Frozen Fish

[ice_it_06]

What is the general rule or time frame to safely clean fish after frozen @ time of catch on the lake.

I put my catch in my hole shavings in a 5 gal bucket.They are cold and froze in due time at end of the day.

Have 2 day old frozen crappies I need to clean, wondering if they will be o.k.

Neighbor told me to put them in a garbage bag and thaw in the tub with cold water. Thought they should be fine for a week he said if froze asap @ catch and not thawed to any degree.

[Deitz Dittrich]

You should be fine, but I would not make a habbit of it.. I do my best to not let the fish freeze...

[bigbad401]

Good question, as I would like to know also. I usually clean mine within a day, but there are times when I have left them for two days and they have been fine and tasted fine.

[Jim Uran]

I always bring an extra bucket and just cover them in snow, if I'm too lazy and tired from a long days fishing when I get home, I'll repack the bucket with snow and leave it in the basement or ont he porch over night if it isn't frigid. In the morning, they are really in good shape. Some are even still twitching.

[catflisher]

I shy away from fish whose gills have gone grey..If they are still red, I am sure the fish is good..

[Jim Uran]

The snow works as a good insulator and prevents spoiling. Otherwise just clean them right away.

[CJH]

I just went through this and did the same thing with soaking in water. I figured as long as they were kept frozen, they couldn't be any worse than the few day old fish that is flown in to the grocery store.

[Sonicrunch]

I friend brought me back a couple of Northerns they caught Sunday. They were frozen on the ice right after they were caught, and have been frozen ever since. I am picking then up tomorrow.

So, you guys think then will not be safe to eat? I understand the quality won't be the best, but will they be suitable for consumption?

[frogtosser]

I dont like to let mine freeze but if they do I just thaw them in the morning and clean them. taste fine by me.

[hondarider550]

There have been occasions when I have had fish frozen by the end of fishing and when i get home am too tired to clean them... I just add more snow and keep them froze until the next day. They have turned out just fine and taste just as good...

[blackdog1101]

So, you guys think then will not be safe to eat? I understand the quality won't be the best, but will they be suitable for consumption?

Yes, absolutely no risk at all. Quality and flavor won't be compromised at all either. I don't get all the comments from people about not wanting a fish to freeze. There is no loss of quality, nor any consumption risks, presuming the fish was frozen without first being permitted to warm up. Your northerns will be just as good as if you had cleaned them on Sunday.

[Just Me]

I agree with black dog. Ive cleaned frozen fish, days frozen and can say they are just as tasty. I even kind of like alittle freeze to my fish. makes em easyer to clean

Just Me

[Sonicrunch]

Thanks guys.

[Sandmannd]

I freeze fish all the time if I get home late. Have had them froze for a week before. Took them out and let them thaw, not all the way, and then they are a lot easier to clean. You don't loose any tast IMO.

[bloc004]

You should treat the fish like you would treat them in your home freezer or fridge. Like stated before freezing doesnt affect anything unless you let them get burnt in the freezer. Also, if you keep the fish below 41 degrees you will keep it out of the "danger zone" and once thawed, will be good for a couple days, just like fish from the store.