Bleeding out a walleye

[Hookmaster]

After you make the cut, how long does it take to bleed out? Can I let them bleed out in my livewell or is it better to put them head down in a bucket?

[riverrat56]

Well if you want your livewell full of blood sure....

I don't "bleed out" any fish I clean, usually 1 fillet has some blood on it and the other is clean, a good rinse in cold water and they both look the same.

[hhguide]

I agree with RiverRat. Usually just clean the fish alittle cold water will clean them up real nice.

[slipperybob]

Why don't you just brain freeze them on ice?

[youngie22]

walleye have one of the lowest ratio of blood in their bodies, have never bleed only rinsed

[reddog]

I bleed em when I think of it. I like filleting them better if theyre bled. Considerable less mess.

When I bleed em, I do it in the livewell with rinse water, then into the cooler after about five minutes.

[candiru]

I prefer to bleed them. I cut the gills and then into ice water. Nothing like those perfectly white fillets when they are cleaned.

[Down Deep]

Most of the time I bleed them. Before heading in I slice the heart cavity and let them swim around in the livewell. When I get to shore I pull the plug and drain the water. I always hose out the livewell and have found no negative effect because of the blood. I don't know if it is better to bleed or not to bleed or if it affets taste but, the filets seem to be a brighter white.