New to HLS? Check us out.

Posted on May 15, 2013 by hlskillet

Working against the current of your typical “Catch & Release” fishing program, Hook, Line & Skillet attempts to bring the exciting realm of “Catch & Eat” sport fishing to the viewer in a format that is a part travel-log, part sport fishing, and part cooking show.

pete-on-the-rogue-river
HLS Host Pete Flores

In each episode, fishing enthusiast and former chef, Pete Flores will take you on a road trip to some of the most well known, unknown, or soon to be known fishing hotspots across the country in search of the perfect catch. Pete will explore the local culture to reveal useful tips, facts, and strategies that anyone can apply from the amateur to expert level fisherman.

With every great catch comes a great dish and Pete Flores delivers with culinary genius from simple dishes to fancy fare as he demonstrates a unique way to enjoy the fruits of your labor and indulge in some of the local areas best kept secrets.

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Hook, Line & Skillet is a product of Sinker Swim Productions, LLC  2011

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HLS Shorts: Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby 2012

Posted on February 24, 2013 by hlskillet

Hey Skilletheads,

Check out the lastest in fast food.  We Like to call them Hook, Line & Skillet Shorts. This episode is a flashback to last last March featuring a little Ice Fishing Derby we attended in the Adirondacks. As I said, this video is from last year. If you need more info on this years Derby you can go to the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club’s website.  It’s coming up quick and scheduled for March 2nd – 3rd, 2013.

Enjoy,

Team HLS

 

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The Urban Angle

Posted on October 5, 2012 by hlskillet

Sometimes the most important question is, “Where do I go fishing”? For those of us who live closer to the big cities the answer often involves driving, one maybe two hours from our homes.  I sometimes wish that I could just drive a few minutes and drop a line. 

Close to me in North New Jersey there is the Hackensack River. This river starts in NY State and heads south emptying into the Newark Bay. The problem is that the river has developed a bit of a bad reputation over the years as being just too polluted.  This river, along with another river in the area called the Passaic River, were so damaged by industry and waste disposal (some highly toxic) that when I was a kid we made jokes about three eyed fish coming from those waters. For sure people in the area didn’t fish there and if they did they kept it a secret.

For many years now I have been living near the Hackensack River and seeing it at high tide, I would often think to myself how great it would be if I could just go fishing there and then recently I discovered a little secret. Back behind the River Square Mall on Route 4 is a small park of sorts.

 
View Larger Map

It’s called the Hackensack River County Park. It’s not much more than a well-groomed lawn area hidden behind the Mall’s parking lot but they constructed two overlooks or piers that jut out over the river, conveniently close to the edge of the tide line. I discovered the larger of the two  while taking a walk with my wife after getting dinner at the mall. I told her that one day I was going to try out the fishing there.

On one recent Sunday morning I did just that.  I grabbed some worms, carp and catfish bait and decided to check it out. As fate would have it, I arrived there to find a few people  bird watching on the overlook. 

Well I couldn’t fish there so I took a walk around to see if there were any other access points and that’s when I found it. Hidden away behind low hanging trees and tall swaying reeds was the second overlook. This one had a very long walkway probably 50 feet or so through those same weeds and over the marsh. This overlook was smaller than the first one but it was perfect.

Now down to the fishing. My expectations were low but I found out quickly that the river is packed with many different varieties of fish. There were White Perch, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Bullhead Catfish, Spot, Stripped Bass and I even caught a Blue Crab. And they were all very hungry. Since I’ve started fishing there the worm (nightcrawler) has been king but pair it up with a small Killi (Killifish) and it’s deadly.

Now my hope is that these aren’t the biggest fish out there but it shows that you can catch fish on this river. By the way, there are also some massive carp swimming around in there. I saw them, I just didn’t get one.  Maybe next time. I have to admit I’m a believer!

Recently I learned that over the years there have been many initiatives to cleanup the river. Although I cannot claim to be an expert on these efforts I know that there are several organizations that might be able to say more about them. Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc. is a non-governmental group that is an honest and true advocate for the Hackensack River and its renewal. Check them out.  

DISCLAIMER: One important note. Everyone knows that Hook, Line & Skillet is all about consumption of the catch but the Urban Angle is about fishing locales that may be in areas close to city centers where the bodies of water and waterways have been a bit abused over the years. Even though the fish and wildlife are thriving in these areas again they still may not be suitable for consumption. I have read that New Jersey has a ban on eating any fish or shellfish from the Hackensack River. Please, before you consume any fish caught in your area make sure to check with your state’s game and wildlife departments for regulations.

Good Fishing   –Pete

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Inshore/Offshore

Posted on August 30, 2012 by hlskillet

Hey All,

Welcome to the new and improved Hook, Line & Skillet. In addition to a bit of a face lift, we will begin to present blog posts that follow similar subjects. Each will still involve the adventures of Pete Flores and include everything that you love about the show, travel, fishing and cooking, but we will include some new hooks on classic fishing stories. This first installment, Inshore/Offshore is about one of Pete’s favorite pastimes, party boat fishing. Enjoy!

Fishing on the Jersey Shore. Party Boats are always an option!

Two weekends ago I had a last minute urge to get out on the salt and do a little fishing, but since I don’t own my own salt water fishing boat I had to find some other way. Living in New Jersey there are many options for salt water fishing, the whole state is one big long coastline and you are never more than two hours from a beach. You can hit the surf, charter a boat or jump onto a party boat. Since I didn’t have a lot of time to plan, my good friend Danny and I chose a party boat. 


View Larger Map

We found ourselves in the Atlantic Highlands, just about an hour and fifteen minutes outside Manhattan; some of you might remember that we shot one of our episodes from there back in 2011. When we arrived we saw several boats ready to go at the Municipal Harbor Marina. We picked a local favorite known as the Atlantic Star. And Fluke was the name of the game.

The first thing I noticed about the boat was how clean and bright it was, not that cleanliness will help you catch more fish, but it’s nice to know that the appearance of the boat is important to the captain. The next thing or person I noticed was the Captain. Captain Tom Buban was out in front of his boat speaking to everyone who went by.

A nice guy, who did not lack for cheesy-but-funny one-liners, invited us aboard and right away made us feel at home. The mates were also very friendly and willing to help out with any issues we had.

One nice thing about fishing on a party boat is that you really don’t have to bring much other than some sun block and refreshments. For around $50 you get a half day out on the water, rod/tackle/ bait and on this boat, it got you entered into the pool. That day it was for the biggest fish.

We set out at 8 a.m. and spent most of our time just around the sandbar known as Sandy Hook and were in full view of the Verrazano Bridge the whole time. 

It took us about thirty minutes to get to our first hole and – people were catching fish right away.  At first it was a lot of “Shorts” and “Birds” (under sized fluke {17.5”} and Sea Robins), but soon people were catching some nice keepers. Most were using Spearing that the mates provided but some were using live Killies and strips of squid that they had brought.  It’s always pretty exciting when someone calls out for the net and the mate comes running. Paul, one of the mates on our side of the boat, did a great job netting our fish as well as helping to clean up some of our hookups and tangles caused by the drift. The one thing that people hate about these trips is when lines get hooked up, but in truth a little patience goes a long way. You have to remember that it’s all a part of the process. 

By the end of the trip there were a lot of keepers, one of which was mine.

 

It wasn’t the biggest on the boat but was enough for my dinner that night.  I spoke to a nice gentleman named Bill (he got two keepers himself) and asked him what he likes do with his catch. “I like to stuff it with a little seafood stuffing.”  Yum!  That sounded so good that I decided to do the same. Thanks for the idea Bill.

Shortly after catching my keeper the captain made the announce that we were heading back. That day sure went fast. All the good ones do. As we were making our way back in, the mates started cleaning the fish and had everyone ready to go by the time we got back to the marina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice job guys. Don’t forget to tip these folks. They work really hard to make your trip enjoyable.

 

 

 

 After we left the boat and were on our way home, I started thinking about the stuffing I was going to make for the fluke and decided on something very simple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used a little shrimp, some bread crumbs (whole wheat bread), onions, garlic, spices and of course a little Ocean (Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack). I wrapped it all up and threw it on the broiler. Man, I have to say, it was good.

 

 

If you want to try this dish from the pictures in this blog, go for it, but this recipe was so good that it’s going in the cookbook. You will just have to wait for that one.

If you’re interested to hear more about our trip or want to plan your own just email us at hlskillet@gmail.com and we will send you some info right away. I have to say it really is a great time.

Good fishing and good eating.

Pete

 

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The HLS Store is open!!!

Posted on April 6, 2012 by hlskillet

 

 

 Hey All,

The store is open for business. We are currently offering five items. Season 1 DVD, three seasoning blends and our awesome hot sauce. You can access the store through the HLS Store tab or through this link http://wp.me/P1yKKU-kD

All sales are processed through Paypal but you do not need a Paypal account.

Any question, comments or issues email us at hlskillet@gmail.com

Happy shopping

-Team HLS

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HLS, Back in production!

Posted on February 17, 2012 by hlskillet

Hey All,

We just wanted to let you know that HLS is going back into production. 2012 is already looking like a busy year, chock full of travel, fishing and cooking.

Starting us off is our return to Adirondacks for the Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby in Saranac Lake.  This is going to be a fun one, albeit a bit chilly. Pete will be competing in the annual event but more importantly he will be searching out some great ice fishing tips and some awesome recipes for the catch.  Have you been to this event before? Let us know about it.

Keep checking back for updates on other HLS productions.

And don’t forget that the HLS online store is up and running. Click on the HLS Store tab on our home page or just click here http://hooklineandskillet.com/hook-line-skillet-store/ Have  you tried any one of the Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack blends?  They are awesome!  

A fan of Ocean sent in a picture and had this to say,

“Yum! Chicken and Shrimp Fajita Salad using Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack (Ocean Blend)! The taste is phenomenal!” – Jillian Baden Bershtein

Chicken and Shrimp Fajita

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hook, Line & Skillet and Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack: Ocean, are Trademarks of Sinker Swim Productions LLC. All rights reserved 2012

Bringing you Travel, Fishing and Cooking since 2009. 

 

 

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Seven Fish (and shellfish) Dish for the Holidays.

Posted on December 21, 2011 by hlskillet

The other day I was thinking about the tradition of eating fish for the Christmas holiday. The Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes involved members of the family bringing a different fish dish to the table on Christmas Day. Eel, Squid, anchovies, smelt, octopus, salted cod and lobster would often be used.  I thought that it would be fun to combine this idea into one dish and serve it as a dinner for two.  I looked at several options and settled on a Bouillabaisse and although the Italians have versions of their own, I favor the French flavor!  Also I wanted to take the opportunity to use something off the Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack which includes Ocean, Lake and Stream.

I decided Ocean would be perfect with its hints of lemon, pepper and fennel. In truth it was the flavors of a Bouillabaisse that inspired the combination of spices in Ocean.

I collected the ingredients and got started.

 

First, I prepared a nice fish stock. In a large sauce pan, I heated olive oil. In that I sautéed the onions and celery for around 3 minutes. I added the garlic and cooked it for another minute or so. I added the bay leaf, peppercorns, fish bones, water, Ocean and dry white wine. I brought the liquid to a boil and reduced it to a simmer. It cooked for another 30 minutes. I removed it from the heat and strained it.

 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

Salt and pepper

2 cloves garlic

1 bay leaf

10 peppercorns

1 pound fish bones (I used red snapper and shrimp shells)

Water to cover

1 cup medium dry Riesling

2 tablespoons of Ocean-Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack

After the stock is finished I got started on the Bouillabaisse. I placed the stock back on the heat and brought it to a simmer. I added the saffron, leeks, tomatoes, fennel, garlic, and parsley.

 

Pinch of Saffron

1 cup leeks, julienned

1 can diced tomatoes drained. Liquid reserved.

1/2 cup fennel, julienned

2 tablespoons garlic, chopped

1 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper

1/2 pound of red fish

½ pound of Tilapia

1 large lobster

1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 mussels

12 little neck clams

Salt and pepper

 

 

I then added the fish, squid and lobster. Cooked it roughly 10 minutes added the shrimp, mussels, and clams. I cooked that for another 7 minutes. Note: Make sure all shells are open. Get rid of any that didn’t open. Lastly, I hit it with a little salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the Bouillabaisse is accompanied by crusty bread and a Rouille, a kind of creamy dipping sauce that is to be served with chunks of bread. In this recipe I make an extreme variation on a Rouille using extra virgin olive oil and Pete’s Cajun Fish Bait, pepper sauce. And yes they are perfect together.

 

Wisk together till emulsified:

¼ cup extra version olive oil

2 tablespoons Pete’s Cajun Fish Bait

And that’s the finished product. It’s a perfect little dish. And it’s pretty easy.  Try a variation of your own.  Just about any Ocean fish will work.

 

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

Pete

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A Fishy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2011 by hlskillet

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Here is an oldie but goodie if you are looking for something a bit different on Thanksgiving.

I was thinking the other day about an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. In honor of Hook, Line & Skillet, I decided to make fish the main course, while infusing some traditional elements of the holiday dinner.

I decided on stuffed salmon. People generally like it and the word “stuffed” brings to mind “stuffed turkey”. Trust me it works. I also prepare boiled potatoes with sage and nutmeg; parmesan broiled asparagus and a shrimp and cranberry sauté.

 I start by preparing the stuffing. This is very simple.

Easy to make!

 Sauté ½ of a small onion finely chopped and one finely chopped garlic clove in two tablespoons of butter. Combine the sautéed onions and garlic in a bowl with 1 cup bread crumbs (best if day old stuffing bread is used), 8oz of lump crab meat, 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Next, take one large filet of Alaskan wild sockeye salmon. Yes, that’s the healthy one.

Sharp Knife Needed

With a sharp knife, butterfly the filet creating a pocket for the stuffing.  Spoon the stuffing in the fish pocket and place on large olive oiled baking pan. Lightly oil the filet, salt and pepper and garnish with rosemary twigs and lemon slices.  Place in an oven preheated to 350 for 25-35 minutes.

Pretty!

Prepare the potatoes. Again very simple and the nutmeg adds a very exotic taste.

Nutmeg and Sage?

Start with small red potatoes boiled till tender, drain the water and while still hot add 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, pinch dried sage, pinch nutmeg. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently.

Prepare the asparagus. The combo of cheese, lemon and butter really make them yummy.

The Cheesier the better.

Blanch asparagus until it just starts to be come tender. Drain thoroughly and stack in baking dish. Place 3 pats of butter on asparagus then cover the asparagus with grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle about 1tsp of lemon juice on the asparagus. Place under broiler till the cheese begins to brown. Remove and serve.

Prepare the shrimp and cranberry sauté. Another infusion of traditional Thanksgiving with a twist.

Thanksgiving Fusion

Sauté ¼ small onion thinly sliced, 1 small garlic clove chopped in 2 tbsp of butter, add 1/2lb of peeled and de-veined shrimp, once shrimp is cooked add 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup of cranberry sauce and 1tbsp of lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley.

Put it all together and serve up to 4 people.

The finished product

The big plate

The little plate

Doesn’t that look great?  And it’s healthy.  The fun part about this dinner is that it can be made any time of the year for any type of celebration.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Pete

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What’s new with HLS? Check us out. We’re Back!

Posted on November 4, 2011 by hlskillet

Hi Everyone,

So we are back from hiatus and want to give you a few update on what’s happening with team HLS.

First off, we are getting ready to open the HLS online store. This will be the one stop shop for all HLS fun stuff, DVDs of season one, T-shirts, hats and other swag. But even more exciting we will be launching our hot sauce and seasoning blends. Just in time for the Holidays!

The hot sauce, called Pete’s Cajun Fish Bait is a tasty combo of classic Cheyenne and Indonesian peppers that’s sure to please. Just the right amount of heat and bursting with flavor this sauce is great on fish, chicken, beef and our favorite eggs. We say, “It might not help you catch more fish but it’s one hell of a hot sauce.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we’ve developed a collection of seasoning blends designed specifically for fish. Pete’s Seafood Seasoning Rack comes in three varieties,  Ocean, Lake and Stream. As you probably already guessed each blend is perfect for fish from those particular environments.

Ocean is a delicious blend of turmeric, lemon, fennel and others spices that’s perfect on your favorite ocean fish. Tuna, Tilapia, Mahi-Mahi, as well as shellfish, all taste better with Ocean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake is a spicy blend of paprika, thyme, oregano and sea salt that enhances the flavors of all the lake fish; bass, walleye, pike and catfish. Use it in your breading for frying or as a blackening rub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stream is a unique blend of dried dill, course sea salt, garlic and a hint of smoky paprika that forms the perfect accompaniment to river, stream and brook fish. Salmon, Steelhead, and all varieties of Trout taste better with Stream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very soon we will be sending out a note letting you know that the store is up and running. Also we are planning to post some instructional videos featuring our favorite ways to use Pete’s Cajun Fish Bait and the Seasoning Rack.

Keep checking back for updates on future productions and for more fishing, food and fun on the road with Hook, Line & Skillet.

Team HLS

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Season One is done, Now for the fun part, Season Two

Posted on July 2, 2011 by hlskillet

Wow! What a ride!

End of the Season

Our season one run on the Sportsman Channel is finished. We just want to say thanks to everyone who helped us get on the air and a very special thanks to the Sportsman Channel for taking a chance on a new show.

We are very proud of the work we did on Hook, Line & Skillet, bringing the viewers a new type of travel experience that takes you from inception to consumption. It was a concept that was met, initially, with some apprehension, but through the dedication to our vision we were able to show everyone that we really had something new to offer viewers.

Hook, Line & Skillet is a show all about a regular guy, Pete Flores and following him on the ride, the experience on the water, and the preparation of an easy and fun meal using the catch of the day. Yes, we take fish, but we are ever mindful of creel and size limits, state and local regulations, and the general welfare of the sport fishing industry as a whole. We take great care and pride in being part of it.

Season one is finished and after a deep breath, the fun work begins, and there are a lot of exciting things going on in our camp. First off, we are planning many new episodes and working on story ideas and locations for the next run. Although many viewers sent comments regarding places we should visit next, we could always use more. Send us and email to hlskillet@gmail.com and let us know why you think your area is perfect for Hook, Line & Skillet.

In addition to episode planning we are looking to get the Hook, Line & Skillet online store up and running. You will find a number of branded, Hook, Line & Skillet items for sale including season one DVDs, T-Shirts, hats, seafood seasoning blends and even a fantastic hot sauce. It’s still under construction but should be running within the next few weeks.

A second season run is our goal so keep an eye on hooklineandskillet.com for updates on Hook, Line & Skillet season two early in 2012. All aboard baby!

 

We would also like to wish all of our HLS fans and viewers a happy and safe 4th of July and should anyone be up in the Saranac Lake, NY area this weekend stop by the Eat and Meet Grill and Larder. Chef John Vargo will be serving up some great holiday grub and Pete Flores will be stopping by for a tasty Pike Po’Boy sandwich.

All the Best, Team HLS

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