Riverside gutting knife...

[Josh]

So, as I learn more about the process for actually harvesting fish (not something I've done much of at all in my life), it sounds like gutting and bleeding on the river is the way to go for salmon. Makes sense.

Do you all carry around a specific fillet knife for that sort of thing? Or just a decent sized sharp folding knife? As many of us do, I most always have a knife of some sort with me. But nothing fancy or fish specific.

 

[Evan B]

something sharp, prefferably with a handle.

Gutting/bleeding is not a precision effort, so doesn't take anything special. Use what you gots.

 

[troutstalker]

Hi, this was posted recently and might be of help. Fillet Knife Recommendations - https://pnwflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?threads/fillet-knife-recommendations.5945/

 

[Josh]

Hi, this was posted recently and might be of help. Fillet Knife Recommendations - https://pnwflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?threads/fillet-knife-recommendations.5945/

ah, nice. Missed this one somehow.

 

[Salmo_g]

I usually have some kind of folding knife on me or in my gear for this purpose, but I've often used my EDC small Swiss Army knife to bleed and gut a fish. It doesn't take much for that. I do the fillet work at home with the collection of knives I have for processing fish.

 

[Stonedfish]

I agree with comments of not needing anything special for this task.
I use an old folding knife I got free somewhere, but can’t remember where.
It’s been serviceable for about 20 years of use, mainly in saltwater. Small and light. I clean and wash after each trip.
The clip rusted off due but it still gets the job done for basic fish cleaning before the fillet knife comes out at home.
SF

 

[Rob Allen]

I am 100% for field cleaning but be careful in some locations it's not technically legal.
I'd be especially careful of filleting in the field because it destroys evidence of hatchery origin. I think it best to rip out the gills to bleed them then do a simple gut job then fillet at home.. besides then you can bake the skeleton and strip it clean as a snack

 

[_WW_]

Old Timer pocket knife. Going on 34 years now...

 

[Josh]

but be careful in some locations it's not technically legal.

I'll have to look into this, I wasn't aware. What's the reasoning?

I think it best to rip out the gills to bleed them then do a simple gut job then fillet at home

Yeah, that's my plan. No interest in trying to fillet on the rocks.

 

[G_Smolt]

Tough to beat a 3" Vickie for eternal sharpness and ease of use, IMO.

Check this out:Swiss Classic Paring Knife

Victorinox Swiss Classic Paring Knife - 6.7633 ++ Explore the world of perfect Swiss quality online ++ Home of the Original Swiss Army knife ++ Order online ++

www.victorinox.com

 

[Josh]

Tough to beat a 3" Vickie for eternal sharpness and ease of use, IMO.

Do you like the serrated for gutting work?

 

[Chucker]

One of these? I really like the spoon part on the back for getting the bloodline out of the fish. The gut hook also makes a much neater (and safer) job of cutting the belly. I’d really prefer one with a gut hook built into a blade, to be more versatile.

Mora Knives Fish Gutting Hook & Spoon, SS, Black Polypropylene Handle

Mora Knives Fish Gutting Hook & Spoon, SS, Black Polypropylene Handle

knifeworks.com

 

[G_Smolt]

Do you like the serrated for gutting work?

Yes. Sharp as hell out of the box, just clean / dry it before re-sheathing and it will stay that way for years.

 

[Matt B]

For bleeding and gutting, I've used a 4" fixed blade with a yellow plastic handle that I found in a river a long time ago. I made a little sheath for it out of cardboard and duct tape. Well, a couple of those sheaths. But I've realized on the tuna boat that I need a knife on my hip. I looked for a decent sheath for the knife I already have, and found that a decent sheath that I would trust not to stab me was going to cost more than a new cheap knife/sheath combo. Plus this thing is available in bad-ass, intimidating magenta! So I ordered one. Because of this thread.

 

[Josh]

One of these? I really like the spoon part on the back for getting the bloodline out of the fish. The gut hook also makes a much neater (and safer) job of cutting the belly. I’d really prefer one with a gut hook built into a blade, to be more versatile.

I've always been under the impression that gut hooks were more of a gimmick. But as admitted, I know little about this stuff. I just haven't seen any of my buddies use them.

 

[Josh]

If one is looking for a budget fixed blade of some sort, this seems really well reviewed on amazon and on reddit:

Amazon product ASIN B005EOJAKI
They also make a floating knife, which would perhaps be handy for a boat/lake. And on a river you could easily watch it float away! That said, I think the cork handle would get super gross and hard to clean.

Amazon product ASIN B085R8HL9M

 

[Divad]

A lightweight folding knife with angular grip. I use the grip edge for stripping out the kidney.

 

[Chucker]

I've always been under the impression that gut hooks were more of a gimmick. But as admitted, I know little about this stuff. I just haven't seen any of my buddies use them.

I have a small plastic gut hook with replaceable razor blade which gets used on the boat, and works really well. I was given it, and might never have tried it, but some of my crew members have a tendency to fillet themselves when given an actual knife.

Similar to this thing

DISPOSABLE GUT HOOKS 4 PK

This addition to Smith's hunting and specialty tools product line features high quality, stainless steel razor cutting blade and a blunt tip to avoid puncturing the gut. This product is light weight and compact and is perfect for the avid hunter looking for quality accessories at a great value.

smithsproducts.com

 

[CRO]

Just reach under the gill cover and break one of the gill rakers. works with salmonids. I wouldn't try this though with some saltwater fish. A small folding pocket knife is fine for cleaning on riverbnk.

 

[Zak]

If one is looking for a budget fixed blade of some sort, this seems really well reviewed on amazon and on reddit:

Amazon product ASIN B005EOJAKI
The also make a floating knife, which would be great for a boat/lake. And on a river you could easily watch it float away! That said, I think the cork handle would get super gross and hard to clean.

Amazon product ASIN B085R8HL9M

I have several of these Morakniv knives and they are a real bargain for a nice knife.