By R. Karl
...Panfish go by myriad names – like sunfish, sunperch, copperbelly or
bluegills – and are overlooked by many due to their “diminutive” size.
Over 100 of the little guys in about an hour’s worth of fishing is not
uncommon. Cleaning them is another matter: the size and anatomy of the
fish makes cleaning them something of a chore. But when I tasted the
results, it was I who was literally hooked.
I always make a point of setting aside some time just for bluegill
fishing and a fish fry. The best ones – if you can locate them – are
about the size of your hand and some go much larger! Filleting 'gills is
not difficult, but it does require some time because you need a lot for
a good fish fry. If you have a great spot for catching bluegills, it is
a tremendous way to get a kid hooked on fishing. The action can be fast
and furious when they start to hit, and it can be tough to keep your
line in the water. Sometimes the boat can be anchored and bobbers can be
used or, if the location is right, all the fun can be had from shore!
Start as you might normally start: place the fish belly side towards you
with the head of the fish on your left. Make the first cut down
and into the fish, just behind the pectoral fin and gill plate. See
Figure 1.
If you would like the entire step-by-step instructions
on Filleting Bluegills, along with a special recipe, they can be purchased and
downloaded for $1.99!
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Also available, step-by-step instructions on filleting
all four of the most popular freshwater gamefish (northern
pike,
walleye, smallmouth bass and bluegill) bundled as one
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Comments
from readers who have used these instructions:
"Thanks for your fish cleaning tips!" (S.G.)
"Good exhibits on filleting." (T & L)
"You're right! Cleaning blue gills is
easier than I thought!" (R.R.)
