Tuna Roll Recipe

Tuna Roll

(One of many ways to do it)

-As a lover of food and a bit out there I do not really measure. I am not a trained chef. I do by eye so bear with me and feel free to add your own personal twist. Each time it comes out a bit differently since I improvise with ingredients.

Makes 3 long rolls that you will need to cut up to the length you like. Cut at an angle for

better presentation. Makes about 20 pieces.

Need:

-Bamboo roller-Many supermarkets have in specialty food section. (Sushi Chef makes the one I know)

-Tuna-1 large steak or about ½ lb ( yellowfin, bluefin or bigeye preferred. Albacore ok as well.) Cut pieces into 1 ½”x 1”.

-Pint of white rice from Chinese restaurant unless you make yours sticky!

-Couple of scallion long leaves

-Pickled ginger (the pink stuff you get in the restaurant).

-Surprise ingredient-bunch of crispy fried Chinese noodles (in cello bag from restaurant)

-Creamy green wasabi sauce

-Soy sauce

-Sesame seeds-white or black (black is more dramatic)

-Sesame oil (optional)

Ok, now we have all the ingredients. Prep the ingredients:

-Take the scallions and ginger and dice up into very small pieces. Crush up the Chinese fried noodles. Add them all together in a small bowl. Add  1/1/2-2  tablespoons of green wasabi sauce, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and mix all together with your hand. Feels good to get fingers doused in this stuff. Remember to lick you fingers to adjust ingredients to taste. Put aside.

-Lets do the seaweed wrapper next. Take your bamboo roller. I would dampen it so the wrapper does not stick to it. Put it on wax paper or cutting board. Take a sheet of seaweed and lay out. Take the rice bit by bit and spread it out all over the wrapper like cream cheese on a bagel. (I’m from Long Island!) Not too thick and not too much since it will be too thick when wrapping. I would do one sheet at a time filling it and roll just to save space.

-Next add the tuna mix:

Take the tuna chunks and lay them across the sheet of seaweed/rice overlapping them a bit. Begin about 1 ½ inch from edge of the end of the bamboo roller where the rolling will begin. Then take and lay a thin layer of the extras ingredients on top of the tuna. Pat down with your hand so bond with each other. Set each roll aside for cutting afterward.

Now the fun part-rolling.

-I really can’t explain adequately here how to do this. But if you have rolled anything you can figure it our. But for starters, begin by a partial roll and bring the edge of the seaweed closest to the edge of the bamboo roller. Tuck the tuna mix into the beginning part. Continue to roll keeping a tight and firm pressure as you roll the mat along.

When done you should moisten the end edge of seaweed and press against the roll to keep it together. You can also roll it again after taking it from the bamboo roller to keep tight. You will find that the ends may squish out so just push back into the roll.

Cut:

-Make sure your knife is sharp or otherwise you will tear the wrapper as you cut it. Estimate how thick you like it. Me, I like about 1 ½ inch thick. Whatever you  prefer. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on the exposed ends of each piece.

Dipping sauce:

-Take 2 tablespoons of wasabi sauce, 8 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon or better yet, freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix together. Dip rolls and enjoy.

Note:

-Wish I took a video of this. Was a lot of fun and took a little practice to roll it all in the bamboo roller. (Remember Bamboo rolling papers. Similar, LOL)

-Spring rolls use similar ingredients. Just leave out rice, seaweed but need to buy Spring roil pre-cut sheets at local Asian market if you have one. Dollop a couple of large spoonfuls onto the sheet, and make a mini-burrito like shape. Brown quickly by turning

the rolls in a lightly oiled pan. Less is more since tuna cooks very quickly under a minute)

-If buying tuna, you don’t need the Toro or best loins since this will be mixed with other ingredients. They may even give you a better price is you take smaller steaks. If you find some muscle in these pieces simple cut out.

-Remember this is fun. If you want to add other ingredients, experiment and enjoy your creativity.

Enjoy

Jeff, bigmahi

PS-If you want to see where we fish go to my Facebook page and see the page header artwork. You will see a distinctive line which is the continental shelf. The finger to the left is where many Mid-Atlantic anglers go for tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo and summer pelagics.

Hello anglers!

The 2012 Tuna season is well upon us in the Northeast.
If you are like us, guessing weight of tuna is just that,  a guess.
How many times do we think the fish is bigger on the rod and once landed in the boat?
The fish is always smaller! I know, a bummer, but fun just the same!
Bragging rights aside, I have put together a simple chart based on a much more complicated MidAtlantic Fisheries chart.
I offer it to you as a way to quickly estimate the weight with a bit more basis than just a hunch.
One of the humorous aspects of the chart is the reference to the length of human arm and leg.
I hope you find this useful.
As I say on the chart-these are estimates!
Don't come back to me with lots of scientific data to argue.
Use it for fun and hopefully help in better estimating fish for that one of a lifetime!
Tight Lines Jeff, Twitter @bigmahi

Redemption at the Dip-Tuna!

 Who likes to get skunked? You do all the right stuff-watch the SST, follow the water, and get all the gear ready then with a wake and a prayer head out to the shelf break in search of tuna. That was the case two weeks ago with Ed Beren’s boat Boss III and his crew of Stan, Jitu, Kevin and yours truly. We had been following the latest body of warming water moving from the East which was 68 degrees. Yes, a bit cool, but it was the only game in town given that it was a much longer trip to the Southern Jersey Canyon where the action was hot and heavy. Who also doesn’t relish being the first to discover, work and succeed at catching a virgin body of water?

Well it did not happen.

Despite all, we were the only boat there, the water did not exceed 68 degrees and there was virtually no life for the entire trip.

Bummer, and then some.

So, fast forward to two weeks later, yesterday, and we decide to look at the lay of the sea again-SST, shots, weather window, water flow, and reports.

The water temps had climbed a few degrees, there appeared to be some circular motion,

weather forecast was good, and we had heard a report or two of fish taken at the Tails/Block Canyon a week or so earlier.

With renewed energy we left the dock at 3:30am Sunday headed 162 degrees for the Dip area where the SST showed a 72 degree break against 66 water. Good place to target. Aboard were Bossman Ed, Stan, John, Matt, Nat and YT .

After a relatively short ride of 2 hrs, at 32 knots, we began to look for life following the deploying of Ed’s spread which he lovingly configures, nutures and we credit to our success for today's catch.

Shortly afterward we begin to see puffs of mist. Pilot whales were in the vicinity and we could see them here and there all around us in the distance. Occasional pods of dolphin were also cavorting the area, and there were small bait balls on the screen. OK, now this was very encouraging. As we all discussed the conditions, thwack, thwack and thwack, three rods go off! Yeah baby. Clearing lines and fighting adrenaline we are all smiles working our fish to the boat. Minutes later we have three our season’s yellowfin at the boat. I had the gaff ready, but it turns out I did not need it. We had stumbled upon a class of 5th graders, that is, juvies. These aggressive fish collectively did not tip the scale over 25lbs!  Ok, whatever, we slipped the hooks out of their mouths and slid them back into the blue. Giving hi-fives all around and happy to begin the count for the season. We continued working the area and 20 mins later, same thing. Thwack, thwack, thwack. By noon we had over 30 juvies in the boat with the largest just over 27”.

Hmm, sharing one fish with 6 guys was only a mouthful or two for each guy.

By 2pm we had another dozen of these fish. Small yes, but aggressive as hell ripping off the riggers with the strength of a much larger fish. We were having lots of good action, everyone having multiple turns on the rods, strong sunshine on our bodies and great seas.

Would have made a charter captain happy!

But, here it comes; we figured there had to be bigger fish. The hungry juvies were probably getting to the spread faster than the larger fish but what to do? Nothing, just keep going.

Typical of most fishing trips you save the best for last. We were now calculating the time when we would have to head for the barn and that put pressure on us. Were we going to get a bigger one or not? Watching, discussing our options suddenly the long rigger goes off. Not a thwack, but a whack! Only one rod is hooked up.

John is closest and takes it on. Lines cleared and it is also clear this is a much bigger fish. Not quite the bigeye we were hoping for but bigger. It took a long run then began the fight to move it to the boat. 10 minutes later we have two gaffs ready. We see color and see a much larger size. Yes! I grab the bar and steady the fish and slowly bring it up to gaffing range. Nat is ready as well. In goes my gaff, and takes hold. Nat takes his shot and scores as well. Two minutes later we have a beautiful adult yellowfin! Size estimates ran from 65-80lbs. Nice round, big fish. Once aboard you could have heard congratulatory whoops all the way to the Middle Grounds. It was the cap off of a great day on the water. Now we all had a lot more than one mouthful of tuna to taste.

Ah, yes redemption. Love it when all goes to plan.

Thanks to Ed for his gracious hospitality, and Stan who took the wheel the entire trip.

Rest of crew was excellent. Running 9 lines and lots of crazy multiples we did not tangle nor have mishaps. All fish were in 600 foot of water just off the slope of the Dip in 72 degree water. Color of water was a blue, bluish green. Wanted that Gulf blue but did not find. We were running several bars in many colors. Green was best color. But have to give shout out to Bigfoot bars with birds. They did best, Jamie. Had large green jet, and squid chain and untouched bally. Most BUT the bally got hit at least once. Gotta wonder sometimes whether it is the collective action of all different lures, individual preference or just happenstance which gets hit. More to ponder.

But the key take-away from this trip is Redemption. We got our mojo back. Got to keep the faith, have a plan A&B, and stay with the fish. We kept on saying; don’t leave fish to find fish. In this case it was true indeed.

That water should be in the Hudson area next week. So, good luck to all heading out for their own redemption.

Not me in photo! Me taking it.

 

My Dad-He's Just Human

My Dad was center of my life growing up. I needed him to teach me, spend time with me, and support me. Looking back I can see how disappointed I had been at times. When I needed him to be there for MY purposes I did not think he was. It always seemed he was more interested in his own life than mine. I had a lot of issues with that and think I spend a lot of time trying to meet his expectations even though it did not seem he met mine. But, we did spend a lot of time together as a family. Many of my current passions of photography, fishing and love of life were inspired by him. Unfortunately we did not spend enough time together actually doing these activities. He would often go off and do his thing much to the disdain of my mom who had the 5 kids and home to handle.
Like the Harry Chapin song, I am now a father. I believe I am a good dad. I love my kids and often seek their companionship in doing what I want to do. Many times it is not what they want to do so we do have conflicts. I offer advice but will not do the task for them. I tell them to try first then I will help. This is often not appreciated. But I see it one way and they another.
I now understand more of what my dad probably experienced. it is easy to remember from one's own perspective and attribute
shortcomings to others. Now I look back and see that he was a human like myself who had his own dreams, desires and path. He took me along on his path, did try to teach, and loved me, but ultimately he had his ways. My son, now 26, regularly argues with me about things that happen with adults and does not yet see, as I  did not, that we change as we grow older. Our experiences shape us and the more we have the more distorted that shape can be from our childhood. I too now have my ways and path to follow and not always the same as my children.
As Father's Day is upon us, I plan to visit my dad with my kids, spend time with him and share a better understanding of
how we both as humans have come closer to each other and love each other for who we are.

New Eddy developing out of nowhere! May 27

Happy Memorial day. Take a minute to remember the wounded warriors and supreme sacrifices people made to defend the beliefs of the USA. Locally, I think of the 28 men who died aboard the Texas Tower 4 because of faulty construction and power of Nature's wrath.These men died defending our shores from incoming attacks. Rest In Peace.

It is truly mind-boggling. New 72-73 degree water is butting up against 66 degree water by the Dip area and towards the Hudson. Where did this come from? A little over 10 days ago nothing was to be seen then all of a sudden we have a curl of beautiful low 70's temp water that looks like an eddy will form drawing water from the nearby Gulf Stream.
Reports of a couple of boats with small YF by the Hudson this weekend.
So they are definitely in the forefront of this water.
One can never tell what Mother Nature will do nor when, so I guess the morale of the story is keep your eyes peeled for changes.
Have you boat ready to head out when you can.
Offshore is producing and looks good now and short term. But I am just an observer and report what is happening.Mother Nature is definitely in charge as usual and can confound us when she wants.
Good luck.

Eddy, Say It Ain't So!

12 May Water Update

Guys, you know I just love this stuff. Even if I can't get out, following the water is fascinating and I love analyzing it.
Back on April 3 my  thread on a couple of forums started and eddy water was out by Block Canyon..
This past weekend that same eddy water had made its way down to Wilmington and Poorman's where a bunch of boats gathered and harvested yellowfin,bluefin,mako and bigeye. Bluefin were caught recently in the Chicken Canyon and sighted by Shrewsbury Rocks last week. That is the good news.

Now the bad news.

Look at the temp map from May 12th. There is not one warm water eddy to be seen. You can see a small warm trail that leads to the water by Baltimore Canyon area where aall the tuna were caught the other days, and some 60 degree water off the Hudson but there is nothing but cold water out east where our eddys come from. Nothing as far as the eye can see. At least not now.
So what is in store for the tuna near term 30-50 days? Probably only bluefin. Next stop Coimcardi? (Coimbra+Bacardi), Princess?
Not that that is so bad but it certainly does not sit well with offshore canyon hungry anglers who are not likely to spend $1200 to catch the one recreationally BF allowed.
I hope that some water quickly vortexes and materializes into an eddy
out by Hydrographers by then. You know Mother nature, no telling.
Thanks to Terrafin for the use of its SST service map.

Fin It on Pin It! -Pinterest

Pinterest! Ok, another social tool to spend time with! But this is easy to be connected and share with just by using photos. So, thinking about all the good images I see that come and go on FB, Twitter, I figured let me start a community photo board about the fish we caught and call it

Fin It-I created this page on Pinterest. Welcome to my FaceBook friends,Pin It users and social network to send me a link of your favorite fish shot & I will add to the Fin It Board. Here is the link to see the beginning.  http://pinterest.com/bigmahi/fin-it/ This could be a cool thing. Lots of great shots used here that would be great there. I already added some from here. Take a look. Be sure to included your name so it can be part of the caption.

I am not sure how many images can be on a board but I hope to find out.