State of maine released the things. Brook trout fry eating mofo,s. May of 98 I caught one where Baker brook and Sunkhaze stream merge. Didnt know Wtf it was till later in the day. hadnt been brook trout fishing since spring 83.
Lotsa brookie fisherman really ticked off about splake taking over brook trout systems and brookies disappearing.
Friends more serious about freshwater fish than me have targeted them, but I've not. I hate to think that fish that'd eat populations of wild fish would be intentionally introduced, but you know how that goes with some state DFG agencies...
"The Splake is a result of cross spawning Brook Trout with Lake Trout, The goal being to breed a fish which has the desirable characteristics of both species. Many such hybrids are sterile, but Splake is 1 of the exceptions. In appearance, it maintains the square tail of the Brook Trout, but the red speckles are less noticable and the markings on the back more closely resemble the Lake Trout. The fish has similar requirements to it's parents and food habits are similar. It will strike visciously at spinners, plugs or live bait and is a more sporting fish than either parent, often making spectacular leaps. The flesh is deep orange-red and has an excellent taste. Splake grow fast and are able to reach at least 7-8 pounds in many NH waters. This fish is currently known to occur in Long Pond of Lempster, NH. The NH state record is a 9 pound, 26.88 inch fish taken out of Crystal Lake in 1980."
I have caught what are called 'tiger' trout here in MA, also known as 'zebra' trout, which they stock.
"Tiger Trout are the result of crossing Male Brook Trout with Female Brown Trout. While such a cross does occur naturally, it is uncommon and this fish, along with the Splake, has been the subject of experimental stocking in the past.
-Massachusetts State Record is 9 lbs 7oz caught by Michael Shelton in 2004 at Peters Pond in Sandwich, MA
-Connecticut State Record is 7 lbs 1 oz caught by Jeffrey J. Smith in 2003 at Quassapaug Lake"
BTW, I looked at a map of where I think you shot that brute in ME based upon your naming a creek. A bit northeast of Bangor? If so, me and a few buddies and girls got lost somewhere in that area after a Pearl Jam show in '96 or thereabouts. I want to say at one point someone pointed out a sign that said, 'Entering China'. "Yep, we're definitely lost!"
Bout 20 miles NNE of Bangor.
T32md and T34md Know both areas well.
That splake I caught was about 3.5 to 4 pds. Had been trying to catch one of 2 of in a deep eddy for about and hour. They wouldnt nothing with any leader or split shot on the line. Finally went bare line and hook with a big beetle I found under a log by the bank. Trying to figure out how in the fugg to outwit these fish...
The one I caught went right after that beetle after sinking maybe 6 inches. I just yard hauled the fish outta the water fast with a big ole arc overhead.
Then the WTF is this began.
Went to county rd store on way back.
With a cock sticking outta my forehead asking em wtf is this.
Got the intial lowdown on splake then.
I ate it Corn meal , real butter in a cast iron pan Not flakey firm and white like a brookie at all. Pinkish alot and firm but blocky to break apart. Had that oily sheen on the tongue taste like a freshwater salmon. Never cared for fresh water salmon growing up. Didnt fish for em.
Brookies Small mouth bass. Pickerel / pike White perch.
And fugging alantic eel not by choice. .. Hate them things.....
Ate 3 bites of that splake. Lemon didn't help it. Or tartar sauce.
Let elmo our 1st cat feast on it after that. He probably ate 1.5 pds of it. Cat was in heaven.... Lol!!!
