Butchered my first crappie....

[Kylersk]

After fishing for about 12 hours this year, I finally caught one I kept. Tonight the bite was steady, but mostly small. One of the first fish I caught was a decent one, 10.5" or so, so I kept it. Didnt catch anything worth keeping after that though. So, once at home, I attempt to fillet it. It didnt turn out well, but my daughter and I each had one SMALL bite to eat. I think the last time I cleaned a fish, I was 12 years old and that was over 20 years ago.

[CJC]

Buy a good filet knife and keep practicing (try a smaller knife?)>

[delmuts]

don't feel bad . i ate many of those little chips at first too! it does take some time to get a feel for getting next to the spine( with out cutting through) and following it . one of the biggest things is to keep your knife sharp.don't exspect to be fast. just carefull at the start. and , some times even after cleaning many fish; you will still slip and mangle one too i started with a shorter fillet knife. it was ok for the little fish, but when you get into the bigger crappies or gils you will be short . i like the rapala with a 7"(?) blade, but keep it sharp! del

[Mike89]

I agree with the small knife. A good quality one too. Go slow and you will do fine. Maybe someone by St. Boni area could help you out. If you are in the Osakis area I'd try. Good luck and keep the kids fishing!! Mike

[fishnutbob]

I think I can help, I live three miles north of St Boni email me if you need help [email protected] Those small chips are very tasty the only problem you need a large sack of spuds to make a meal, but spuds are cheap.

[Cheers]

try an electric fnife it makes the job much easer as you can cut through the bones with ease. Just be carefull not to cut through the back bone. When you get to the tail keep going and try to get at least a part of the tail attached this makes a good handle to grip when removing the skin.

[Northlander]

I love my electric knife for all sorts of fish. It makes quick work of Perch and Crappies. As stated go slow until you get the hang of it. You can buzz threw little backbones real quick if your not carefull. Get one that is cordless and can charge inside or in your cars cig. lighter.

[Mike89]

I use an electric knife too and love it. But for starting out I would think a good knife and slow first. It can be to easy to cut right though a back of a pan fish. As long as one learns you can't go wrong!! Mike

[federline]

I like my 7" Rapala, too... Alright, I see these electric knives in the stores. We have one must be 50 years old in our kitchen, a real war tank, 110v, dual reciprocating blades. I use it to carve birds for occasions. Been thinking about using it on my catches. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, tell me if you think there's a difference between the way it cuts and the ones in plastic hanging in the stores.

[kslipsinker]

I started with an old electric carving knife, and have never used a manual knife since. I timed myself on 20 sunfish. 20 minutes from start to finish, and that includes washing the fillets. Skinless and boneless. My favorite is an American Angler electric knife with Mister twister blades.

[juggs]

Another vote for electric. Once you go AC, you'll never go back.