For avid anglers and seafood enthusiasts, there's nothing quite as satisfying as catching and preparing a fresh catch of speckled trout and redfish. To fully enjoy these delicious fish, mastering the art of filleting is essential.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of filleting speckled trout and redfish using the Bubba Blade 9″ Tapered Flex Knife, a reliable tool renowned for its precision and durability.
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools
Before you start filleting, gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Apart from the 9″ Tapered Fillet Knife by Bubba Blade, you'll need a sturdy cutting board, a sharpener, and a pair of fish grippers to hold the fish securely.
Step 2: Preparing the fish
Begin by placing the speckled trout or redfish on the cutting board. Ensure that the fish is cleaned and scaled properly. If necessary, rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel. This will provide better grip and visibility during the filleting process.
Step 3: Creating the initial incision
Hold the fish firmly by its tail using the fish grippers, ensuring that the head is facing away from you. Using the Bubba Blade, make a shallow incision just behind the pectoral fin (the fin on the side of the fish) and cut toward the head. This initial cut will guide the rest of the filleting process.
Step 4: Removing the skin
Now, grip the tail of the fish firmly and hold the knife at a slight angle. Insert the knife between the flesh and the skin at the initial incision point. Apply gentle pressure and begin to slide the knife along the length of the fish, separating the flesh from the skin. Continue this motion, ensuring that the knife remains parallel to the cutting board until you reach the tail.
Step 5: Filleting the fish
With the skin removed, flip the fish over so that the fillet side is facing up. Starting at the tail, insert the knife at the edge of the fillet and slice along the backbone, maintaining a slight angle. Use smooth, fluid strokes and let the knife do the work, allowing the tapered edge to cut through the bones easily. Follow the natural curvature of the fish and continue slicing until you reach the rib cage.
Step 6: Removing the rib cage
To remove the rib cage, insert the knife under the rib bones at the top of the fillet. Hold the knife at a shallow angle and gently lift the rib bones as you slide the knife along the bones, separating the fillet from the rib cage. Be careful not to remove too much flesh during this process.
Step 7: Repeat on the other side
After completing the fillet on one side, flip the fish over and repeat the process on the other side. Ensure that the initial incision is made in the same position as before, just behind the pectoral fin.
Step 8: Finishing touches
Once both fillets are removed, inspect them for any remaining bones or scales. Use the knife or tweezers to remove any leftover bones. Rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any debris, and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 9: Sharpen and maintain your knife
After filleting, it's crucial to sharpen and maintain your knife for future use. Bubba Blade provides a knife sharpener designed specifically for their knives. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your knife remains in optimal condition. You can find high-quality knife sharpeners here to keep your tool sharp and ready for the next catch.
Wrapping Up
Filleting speckled trout and redfish requires skill, practice, and the right tools. The Bubba Blade 9″ Tapered Flex Knife is an excellent choice, providing the precision and durability needed for the task. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you'll be able to expertly fillet these popular game fish, ensuring you can enjoy their succulent flavors to the fullest.
