DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT A fisherman is at home wherever he can drop a line and catch the big one. Advertisement

I have heard stories for years about giant sturgeon being caught in British Columbia's Frasier River system, but have never seen one. My new fishing pal Dennis Wallace has the pictures and video to prove it.

I first met Dennis at Bass Pro's Las Vegas location; he does the in-store fishing demonstrations and has been a special guest on the Sportsman's Quest T.V. program. His knowledge goes beyond the store demonstrations, though, with years of field experience in both fresh and salt water.

This brings us to our story. Dennis and his childhood friend Doug Merridith grew up in California during the 1960s. They have been fishing together since they were 12 years old and started the Dublin, Calif., Junior Rod and Gun Club at the age of 14. As often happens, they lost track of each other after high school, both got married, had children and grandchildren. Nothing unusual so far.

One evening a few years ago, however, Dennis was playing with his CB and through long distance skip began a conversation with someone from Surry, B.C., Canada.

Dennis told this fellow that he knew a guy in B.C. named Doug. "My name is Doug." was the reply. Dennis then told this fellow that Doug had a friend named Dennis. Again, "I have a friend named Dennis," came back over the air. You've guessed it, these were the same two childhood friends -- small world stuff, and it is always amazing.

Doug invited Dennis to join him on a Frasier River salmon trip and they fished together once again. It was 1999 and they renewed their friendship as if they had seen each other yesterday. Some of us have had similar experiences and it's always amazing too.

But it wasn't over yet. As they crossed the Mission B.C. Bridge, Doug informed his old friend they were going to have a picnic the next day and view the river's sturgeon. They wouldn't need their fishing gear.

Those that know Dennis will understand, this is not what he really wanted to hear. They had been doing really well on the salmon and he wanted to fish -- he always wants to fish.

"I'll do it just for Doug and the family," he thought.

As they pulled into the parking lot the next morning they observed a young man fixin' up his boat for the day and inquired, "How's the fishing?"

"Good," replied the young man.

"Lookin' for a couple of fishermen?" Doug asked.

"Sure," was the waiting guide's reply. Dennis had been set up and all responded with a "Happy Birthday, Dennis."

The boat was ready with all the gear, rods, reels, waders and lunch. The first fish hit within 15 minutes. It was a soft bite and the guide advised "Let him eat it, then set the hook hard."

Dennis hit it, but was brought to a quick halt. It was as if he had tied into a rock. Then the fish came alive and began to tail walk up and down the river. He was in for a battle. An hour later they brought to shore a 6-and-a-half foot, 150-pound sturgeon, which they released.

That would have been enough, but then they tied into a "small" 75-pounder, and that would have been enough. In all they caught and released 20 fish weighing 75 to 165 pounds each, sometimes hooking doubles.

This was truly a trip that marks time and renews friendships. They have fished since and have many trips planned for the future. Both are truly "fishing fanatics" and both are amazing.

Note: Dennis, by the way, I have a birthday coming up and a full tank of gas. How's Doug doin'?

Library

Many books have been written about Earnest Hemingway and it seems another one is published every other month.

Most are not unique, all are interesting and I have no objection to keeping the legend alive.

But, Hemingway in Cuba, authored by his niece Hilary Hemingway, is an excellent addition to any Hemingway library. It covers his life from 1939 to 1960 and has over a hundred rare family photographs, most of which are new to this dedicated reader.

Following his winning of the Nobel Prize he pronounced himself a "Cubano Sato," an ordinary Cuban, and to this day they revere him as "Ernesto." Many feel that if he returned after all of these years he would find it relatively unchanged in its beauty and the character of its peoples.

This book is full of new insight into her uncle's life in Cuba, his passion for big game fishing, the women and the people who became part of his life. It gives background to his novel Islands in the Stream, and you will recognize Cojimar, the small fishing village featured in his best known work, The Old Man and the Sea.

There are also many new letters and other documents from the archives at his former home, Finca Vigia, now a unique museum that offers scholars an opportunity to examine his papers for the first time.

This is a marvelous read for anyone interested in his life, fishing and the early Cuban lifestyle. It's just a good read.

Events

*The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn Banquet is July 12, at South Point Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.. The auction will start at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.desertbighorn.com or call Paul Harris at 1-702-596-6849.

*ICAST, International Convention of Allied Sport Fishing Trades, will hold Follow your Instincts, the world's largest sport fishing tradeshow, July 16 - 18, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Recipe of week

Sturgeon are so unique and take so many years to mature that they certainly are a catch and release fish, but the boys caught a lot of salmon also, and here is one of Dennis's favorite recipes.

Note: Dennis, this would make an excellent riverside birthday dinner.

Caramelized Salmon

Four 8-oz salmon fillets, with skin; 2 Tbsp brown sugar; 2 Tbsp lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp salt;

Rinse salmon fillets, pat dry and place skin side down in a baking dish, mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl, press evenly into meat side of salmon and let rest in refrigerator or in ice chest for six hours.

Prepare grill for medium heat, grill salmon skin side down for 15 minutes, flip salmon and grill for five minutes watching carefully so it doesn't burn but glaze caramelizes. Enjoy with roasted new potatoes and a nice salad.

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If you have an adventure, a story or a comment give me a call at 727-9777 or e-mail me at dansimmons@usa.net.