Tips For Using A Fillet Knife

If you have been a FishVault subscriber for any length of time, then chances are you have gotten a premium fillet knife in one of your boxes. Proper use of a fillet knife can make cleaning a fish a very simple process which ultimately enhances your dining experience. Listed below are 5 tips to consider the next time you need to use a fillet knife:

     1.  BLADE SIZE MATTERS: SELECT THE RIGHT FILLET KNIFE

The first step is to make sure you have the right blade. Anatomy matters -- when searching for a new fishing knife you want to make sure you know what types of fish you will be filleting. If you are filleting a trout, we suggest a smaller knife with a flexible blade. As you build up from there, larger fish require larger knives such as the 9-inch flex fillet knife, and once you get to fish with larger bones like many saltwater species, reach for stronger breaker style knives in the 8 to 12 inch range.

     2.  KEEP IT SHARP: SHARPENING A FILLET KNIFE

Once you have the right size knife, you need to make sure it stays sharp. Fillet knives are typically made with softer steels so hard structures like bones won’t chip the blade. This is a great feature, but that makes the knives lose their edge faster. Make sure you at least hone your knife before every use and sharpen your knife at least once a year, more if you use it often. We know that sharpening a knife is an art but it is an art worth learning!

     3. SPEND TIME LEARNING HOW TO CLEAN A FISH

Now that you have all your equipment and it’s time to fillet a fish, you’ll find there are many different techniques, especially if you refer to the place that everyone goes to learn anything these days, YouTube. Fishing guides are always knowledgeable as well. We encourage you to look at a few different methods, find what you prefer based on your fish’s size and shape, and be confident with your cuts. Like anything you invest time in, fileting a fish will become easier and your fillets will look better, after you get the hang of it.

     4.  POST CATCH CARE IS IMPORTANT. LEARN THE BEST WAY TO KEEP FISH FRESH 

The best tips for keeping your fish fresh start when the fish is in your hands. Once you are done cleaning your fish, run it through some cold water and set it in an ice water bath for a few minutes. Repeat this step until the water stops turning pink. proper storage of fish is also important to keep fish fresh. Vacuum sealing fish is a great way to extend the shelf life and when combined with these other tips for keeping your fish fresh, you can have great-tasting fish all year long.

     5. MULTIPLE KNIFE OPTIONS CAN MAKE FILLETING MUCH EASIER

Once you start to get proficient in filleting fish, you might find it beneficial to have more than one knife to handle specific tasks. A precise cut would require a smaller thinner knife, whereas the finishing cuts breaking the rib bones will require a thicker knife. Having at least two knives, a flexible fillet knife and a breaking fillet knife will be a large help to you.