You’ve heard of the 5th Dimension, which has been defined an extra dimension of space. It has also been defined as a state of being where you are ready to do things for others, working toward the higher good. (Thank you, fish!) If you’re old enough, you may even have heard of the vocal group from the 60’s by the same name.
What I’d like to propose to you is the “Fish Dimension,” many spaces occupied by fish that challenge humans on various levels, with the outcome being an occasional meal beyond what could be gleaned from any other space.
And so it is, that every fisherperson has numerous stories of their adventures as they face the challenges of the “Fish Dimension.” Mine come from the trout stream. The season ended on September 30th, as with excitement and some sadness, I embarked on my final tube trip through a favorite stream somewhere in Atlanta. My desperateness to get those last few fish drove me beyond what likely the average woman might expose herself to. Some might find this absurd, or even bordering on insanity. Regardless, this is my story.
Four days earlier, I did this same trip without the assistance of my husband to carry my tube and spot my car. This means that I carried my tube, sometimes dragged it if I’m to be honest, in an effort to make my way to the desired point of stream entry. I ventured into the woods carrying all my trip supplies while wearing waders, sliding between trees, climbing over downed trees, and navigating very uneven ground. I admit I got a little turned around a few times, likely making the journey a bit lengthier. This is probably a quarter mile trek but seems much longer with the effort required. As I caught sight of the stream, dripping with sweat, feeling sharp pain in my neck and shoulders, the relief was such that I briefly sang out… “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” I stopped to catch my breath before entering the stream. I discovered that my tube had deflated some enroute, so once my breath was caught, I added what was left in that moment to my tube, then gingerly entered the stream.
It was a beautiful day! The sensation of the cold water initially felt so good after my arduous journey. In the first two thirds of the float, I got a few bites, tossed a small one back and kept one that was just over 10 inches, a nice size for a stream Brookie. But I gradually became increasingly cold, and during the final third of the trip, my fingers turned white with lack of circulation. My waders were indeed leaking, I was shivering, with my teeth and jaw chattering. And numerous times along the way I had to add more air to my tube. At one point, I suffered a leg cramp where I couldn’t reach bottom to immediately relieve it. Yet my stubbornness kept me tossing my line in hopes of a great catch. I was rewarded in the final 15 minutes of my 3-hour tour with another 10 ½ inch Brookie.
Well, I made my way out of the stream, and then faced the challenge of carrying all my fishing supplies, including the tube, back to my car, which was just under a half mile. It was easier than trekking through the woods, however, I was soaked and shivering. Once to my car, I removed my soaked clothing, put on some shorts, and headed to our friends, John and Barb’s, for dinner. John was my back up in case I ran into some trouble along the way, as my husband was out of town. They got me a blanket and some hot tea to warm me up, after taking a few pics of my catch, of course.
I proceeded home to clean my fish and get myself cleaned up. I continued to have neck stiffness and pain. The next day I scheduled a chiropractor visit for 10/1. I prepared the fish for my lunch, and it was absolutely delicious. It felt so rewarding to do it all from stream to plate.
So, the final day of the season arrives, 9/30. My neck still hurts, but I know I have an appointment to deal with this the next day. I know I have leaky waders and a leaking tube. Nothing has changed there. I was unable to find the area of leak on the waders to repair, but I know it’s in the saddle area. What do I do? I eat a pickle and a tablespoon of pickle juice to help prevent leg cramps. Then I pop a couple of Aleve and head back out to the fishing stream again, just leaving a little earlier in the day with a plan to shorten the stream time some to avoid the excessive body temperature drop. Within the first 10 minutes, I catch my largest fish of the season, just over 12 inches. I also catch a 9 incher, which looks like it could fit inside of the 12 incher. Anyway, I started to get cold in the last third, but moved more quickly through it and never got to the point I had on the previous trip. I survived and it was worth the efforts and the pain. I have to say, I felt like a badass. I learned so much this summer during my time in the stream and I’m looking forward to more in 2025. Though fishing is therapy, in the end, it required a little therapy in the way of chiropractic, heat, stretches and Biofreeze. Would I trade a minute of it? Not on your life.
Trout Amandine:
2 Whole (10 oz) trout, pan dressed
Salt & Pepper to taste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 T butter
½ cup blanched slivered almonds
2 T lemon juice (or less as desired)
1 T chopped, fresh parsley, for garnish
8 slices lemon, for garnish
Directions:
Rinse and pat dry trout. Season inside and out with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge trout in flour. Heat 2 T butter in large skillet over high heat until melted. Add trout and brown both sides. Lower heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove trout to a serving plate and keep warm. Wipe out pan and add
2 T butter. Cook butter over medium heat until it just begins to brown. Add the almonds and brown. Pour sauce and almonds over fish and sprinkle with lemon juice and parsley. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.
*I’ve made this numerous times and it’s always good. Most recently I didn’t have almonds so I used pecans for trout pecandine! It did not disappoint.
- The Fish Dimension - October 10, 2024
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