Suggestions on Buying and Cooking

By Jonie Maschek

I get calls and more calls. This past week more than one female has called and said they read "Fish Tales," and want more information on how to cook fish.

A lot of people who wanted to buy a boat appreciated the information I gave last week on how to finance. Some calls wanted information on how to buy used boats.

Shop around, do your own price comparison. Look at many before deciding. Take a notebook along and make comparisons on the price and equipment. There will be a lot of fine print in the contract. Be sure to read each line on the contract. Look for blotch-up-patch-up-repairs.

Scan your computers for buys. It is best to see the boat in person. Don't be in a hurry to buy, take it for a trial run.

Check out the optional equipment, is it too old, are they asking too much for it? Do some research so you can spot a value when you see it.

Has this boat been used in saltwater or freshwater? A boat used in saltwater depreciates more than one used in freshwater.

Know the value of engines before you start looking for a boat. Read up on engines, know which one is better. If you have a friend that is a mechanic, check with him before buying.

Only make a deal that is right for you and your budget. If you are unhappy with the seller, you can always take a walk.

It is not a good deal if the engine is no good or the boat is in the need of repair. I hope he one you are dealing with is honest and be sure you don't sing any papers until you have completed your check list.

A boat may look great on land, but on the water it is not safe.

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No one would never think catfish could be termed as a gourmet food. I have often had blackened grouper, but now there is blackened catfish.

If your fishing mate or neighbor fishes the upper waters of the Little Manatee River and brings back fresh catfish, you can have a blackened catfish sandwiches and not pay $6.95 from them.

Mix together: 2 tbs Paprika; 2-1/2 tsp. salt; 2 tbs. lemon pepper; 1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1-1/2 tsp. ground red pepper; 1 tsp. onion powder; and 1 tsp. dried thyme. Dip fish in melted butter, roll in above mixture. Cook in large cast iron pan, slightly greased or oiled, that has been pre-heated for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until fish is blackened and flaky.

Need hush-puppies with fish?

This one is "hot-to-trot."

1 - 6 oz. Mexican cornbread mix

2 - pickled Jalapeno peppers

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 - 8 oz. cream style corn

vegetable oil to mix

Cook in 3 inches of oil by dropping spoonful until golden brown.

Other hush puppies recipes are:

Use black beans with yellow cornmeal, chopped onions and perhaps a chopped tomatoes.

Some people put a cup of white flour to a cup of cornmeal.

Others add a green bell pepper and diced green onions. Add sugar if you want a sweet taste.

I have eaten shrimp hush puppies, crab hush puppies, black bean hush puppies, apple hush puppies and corn hush puppies.

Some people call these fritters, but down south they are "Hush Puppies."

Have you heard the legend of hush puppies

"After the Civil War, cooks trying to quiet hungry dogs with scraps of batter from fish skillets and would say, "Hush puppies."

Fishing has been slow this week but for those who have dropped a line they have done fine, some say a catch every time.