Exotic Lake Cusine, Oppelousas Catfish

[jeffe]

That Ugly ol' catfish don't look so bad on the table !
Tasty stuff !! We caught this mess of Oppelousas last month on Lake Greeson while jug fishing.

[Steel Shootin']

That looks like some fine eating there. Are you permitted to shoot catfish in that lake?

[jeffe]

Scott, we are very fortunate here in Arkansas, we are able to take most game fish with spear.
The flathead spearfishing season doesn't open up untill later in the year. These were caught on jug lines, our second outing to the Lake this year.
The females were heavy with eggs and we kept only enough of the smaller ones to make a small mess for dinner.

[Steel Shootin']

How does that taste? Don't tell me like chicken. :D Sure looks good (once fried...uglier than hell before fried).

[Frog_Legs]

Hey Scott,

They taste more like cat. You know... The other white meat.


:D

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by Frog_Legs
Hey Scott,

They taste more like cat. You know... The other white meat.


:D Ahhh....and I had always thought they got that name from their "whiskers." :D

[jeffe]

My favorite freshwater fish in order are, Bluegill, Crappie, Oppelousas catfish, and Channel Catfish.
None of which are an "acquired taste", they all just grab you by the taste buds and make you love them.
In the photo above there is a slight difference in color, some of the fillets are just a shade darker. The darker fillets are just left in the oil a "smidgeon" longer ( the Wife's personal preference ). This is a finely textured white meat that sets well on the palette. It Isn't "like" anything else, it is it's own distinctive fish flavor, I think. Not as strong as the blue catfish that most are familiar with, it's delicate flavor and aroma definitely do not "beg" for tartar sauce.
In the photo there is only salt, pepper and onion for seasoning, so as not to disguise the true flavor, each to accent the true Oppelousas Catfish flavor.
During the filleting process, you notice the texture, coloring and consistency difference in an Oppelousas catfish immediately, and there are some minor physical differences in their anatomy.

[biggsy]

Wow...for being that ugly fish you showed us a few weeks back, it looks like nice table fare! Very nice...

[jfg]

Tell you what boy's, that there catfish will make your tongue slap your eyebrows crooked:D No lie, I love ocean fish, but it sure is hard to beat catfish.

[cmh777]

Catfish is a fine eating fish and I must say a very good spearing fish. For those of us who live several hours away from the ocean you sure can pass up the time by sticking a spear in a nice flathead. The biggest we have shot thus far was 48" long. We are going out this weekend they are just starting to move up into the shallows.

[Steel Shootin']

I think I would like to try my hand at sticking a spear in one later in the year when the season opens. I wonder if I can get an out-of-state permit, or is it limited to residents? Would make an interesting article I'd like to write.

[jeffe]

Non-Resident Annual Fishing License NRF 32.00
Non-Resident 14 Day Trip Fishing License N14 22.00
Non-Resident 7 Day Trip Fishing License NT7 17.00
Non-Resident 3 Day Trip Fishing License NT3 11.00
Non-Resident Trout Permit TPN 12.00
>

[jeffe]

Most licenses are available at the Marina where you launch the boat.
This is a pretty "hassle free" thing, except for the trip in to the heartland.
Your longer speargun may reach beyond the limits of visibility.
A shorter speargun is definitely in order.

[jeffe]

https://www.ark.org/agfc/license/index.php
Seasons, baglimit, ect..

[jeffe]

http://www.agfc.com/fishing_ol.html
Booklet in Adobe .pdf format

[Steel Shootin']

thanks for the info, jeffe. I've got a little 36" line gun that I use for some wrecks that would work.

[Steel Shootin']

Hey Jeffe, I couldn't help but notice the language about this unfair limit on spearfishing: "half the game fish daily limit (or the lessor number nearest half when the limit is an odd number) may be taken."

This is another example of why we need the FRA. There is no good reason for that rule, but some loud-mouth in a committee somewhere probably wanted to ban spearfishing, and the above rule was a compromise. That compromise would likely not have happened had Denny and the FRA been standing guard.

Oh well....I'll come and shoot half the limit.

[Prater]

Guys, let us know if this trip develops, X-Ring and I just may have to meet you guys over there...

[jeffe]

Yeah !
Now, that's what i'm talkin' bout' !
What Lake could we meet at ?
>
This is another example of why we need the FRA.
>
Scott, you are right, that is bad terminoligy, based on poor knowledge of the sport.
>

[ouachita]

Saw a nice big opleagoosa (or whatever you're callin em) this past weekend layin on top of a stump. Good thing I left my gun at home or it may have been too much temptation.

The reason for the "half limit" is to make it easier on people like me to say I shot my limit. If I had to kill 10 to say that I'd never make it!

Scott, late in the summer 36 " may even be pushing it! That's when it starts to get interesting!

[Spearooo]

Do you guys ever use good ole bank bait AKA wiskey and try to catch them by hand. Id love to go to a place and get some UW photage of some smoothie wrastling. Not true UW but in the water type stuff due to viz, I have my heart set on a 40 pounder but last time I was up in that neck of the woods the conditions weren't right for it, and all I got was a 12lbrs a 2lrs and some carp.. That looks like a great recipe there....

[Spearooo]

granted id probably release it after we wrastled it out of its hole.. they aren't very good eating that size.

[Wet Spot]

Jeffe,

Nice flatheads or coujon's. Tasty belly meat. That's the only fish I've heard of that has broken so many spear shafts. About half of my coon-ass buddies have told me their story where "one time a big flathead broke my shaft in half and swum off". I've shot them only up to 32lbs and they're strong. Fun to shoot.

Stan

[cmh777]

We do not have a season on Catfish here in TN. If you can bare the cold water you could dive year round. We generally start diving when the catfish start spawning. They are just now starting to come up into the rocks on the damn. I am heading out sunday afternoon to do some scouting. We generally do most of our killing after dark. The catfish seem to come out of hiding after the lights go out.

We have a pontoon baot set up just for killing catfish. Visibility on our lake here is around 10' -15'. Starting now we will dive about 3 days a week. Hope to have some pictures soon.

[jeffe]

I looked your favorite lake up on the net. Sure is a long two part lake. It must have some intresting structure under water for you guys to hunt.
>
Wet Spot, it has been so long since I worked offshore, i had forgotten the term cuj'on. I remember another one, sa'ca'let ,but I can't remember the fish name in English.
Ha ! Time flys, when youre' havin' fun !

[jfg]

Guys, I think I smell a Arkansas spearing get together brewing up. Count me in on this one. I think we could find a camping area, and have a huge fish fry after a day or evening of hunting ol' Mr. Whiskers. What say ye mates?:D

[cmh777]

South Holston Lake is an awsome lake to dive. It kind of reminds me of NorthFork Lake in Arkansas. It has alot of Rocks and big boulders that create nice places for big cats to hide.

[ouachita]

If you are going to be up there Jeffe, how about a mini tournament and fish fry on June 26 at Mountain Harbor. We could all pitch in $5 and the big fish or total weight winner gets the money and doesn't have to cook. How many folks could make it down for that weekend?

[junior]

That sounds like a good time. My Dad went to school at Ouchita back in the 60's. Nope they sure didn't smoke much dope at that school:D I still have family in Pine Bluff, Sheridan and Little Rock. Nothing like a bunch of fried catfish with hush puppies, fried okree and a a big ol jug a sweet tea

[x-ring]

Just started a new job and don't know when, or if, I'll ever have another Saturday off. I will however always have Sunday and might be able to work first shift on the 26th and be ready to do some spearing on the 27th. If I can convece Prater to drive on saturday night. Of corse this is all speculatave.

[jfg]

I'd sure try to make it. That would be a great get together.

Would there be room for one or two on one of ya'lls boats?

[ouachita]

If my normal dive partner goes I would have room for two more on my boat. We could go a different weekend if it works out better for the majority. Even into September/October. The vis sucks later in the year but the fish seem to have had a rest and there are fewer pleasure boaters on the lake.

I would like to hear Jeffe's opinion.

[Frog_Legs]

I have to be in Portland, OR from June 25th until the 27th. If this thing comes togther another weekend I'll try and get down with my boat. I can probably handle 3 more divers if we scrunch some gear. It's not the best dive boat in the world but ya' look good getting there. :D

[jeffe]

Any time that is most convenient for the majority will be fine with me. I pick that nine days because of the start of Spearfishing season and most schools are out by then, so the Grandkids can spend some Lake time with the Wife and I.
>
JFG, we will have a palce for you. Any others ?
>

[sealskin98]

The lake washita weekend looks interesting. Maybe I'll have found something to hock by then to procure a gun. Could use advice on hunting techniques, never done it. Right now I'm spendin' money for the nasty ole water in Coz. in a couple of weeks.

Jeffe, what kinda ss gun is that you have?

And did I read some of these posts right, there are actually people who have never eaten fried catfish? Amazing. They should come out to my pond; have 'em trained to come up to eat when I tap on the dock.

[Prater]

I have been at the hospital with the wife since tuesday, Looks like my next couple of months will be spent at home. She is having complications with her pregnancy. Maybe later in the year I can get away.

[jeffe]

It's a great freshwater gun, though probably a little small for Saltwater. However, some of our Cajun Brethren . . . .
Here's the link to the page:
http://www.slinginsteel.com/classic.html#rhino
Powerful, fast reloads, I just love it.

[jeffe]

Originally posted by Frog_Legs
I have to be in Portland, OR from June 25th until the 27th. If this thing comes togther another weekend I'll try and get down with my boat. I can probably handle 3 more divers if we scrunch some gear. It's not the best dive boat in the world but ya' look good getting there. :D
Ya' Mon' , ya' be right dere' !;)

[sealskin98]

Condolences.

Know where you're coming from.

[Prater]

jeffe,

Sorry to hear about your friends.

Jennifer is recovering and put on bed rest at home, the doctor wants us to try and make two more weeks before they do a cesarian. Her kidneys are deteriorating, but stable at the moment.

[jfg]

Hey guys, just got back from our trip to Destin, Fl., had to check out the freshwater string. sounds like things might be coming together on a get together late in June or maybe later on or maybe both. Both sound good to me. I have some interesting news for you if this comes together, but at the moment, I will hold off due to the sad news about jeffe's good friends.

Jeffe, so very sorry to hear the news. I lost some very close friends to war, and it really hurts. Know one will ever understand this if they haven't been to war, or in military situations. I lost friends in VN and in the Storm. It really hurts to remember them, especially when your were the medic trying to save their lives. I feel for you my friend. My prayers are for their families and you, their friend. Hang in there man. Yes, I am very happy that they don't have to come home to protesters trying to spit on them and calling them ,"baby killers". God bless our troops, everyone of them.

Prater, take good care of momma there. Hope all goes well over the next few weeks, and God blesses you with a new child. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

I hope everyone can make it to a get together in Arkansas for a huntin and eating jamboree, Southern style. I'll bring some hot sauce. Friend of mine up near Knoxville sent it down special to me. Last time I had some, I swear it came from a nuclear reactor up there. Had to take a dump in the creek it was so hot. :D

[jfg]

btt

[jfg]

jeffe,
have you heard any more news on you next door neighbor? I can't help thinking about it, dang these friggin wars have got to end. I hope they save his other leg and he comes out of this ok. It's going to be hard enough as it is. Keep us posted.

[jeffe]

Thanks for being so patient.
My buddy that I served with, has one Son in Iraq, another just got his orders to iraq, and his third is expecting to get his orders any time. Geeze, three Sons in a Combat zone. Dont' ya' know he's turning greyer by the minute.
However he says, " we have always served, we will continue to serve and we will manage, somehow".
Patriots like that have paid the price for our freedom for generations. Memorial day is a very special day here in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains.
>
>
JFG , did you have news for us, after your trip ?
A new thread maybe ?

[jfg]

Hey jeffe,
yep, patriots are a breed of their own.

New thread coming up tonight when I get home, or when I can hide and take a short break later today:D