Thread: Techniques to fillet a crappie

In this video, I walk through the steps I take to fillet a crappie and get it ready for the frying pan. I would like to hear how you prepare your fish. Also, I will be filming a bluegill catch and cook video this weekend and need some recipe ideas (other than frying in oil).

Hope you enjoy the video!
-Flopping Crappie

Our techniques are very similar. Nice video

I do it pretty close to that only I scale it first and then leave the skin on.

Originally Posted by ad1974

I do it pretty close to that only I scale it first and then leave the skin on.

Any extra flavor when you leave the skin on?

Originally Posted by floppingcrappie

Any extra flavor when you leave the skin on?

When the fish are cooked fresh, yes ... I do find that leaving the skin on does add a light "nutty" taste to Crappie. That's one reason I sometimes clean them "old school" (scaling/gutting/removing head) ... especially if I'm going to fry them shortly thereafter, for myself. If there's any chance I'm not the only one that will be eating them, then they get filleted.

BUT .... that "nutty" taste, when leaving the skin on, can easily be overwhelmed by any heavy breading/batter or added flavorings. A light coating of yellow corn meal works fine & adds no extra flavor to the fish.

Nice video!

I have used a Rapala wood handle fillet knife in the past. I now use an American Angler electric fillet knife for me it is just a lots faster not to say it is any better than using a traditional fillet knife like you use.

Originally Posted by scrat

I have used a Rapala wood handle fillet knife in the past. I now use an American Angler electric fillet knife for me it is just a lots faster not to say it is any better than using a traditional fillet knife like you use.

I only had two fish to cut up, maybe if I had 20 and electric knife would have been better. Although, I prefer the old school way of doing certain things like cutting up a fish.

I've seen it done that way, but you better be carefully cutting in the direction of that other hand, them fillet knifes are dangerous. We were told never to cut toward your other hand, dad didn't to take us to get sowed up at the doctor. Now I'm going to go catch me some crappie....

Matthew, is right about not cutting toward the other hand. I know a live fish will be flopping around and you would have a problem holding it down to work your knife. Good video and info.