Y-bones

[slabberknocker]

I know it is a little late now, but I would like to start going after northerns in the spring. I was wondering if there was any info or literature out there on how to get the y-bones out. I have always released northerns I have caught because I did not want to waste the fish by messing them up. I hate eating fish with bones in them. Thanks

[Guest]

The Y-bones are actually pretty easy to get out with a little practice. Maybe someone has a better way, but here's how I do it. I start with the filleted side up, feel for the ridge of bones just above the midline. Make a shallow cut just above that line at about a 45 degree angle towards the top of the fish. With a good knife you can feel the bones under the blade. You should end up "rolling" a long thin piece of meat off of the top of the fillet. Once this is off, start underneath the midline and cut again at about the same angle, underneath the same bones. you should be left with two fillets and a thing, triangular strip of bones.

[doc]

Check out www.northernpike.com they have a detailed explaination of how to Y-bone a pike. I have used this method It takes a little practice but I now have no problem keeping a pike to eat.

[slabberknocker]

Thanks you guys! It does seem fairly easy. I am sure it will take some practice though so i don't waste much meat. I like that HSOforum doc.