I have to admit, I am no fisherman, fisherwoman or fisher-anything. (Just a fish eater. ) In the past, I think I've held a fishing rod, maybe 3 times, catching tiny sunfish in one of the many lakes in Northern Ontario. So when I got the chance to cast a rod into Great Slave Lake, (high on the bucket list of many a seasoned angler) I was a tad concerned if I'd be up to the task. Greg Robertson, of Bluefish Services ( www.bluefishservices.ca) hosted Food Specialist, Rheanna Kish, and I for a fish fry, one of the services he offers. A retired accountant,Greg, has the calm happy vibe of someone living his dream. Greg boated us out to a secluded island, about 20 minutes from Yellowknife, in the Great Slave Lake. [caption id="attachment_2621" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Island fishing in Great Slave Lake Photo Adell Shneer"] [/caption] And then the fun began. After unloading all the equipment to turn our rock into a banquet hall, and under the guidance of Greg, I cast my rod. [caption id="attachment_2622" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Fishing in the Great Slave Lake-for real! Photo Rheanna Kish"] [/caption] Can you see I am a novice? Can you see the fish aren't at all afraid of me, because they know to swim away. After lots of practice casts, (and luckily without hooking anyone in the ear, or nose) I started to get the hang of it. Seasoned fisherman, know the thrill of the tug on the rod. They understand how to play with the fish, hook it, reel it in, I on the other was a dead beginner! Whether it was beginner's luck or a biting day in Great Slave, I got a tug and that immediate rush of adrenaline, I suppose all fishermen know all too well! I might have hooked a fish, (YES a BIG ONE!), but in fact after that one tug, I was hooked! [caption id="attachment_2623" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="My great big fish Photo Rheanna Kish "] [/caption] My enormous (can't you see how humungous he is) Northern Pike was a fighter. Soon he was released back into the water, realizing of course, that even novice's hooks are dangerous, but leaving me with the thrill of a lifetime. Rheanna was successful too, but much more relaxed about the whole deal! [caption id="attachment_2625" align="alignnone" width="266" caption="Rheanna's (less) Big Fish Photo Adell Shneer"] [/caption] In all, 4 of us caught about 9 fish. We kept 3 for dinner . Greg, our guide filleted, [caption id="attachment_2626" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Greg cleaning our fish Photo Rheanna Kish "] [/caption] Dredged... [caption id="attachment_2633" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Northern Pike and Whitefish ready for frying. Photo by Rheanna Kish "] [/caption] Fried... [caption id="attachment_2635" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Greg setting up the kitchen Photo Rheanna Kish"] [caption id="attachment_2629" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Photo Rheanna Kish"] [/caption] and served up, [caption id="attachment_2654" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Fish is up! Photo Rheanna Kish "] [/caption] a fish fry I will remember for a lifetime! Now I can add Fishing in The Great Slave Lake to my bucket list, and check it off! Have you ever fished in the NWT? What did you catch? Is it on your bucket list? Post a pic I'd love to see it! You can enjoy a delicious fish fry at home. Try these superb Canadian Living recipes: Cornmeal Fried Trout from "A Taste of Ontario"  October 2011 issue, on stands now! [caption id="attachment_2669" align="alignnone" width="533" caption="Cornmeal Fried Trout Canadian Living October 2011 "] [/caption] https://www.canadianliving.com/food/cornmeal_fried_trout.php https://www.canadianliving.com/food/quick_and_easy/catfish_fingers_with_cajun_mayonnaise.php https://www.canadianliving.com/food/pan_fried_fish_with_tartar_sauce.php