How To Clean A Fish

For some, the thought of leaning how to clean a fish is a non starter - They either prefer to not keep any fish or that someone else will do it for them. Why? Here are some common answers to that question: slippery / slimy fish, blood and guts everywhere, gills/fins can prick and cause minor wounds, don't know how to avoid leaving bones in the meat, and it can be hard to hold the fish still and not get cut by the knife. We will provide answers for these concerns and more. We will provide a list of pages that speak to all of these solutions so that you can learn how to clean a fish with more confidence, safely and with efficiency.

Stringer of Fish for Cleaning ,

How To Clean A Fish - Basics

The next thing to think about is where is the fillet located and how do I actually go about cutting it out and leave no bones. Here is a picture and the link to a page we have devoted to just that.

Fish Anatomy

First Things First

The two most important things to think about are a sharp and strong fillet knife and secondly a fillet board that is both sturdy and safe. We have several recommendations for sharp fillet knives from fixed blade types to electric. We prefer electric here at PFT. We also prefer and recommend one fillet board. It is commercially available at a reasonable price and answers the concerns addressed above overcoming the slimy/slippery ness of the fish, anchoring the fish head to the board so that it won't slip and get away from you, by anchoring the fish head you now can cut confidently and most efficiently down and away from the head to isolate your fillet. We will show you the fillet board next, and provide a link that discusses the different knives.

TWO WAY Fillet® - One of a Kind

This product has quickly become our go to fillet board and clamp. Why? We wanted a way to anchor a fish head to a board that was easy and safe. TWO WAY Fillet^® has addressed this by clamping on the lip of the fish, anchoring the head to their board in perfect fillet position., This means you are able to make your cut away from the anchored post. This gives you a free hand for the filleting process. It easily unsnaps and flips the fish over for side two. Truly a new innovation in the fish fillet board market - and is priced very competitively. We suggest you check it out.

TWO WAY Fillet® Patented Fillet Board and Clamp, Fillet A Better Way (White, Original)

We are an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase a product we recommended or another product while on Amazon, we may receive a small commission. Our staff recommends items that we have personally owned, used/tested, researched or we have fished with trusted anglers who recommend them. These products will not cost you any more than what is posted.

Potable Water

In addition to the most needed tools when learning how to clean a fish, and optional tools listed below, think about how you will rinse your fish fillets in clean water. Look for a sign at the cleaning station if you are not certain that the water source provides potable water.

Potable Water. This simply means safe for human consumption. If you are not sure, consider having 1-2 gallons of spring water with you in reserve for rinsing and transporting your catch in clean water.

Fish Cleaning Tools

Magma Products, T10-448B-HDP 48" Tournament Series Fish Cleaning Station

Become An Expert In Filleting

Now you know about the tools and supplies you might need to fillet your fish, click on these links to learn about the anatomy of fish, actual filleting techniques, and more specifics of how these other tools help make the perfect fillet: Whether you know how to clean a fish, or are new to this task, here are some additional resources for your review: