcoal BBQ will be really nice to use and very popular with purists. When in doubt, a good portable gas BBQ that works with a 1-pound cylinder and has a cast aluminum bowl and lid will preserve its heat well and make everyone happy. It's really a "must" because this BBQ will be very practical.
Fishing time
Once we are settled, we "go with the flow". I ask in advance what time people want to eat to preheat the BBQ in time, then I go back to concentrating on my fishing rod while waiting. No one has to stress, to "rush" for anything, we are fishing.
A little before people get hungry, I then recommend cooking a mini “test” meatball to see how long it will take to cook. After that, make small burgers and bigger ones later to satisfy everyone’s hunger. (And here, I say burger, but you can do something else if you want!) Cook in batches, so the food will always be hot.
BBQ cooking
If, like me, you think serving burgers is a good idea, I get you! Everyone loves it, it doesn't require utensils, you can rinse your hands directly in the lake water when you're done... it's the best. Seriously, you can't go wrong with this. You grill patties that aren't too thick, then when you think they're ready, flip them a little on each side so they're cooked to perfection and piping hot. After that, put a slice of cheese on top of each one so it melts, add a little onion and BOOM! It's ready! You don't even need a side dish. 😉
Otherwise, if you have managed to catch a fish, preheat your block of pink Himalayan salt on your BBQ and empty the inside of your catch. Slice the fish into fillets, pour lemon juice over the flesh of the fish, then season it with Argentina BBQ Québec ,Caribbean BBQ Québec , Jamaican Jerk BBQ Québec orMontreal BBQ Québec dry rub . (The lemon juice is like a "hack" to make the spices stick to the fish. 😉) Grill the fish and then serve it with a quick salad for a truly excellent meal.
I repeat myself, but fishing is a moment of relaxation. So don't worry if the god of fish doesn't smile at you that day, the god of BBQs is there! 😜
Good fishing and… good BBQ!