Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Someplace just to show that reel collectors do have a life
Post Reply
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

Today I filleted my very first Smallmouth bass. Please let me know how I did. Be honest. Here is the video:
https://youtu.be/NYTcDGSeQhY
User avatar
kingfisher
Super Board Poster
Posts: 714
Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2008 8:20 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by kingfisher »

I've seen worse but you can do with some tutelage. Watch the professionals at the fish markets for the perfect fillet and you will be an expert too.
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

Thanks. Ya I kinda manhandled that bass. It was also frozen so maybe a fresh one will do better. I might buy a few whole ones and try again.
Reel Geezer
Ultra Board Poster
Posts: 2313
Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2003 11:06 pm
Location: On the Snake River or Lake Lowell
Contact:

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Reel Geezer »

I might buy a few whole ones and try again.
Where do you buy smallmouth bass?
If we concentrated on the really important things in life there would be a shortage of fishing tackle

Phil White
ORCA Honorary Life Member
User avatar
Wayne B.
Super Board Poster
Posts: 1024
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:46 am
Location: Virginia Beach
Contact:

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Wayne B. »

Billy Berrill wrote:It was also frozen so maybe a fresh one will do better.
Looking at the texture of your fish, I have to agree a fresh one would yield better results.

Time to go fishing!
Wayne Benson
ORCA Member, 2009
Waynesreelcollectibles.weebly.com
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

Can't wait to get back out there
User avatar
john elder
Star Board Poster
Posts: 8541
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:44 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by john elder »

I think you did fine, Billy! Not an easy job if it's not a lunker. The guy at the fish market isn't doing two or three fish a month....he gets lots of practice and is doing it on fish with a heck of a lot more meat!
ORCA member since 1999
Honorary Life Member

Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

thanks. Here is a picture of how my bass and chips turned out.
User avatar
WeeKilt
Frequent Board Poster
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:35 pm
Location: Arden, NC

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by WeeKilt »

There are some great videos on YouTube about filleting fish and techniques. I'd agree with others that experience is by far the best teacher. I'm always amazed at how quickly mates filet fish at the docks when we saltwater fish on head boats. They certainly get lots of experience! My technique is not nearly as good, but I am trying to keep as much meat as possible, so slow is ok. Good for you for learning!

I will add that a sharp as in "razor-sharp" knife is a must, and the thinner the better.

Tight lines,
Keith
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

WeeKilt wrote:There are some great videos on YouTube about filleting fish and techniques. I'd agree with others that experience is by far the best teacher. I'm always amazed at how quickly mates filet fish at the docks when we saltwater fish on head boats. They certainly get lots of experience! My technique is not nearly as good, but I am trying to keep as much meat as possible, so slow is ok. Good for you for learning!

I will add that a sharp as in "razor-sharp" knife is a must, and the thinner the better.

Tight lines,
Keith
I'll keep practicing. The knife I used was ultra thin. I put it to the whetstone before each use.
User avatar
WeeKilt
Frequent Board Poster
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:35 pm
Location: Arden, NC

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by WeeKilt »

I thought you did well! Keep filleting! You'll rock!
Billy Berrill
Big ORCA Fan
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:04 pm

Re: Filleting A Smallmouth Bass

Post by Billy Berrill »

WeeKilt wrote:I thought you did well! Keep filleting! You'll rock!
Thanks. I'll keep pumping out more videos when I can as well
Post Reply