preping pinks for the smoker...

[jbv]

i've got the fever and despite the lowly nature of pinks, i would like to get in on the bonanza and smoke some. the questions....

a) can you freeze them and smoke them at a later date? i would like to catch some, bring them home in a cooler on ice and freeze until ready to smoke. is this the usual technique? someone once told me you bleed them right away, but freeze them 'in the round' uncleaned. i have no idea.

b) once you've got a bunch of smoked pink salmon, how do you store it to make it last?

thanks eh.

 

[Big Green Machine]

Smoke them first them put them in food saver bags to freeze. Or smoke them and can them. Yes, you bleed them right after you catch them. Pinks do not freeze well for table fare, best to eat fresh ones right off the BBQ unless you smoke or can. But Always bleed your fish!

 

[wishiniwasfishin1]

And, always clean the fish before freezing...the sooner the better after catching.

 

[bigbruce]

I have frozen pinks before smoking and they have turned out just fine.

 

[Kildonan]

I have frozen pinks before smoking and they have turned out just fine.

Me too. No problem.

I bleed them, clean them, filet, vac seal and freeze.

I do my smoking in the Fall and have done Pinks this way a few times.

After smoking I vac seal and freeze (what isn't gobbled up instantly).