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Here’s what we got for you today:

• Do you really need a Traeger to make delicious smoked fish? 🍽️

• Find out what happens when you fish with a full raw chicken 🐔

• Florida lives up to its expectations - a three legged alligator was spotted and removed from a local fishing hole 🐊

• Scroll To The Bottom - we have an unreal referral program and are giving away free Early Bird Fishing stickers, neck gaiters, and boonie hats 💸

When it comes to smoking fish, Traeger grills get a lot of attention, but are they really necessary? The truth is, the real key to mouth-watering smoked fish isn’t the grill—it’s the quality of the fish and a good brine.

Traeger grills make smoking easy with their automated temperature control and wood pellet system, which is great for beginners. But even the fanciest grill can’t make up for poor-quality fish or a lackluster brine. The most important factor in achieving delicious smoked fish is starting with fresh, high-quality fillets and using a brine that enhances the natural flavors.

A Simple Brine Recipe

A solid brine makes all the difference in locking in moisture and adding flavor. Here’s an easy recipe to elevate your smoked fish:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of cold water

• 1 cup kosher salt

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 4 smashed garlic cloves

• 3 bay leaves

• A splash of lemon juice (optional for a citrus kick)

Mix all the ingredients until the salt and sugar dissolve. Submerge your fish fillets and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours, depending on their thickness. This brine will infuse your fish with the perfect balance of salt, sweetness, and spice.

In the end, no expensive grill can outshine fresh fish paired with the right brine. A basic smoker or even a DIY setup can give you incredible smoked fish without breaking the bank. The magic is in the catch and the care you put into preparing it.

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• Patagonia has a documentary on the impacts of hatchery fish on wild fish populations. It’s absolutely eye-opening and at times heartbreaking. Watch it on YouTube here.

• A three-legged alligator was removed from this fishing hole in Florida. Only in Florida…

• This KastKing 6 Piece Fishing Tool Kit is on sale at Amazon for their Labor Day Weekend special. Grab it now before they sell out.

• This guy goes fishing with a full chicken:

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CHEF’S KISS

🔥 A next level Alder Smoked Salmon recipe from Wildwood Grilling.

🐊 Ever tried Alligator on a stick?:

🐊 Our friend at SouthernVibinCooks shows the A to Z on how to cook a full alligator. Worth the watch and doesn’t look half bad.

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