How to Debone a Northern Pike

Northern pike is tender, flaky and full of annoying little bones. With the right know-how, you can completely debone your northern pike and enjoy its cold-water flavor without too much hassle.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp fillet knife with a flexible, long blade Newspaper

Instructions

1. Fillet your northern pike, then place it onto a large sheet of newspaper.

2. Find the ends of the "Y" bones. They should look like several white dots and can be felt when you run your fingers over the fillet.

3. Use a sharp fillet knife to cut along the outside of either side of the "Y" bones. Follow the curvature of the bones as you cut all the way through the fillet.

4. Make two cuts above the area where the "Y" bones end near the vent of the fish.

5. Remove the strip of flesh above the "Y" bone and discard.

6. Remove the bone from the fillet.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a fish knife with a long, thin, flexible blade. Be sure to sharpen it before using it to fillet or debone. Keep the fish cool while you are deboning it to ensure it remains fresh.

• Always debone fish on a flat, nonslippery surface. Make cuts away from your body to avoid injury.

References

• Instructions to Fillet a Fish
• More on Deboning a Northern Pike
• Video Instructions to Debone a Northern Pike