Thread: Question about keeping fish on ice

Fish are easier to fillet after being on ice.I usually rinse my fillets under cool water in sink checking for scales and then put in Tupperware container in fridge,I used to put salt but don't no reason why.I then the next day pour water off fish and freeze the fillets in water in freezer bags.

As the weather warms up and the crankbait bite heats up, I will pretty much every time I'm keeping fish for myself put them in a cooler of ice and clean them the next morning. They firm up, are easier to fillet and taste better. I also keep frozen 1/2 gallon milk jugs to put in my livewells to keep the fresh fish cold while on the water.

For clients' fish, I'll clean them immediately after the trip and advise them how to best keep them.

What they said.

Keeping fish on ice is not an issue, keep the water drained off them and keep them covered with ice.

Yeah as long as you keep the water off em they will keep in ice for as long as you want to wait to clean em

Learned this when I commercial fished for Speckled truly and Red fish on the gulf coast of south Texas back late 60's early 70's. Putting those fish on ice while they are alive causes all the blood to be drawn into their vital organs thus most of the flesh will be blood free and meat staf fresh longer. In those days we cut out the gills, cut a slit down the side of belly and removed guts. The heads were left on for two reasons, main reason they were displayed on a bed of ice in the market and if you left the spinal column intact you didn't have the moisture loss from the flesh. No reason to not put them on ice for a day or so before cleaning. I always do as others, fillet, put in bowl of water to fridge a day or so then cook or freeze.

Like everyone else said...keep on ice is not a problem at all...water in the ice...not so good.

i used to always clean immeditely but started putting on ice over night bout a yr ago noticed it was much easier to skin the fillets off. once cleaned i rinse well in cold water and put in bowl in frig for a day or two. usually changing the water once before i either eat or freeze. it really keeps those fillets firm keeping them in that cold water. also if u duck hunt i will do similar only i clean immediately once i get home. frozen ducks are harder to peel back. place breasts in a bowl in frig for about 2-3 days changing the water everyday. really helps drain the blood and soften the meat. makes less gamey for ppl who are on the fence bout duck meat