How to Scale a Whole Fish

Scaling a fish is easier than you might think.

Catching and eating a fish can be a lot easier than scaling the fish. If you do it the right way, however, it can be an easier job than you may have thought.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cutting board or countertop
• Fish scaler or a large, heavy knife
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Place a large piece of wax paper on a clean cutting board or countertop.

2. Place the whole fish in the middle of the wax paper.

3. Hold the whole fish up by its tail. Grab your heavy knife or fish scaler and begin to rub from the tail to the head. If you are using a knife, be sure that you use the back of the knife and not the sharp part. You will begin to see the scales popping off the fish. If you are using a fish scaler, you might want to wash it a couple of times in between scaling. Turn fish over and continue to remove scales.

4. Rinse entire fish in cold water to remove any of the remaining loose scales.

5. Place the fish inside a container and throw away the wax paper. Clean the counter or cutting board with hot water and soap. Wash your hands thoroughly. Your fish is now completely scaleless.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not want to scale your fish, bring it to your local fishmonger or fish market and have them do it.

• Be completely sure that the fish is fresh. If there is any fishy smell to it, then the fish is not fresh.