Boat Beginnings

I had mentioned a few months ago that I was considering the purchase of a boat for fishing and family time. I’ve been watching Craigslist and Facebook for boats between $1000 and $3500. My max budget for the project is $3500, so I was trying to find a decent boat for about $2500. Decent meaning the engine ran, the trolling motor ran, and the upholstery didn’t have a lot of tears. Other than that, I just wanted it to float and not leak. I was willing to drive up to 200 miles for the right boat.

Of other concern was the trailer the boat sat on, especially if the lights worked and if the tires were recent. I really didn’t want the bad day of having a flat on the road as I was bringing home my new prize. Likewise getting pulled over for broken lights on the trailer. Most things I can fix at home, but getting it there was a worry.

Well, a boat showed up on one of my searches for the low end of my price range. It was a fish and ski type boat, which means it is a bass fishing boat, with additional seats behind the console and usually two sitting areas in front. With a boat like this, you lose some floor space that you would normally stand on while fishing, but gain some room to lounge and enjoy being on the water. It is a compromise and one I was good with.

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Smoked Salmon

I was invited to attend a get-together of some online friends out of state. I’ve not met any of them in person, which seems to be pretty common in the social media age. In order to help make a good impression, it is a southern thing to bring something along to eat. I’ve decided to bring along my smoked salmon and a salmon spread made from it.

Smoked salmon was the second thing I started smoking. The first being pulled pork made from pork (boston) butt, which I hope to share with you another day. Anyway, what got me started on smoking salmon was Alton Brown of Good Eats fame. He did an episode about how to smoke some salmon on the cheap. I was inspired. I had eaten smoked salmon in the past, and loved it. What if I could make my own?

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Fish keeping, part 4

We have discussed the hardware required in Part 2 and the water needs in Part 3, so let’s put it together and add some fish!

Like much of this project, we need to invest in some patience. Do not buy fish yet! Buying fish right away is a quick way to disaster.

Put your aquarium stand together and into the spot you decided on. Remember, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight, but near a power outlet.

Place your aquarium onto the stand. Take a wet towel and wipe off any dust or debris on the inside and outside of the it to cut down on contamination. When you clean your aquarium do you not use any harsh chemicals or detergents. Only use water to clean the glass. Never use ammonia. RO or DI water makes for a great glass cleaner.

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