Thread: Best way to package fillets for the freezer?

How do you guys package your fillets for the freezer? I typically double bag them in freezer bags. It works well for me, but I just wondered how others do it. I would assume a vacuum sealer would be best, but I do not have one.

Are there other ways that work better?

Thanks!

i just put them in a ziploc brand freezer bag and fill with water over the fillets and freeze.worked fine so far

Originally Posted by 78mudbug

i just put them in a ziploc brand freezer bag and fill with water over the fillets and freeze.worked fine so far

x2 lasts the longest and best for flavor, but I don't eat frozen fish. Give em all away once they hit the freezer.

Originally Posted by crappiedoc

x2 lasts the longest and best for flavor, but I don't eat frozen fish. Give em all away once they hit the freezer.

I wish i were your neighbor.

x3 on single ziploc freezer bag filled with water. I have a vacuum sealer and rarely ever use it.

Vacuum is the way to go. Any other way and the fish are edible, but you can tell they have been frozen. I have cooked fish that were vacuumed and frozen for 6 months with fish I caught that day, and you couldn't tell which was which.

Vacuum is the only way to go. Now that being said, I read a post on the SC board the other day where a guy placed his fillets in a ziplcok bag and submerged the whole bag under water getting all the air out. Then he'd push out 1/2 of the water (or more ) out of the bag and zip it while still under the water. IMO, that would be even better than filling the bag full to help conserve freezer space plus they would thaw alot quicker when youre gonna cook 'em.

Originally Posted by gabowman

Vacuum is the only way to go. Now that being said, I read a post on the SC board the other day where a guy placed his fillets in a ziplcok bag and submerged the whole bag under water getting all the air out. Then he'd push out 1/2 of the water (or more ) out of the bag and zip it while still under the water. IMO, that would be even better than filling the bag full to help conserve freezer space plus they would thaw alot quicker when youre gonna cook 'em.

I think getting the air out is the secret to freezing in water. I always push the air out until water starts to come out of the top of the bag then I seal it. Had some fish last night that must have been good. There wasn't anything left. Even my brother's picky kids went back for seconds.

Originally Posted by gabowman

Vacuum is the only way to go. Now that being said, I read a post on the SC board the other day where a guy placed his fillets in a ziplcok bag and submerged the whole bag under water getting all the air out. Then he'd push out 1/2 of the water (or more ) out of the bag and zip it while still under the water. IMO, that would be even better than filling the bag full to help conserve freezer space plus they would thaw alot quicker when youre gonna cook 'em.

That is how I do it, works great for me. I even do that with other game as well but with deer ect. I dont leave any water (or very little) in the bag I let the water pressure force the air out. It's a por mans vaccum sealer.

Originally Posted by gabowman

Vacuum is the only way to go. Now that being said, I read a post on the SC board the other day where a guy placed his fillets in a ziplcok bag and submerged the whole bag under water getting all the air out. Then he'd push out 1/2 of the water (or more ) out of the bag and zip it while still under the water. IMO, that would be even better than filling the bag full to help conserve freezer space plus they would thaw alot quicker when youre gonna cook 'em.

this is what we do. 12 fillets per bag.