Best Internal Temp for smoking Fish

[Iceberg]

I have one receipe that says you need to smoke fish to an internal temp of 160 to 165
I have another receipe that calls for an internal temp of 145

I think the 160 to 165 temp makes the fish to dry, and the 145 temp the fish doesn't look done, but it is real moist.

I did my trout this weekend to an internal temp of 152, which I thought was just about right. But it that hot enough?

Is there a general rule of thumb for smoking fish?

[WoodChuck]

 ???  any smoked fish should have a internal temp of 160 deg. ! the only differance that i have seen is the thickness of the fish and how oily the fish is . with the oilier the fish there is the tendenacy to over smoke them ?  what i like to do is to pat the oil dry with a cheese cloth to remove the excess oil and drythem in an oven at 200 deg. for about an hour with the door slightly open .

                                      hope this helps ?

                                          woodchuck

[holdemtwice]

 WELL .........  I HAVE ALWAYS CURED MY FISH  WITH A SALT SOLUTION  BEFORE I SMOKE IT .  SO THE INTERNAL TEMP  DOES NOT MATTER  FOR ME.  BUT 160  IS BEST  IF YOU ARE COOKING  AND SMOKING IT !!!    WOODCHUCK HAS IT DOWN PAT !!

   HT

[Iceberg]

I did two different brines this weekend, one had to sit overnight and the other had to sit 1 1/2 to 2 days.

I pat dry and let air dry 1 hour before putting smoker


I put in the smoker @ 180 for 1/2 to 1 hour with "smoke off"
Then smoke at 180 to 200 until internal reaches what ever brine receipe call for.  I think 145 is not done enough, I just wanted some more opinions

Thanks Guys.....

[WoodChuck]

 also when i smoke , its done at 250 deg.and not on a day that is windy, raining or with high humidity! pretty much have to wait and wish for the perfect day ???????????

                                                 woodchuck

[holdemtwice]

 i smoke in any kind of weather . makes no difference to me. I hear what you r saying ice.It is always good  to hear from others  on their ideas .  good luck buddy .  enjoy the fish .. . .. .. . ...   

  ht

[Iceberg]

If this brine works out this time I'll post it, I have been tweaking it to my liking. 

[holdemtwice]

 SOUNDS GOOD !!  I AM ALWAYS  LOOKING FOOR A NEW BRINE . I HAVE A FEW I CAN SHARE WITH YOU  IF YOU WOULD LIKE .  JUST LET ME KNOW ..   HT

[Iceberg]

HT

I need to be in Burnsville Thursday Eve, to pick up some stuff at my Aunts, to deliver to my mom in Montana next week

 Want to meet somewhere?  She is just off  Burnsville Pkwy and Nicolett on Butternut Lane, I just might bring a sample of something I smoked...

[holdemtwice]

 sure  stop by the house  and  lets have a beer .   i am n ot far from there at all !!!  would like to meet you .   call me

  9522246833  scott

[Iceberg]

Sounds Good  Will call you tomorrow