Hunting & Fishing Anyone build a smoker ?

[Drifter]

With all the Alaska fish harvest pictures, and critters I have seen here I know there is some smoking going on.

Was wondering what type of smoker you guys are using , and if anyone has built one would love to see some pics.

I am up on Kodiak Island, and just finished my sockeye net trip as well. i have been using a small electric smoker, but would love to build a decent sized unit that I can controll temp and smoke about 20 salmon in at a time. Now if I cut up four or five salmon the small racks in my smoker are completely full.

I have been looking all over the internet, but want to see what has been working here.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Anyone build a smoker ?

This is on my watch list

 

[LegioX]

Re: Anyone build a smoker ?

Drifter,
A lot of folks build a wood unit about outhouse size and use wire racks out of old refrigerators to lay your salmon on. Staple screen in the eaves and sections of the bottom to let air in/out. Stick a hot plate in and use an old frying pan with your chips in it.
The bigger it is the cooler the smoke.
And hope the bears don't invite themselves in....

 

[Drifter]

Re: Anyone build a smoker ?


That sounds about what I am looking to do. Haahaa , the bears...those bastards are all around my place. Hopefully the smoke will keep them out. They are fun to watch, and share the river with, But the mischef a 700lb raccoon can cause is unreal.

I have been looking at different plans, I am heading over to Anchorage next week and need to come up with a materials list. I am going to get this thing going before the silvers get here.
I have lots of smoking to do.

 

[Shortdraw]

Re: Anyone build a smoker ?

Mike, insulation is your friend as well as ability to keep the temps constant. You and I both know how bad the wind gets and I watch my temps drop by 20 degrees if the wind picks up. Propane is the best I've used. I have a commercial large box style Brinkman that was converted from charcoal to propane from a turkey fryer burner. Works good other than the lack of insulation. Beware of big outhouse style builds, the heat is spotty and you end up with too low of temps in my opinion. Cold smoking should be left to stainless steel and digital thermostat units. A friend of mine uses a steel drum with weber grill racks with better success than mine and his salmon is tops.

 

[Drifter]

Re: Anyone build a smoker ?


Jason,

I know exactly what you mean about the wind, there are definite weather limits for my Big chief , I need nice sunny days for it o hold temp. I would really like something about twice the size.

A 5' tall x 24 insulated, stainless box with thermostat would be the ticket. I would like to hold 160f steady. I am going to wave off on the cold smoker for now. I spent last night really researching the build, and have decided against going cold.