Fishy Chips

We decided to go fishing at Shelby Forrest, a State Park in Memphis. We caught the Mississippi River and the day started out very cool. We started out very early as we typically do. I was very excited. I don’t know why I get so excited for one…new fishing spots and two…large bodies of water. Well, to say the least, we didn’t catch anything. We made the call to change locations and drove to downtown Memphis. We went behind the pyramid and got situated amongst the large rocks on the bank.

We almost met the same fate. In fact, some might say we still cid! But, I’m a lemon-lemonade type of girl. We kept catching “bait” fish and/or fish so small that they’re really not worth keeping. However, so many of these fish were swallowing the hooks and were just not going to survive. So I suggested we keep them. My husband thought I was crazy…well, I might be but sometimes it pays off; even if the pay is small.

I started reminding him of my goal to catch and cook and taste as many types of fish as possible. I’d read about fishermen frying up small fish whole, only removing the scales. So I decided I would try it and because I have a habit of naming certain things I told my husband I was going to make some fishy chips. He just shook his head. I’m not sure if he could visualize what I actually had in mind. And many might feel it’s gross. But I scaled the small fish, cleaned them, breaded them and yes…put them in some hot grease and fishy chips became a great snack/lunch!

I cooked them hard with eyes and guts and all and when I ate them they were crunchy and small like chips. The old man river provided yet another meal. My husband probably thought I should be ashamed. But I have no regret…nor any justification. Only can say, we kept the ones that weren’t going to make it.