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How to Clean and Prepare Your Catch

Preparing your fish begins when you catch it. To keep fish in good condition, you can keep it alive on a stringer or in a container that circulates water or has an aerator. You can also bleed the fish out and then place it into a cooler. Good, clean fish that has been kept well will be much better on your table.

After a successful day on the water, the next step is cleaning and preparing your fish for a fresh, delicious meal. Here are some essential fish cleaning tips to help you get started.

Remove the Scales

• The first step in cleaning fish is to remove the scales. Hold the fish by the tail and use the blunt edge of a knife or a fish scaler to scrape from the tail toward the head. Work carefully to remove all the scales on both sides. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water to wash away any loose scales.

Remove the Guts

• Next, you’ll need to remove the guts. Make a shallow cut along the belly of the fish from the anal fin to the gills. Open the fish and carefully remove the internal organs. Be sure to scrape out any blood and rinse the fish thoroughly to clean the cavity.

Fillet the Fish

• For easier cooking, many anglers prefer to fillet their catch. Lay the fish flat on a cutting board and make a cut behind the gills down to the backbone. Turn the knife and run it along the backbone to separate the fillet from the bones. Repeat on the other side. Once you have the fillets, remove the skin by sliding a knife between the flesh and the skin while holding the tail end. Many species have a thin layer of red meat just under the skin; if you let your fillet knife ride just above that red layer, you can remove the strong flavor of the blood.

Prepare for Cooking

Once the fish is clean, it’s ready to be cooked. Depending on your preferences, you can grill, bake, fry, or pan-sear your fillets. Season with herbs, lemon, and your favorite spices for a flavorful meal.

Properly cleaning and preparing fish ensures you enjoy the freshest possible catch. Following these fish cleaning tips will help you maintain the quality of the fish and savor a delicious, home-cooked meal.