About Fish Cleaning

Prior to going fishing, it is important to know how to clean the fish you plan on catching. Properly cleaned fish will help to prevent food-born illness. Cleaning fish also removes excess dirt, metals, slime and other possible contaminants on the fish's body. Cleaning a fish involves more than just washing it with water.

Function

Bleed the fish. Lift the gill plate and then, with a knife, cut along the gill cluster, severing it completely. Rinse off all the blood with purified or distilled water. Wash the fish several times in order to get all the grime and contaminants completely off. Use the dull part of the knife to scrape off the scales over the entire fish's body. Then, cut the fish on the underside from the head down to the tail. Remove all of the intestines and internal organs. Rinse the fish again on the inside, very thoroughly. If you choose, you can remove the head by cutting it off from above the collarbone. After removing the head, wash the fish again. You can then cook the fish to eat or store it in clean ice.

Considerations

You will need a fillet knife, large sharp knife and a clean dry area to work on. Use a plastic cutting board because it is easier to clean and wood will soak up too much bacteria. Keep a large trash can close by, especially if you plan on cleaning several fish.

Time Frame

It usually takes less than 20 minutes to clean one fish. Take your time, especially if this is your first time cleaning a fish. Cleaning a fish well is very involved because you need to bleed the fish and pay special attention to the section above the eye, if this was the area where the fish was killed. Most people will kill the fish by taking a screwdriver and stabbing the fish directly above eye. This kills the fish instantly by puncturing the brain.

Benefits

Fish that are cleaned properly are much safer to eat because early spoiling is less likely to happen. If even a small piece of intestine is left inside the fish, bacteria can spread rapidly. Properly cleaned fish also have fewer contaminants left on the skin.

Expert Insight

Ronnie Garrison, a freshwater fishing guide, says "If you put fish in ice overnight, the fillets will have less blood and improved taste." A good fillet knife can also be your best friend when cleaning and preparing fish.

Resources

• Fish cleaning tutorials
• Fishing guide
• Step by step tutorial