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Panfish Fishing

Filleting Panfish

2/4/25 @ 4:10 PM
INITIAL POST
xlesox
User since 3/13/09

I go on several fishing trips a year and I end up "volunteering'" to clean a lot of fish for the entire group, which typically mean filleting a LOT of panfish.  I am looking for suggestions for the best fillet knife for this purpose in terms of being ultra-sharp and holding and edge.  Also, any advice on the best knife sharpener to easily get a very sharp knife.  There is a huge difference between filleting with a "pretty sharp" knife and a "really sharp" knife.  You really notice the difference when you have a great big pile of bluegills in front of you.

Thank you in advance for your help with my fish cleaning!

Displaying 1 to 8 of 8 posts
4/9/26 @ 8:58 PM
gobbler
User since 6/30/01
Can't even guess how many fish I've cleaned in last 40 years as my friend and I won't let anyone else clean . Have always usedthe old rapala and say every 6 fish run through the cheap red sharpener thst comes with knife sharp as day bought.

3/15/25 @ 5:55 PM
3/12/25 @ 4:49 PM
JamesD
JamesD
PRO MEMBER User since 2/16/04
I'm like the previous poster using a ceramic stone sharpening my knifes the old fashioned way. I bought the smaller Rapala fillet knife and then bought a Wustof brand on sale at the old Gander Mountain. I like both but have started to "choke up" on the longer blade for the smaller fish and find it works just fine. I can't see going electric because the fine tipped blades of a regular knife and regular practice cleaning perch has upped my game already. Practice, practice, practice.....My corded electric fillet knife comes out at Thanksgiving for turkey and also works great on the Easter ham.

2/10/25 @ 2:33 PM
Fishlovme
Fishlovme
PRO MEMBER User since 6/22/01
I highly recommend the Rapala R2 Lithium fillet knife and pair it with their old-school Rapala fillet knife for removing the fillets off the skin.  That's my preference anyway, some like to just use the serrated knife on the lithium fillet knife.  Far as knife sharperners, I can't really help you.  None of them have been as good as I want.  An old fashioned stone, getting it wet, is probably the best that I've used.

2/5/25 @ 7:49 PM
xlesox
User since 3/13/09
Mr. Seaguar,
I have been considering the Bubba lithium for just that reason, the thin flexible blade.  Most electrics have very stiff blades, which are not great for the finesse needed for panfish.  Thank you Mr. S and everybody else for your responses.

2/5/25 @ 1:25 PM
Mr.Seaguar
PRO MEMBER User since 2/5/05
I have the Bubba lithium Ion cordless. I use the smallest blades and I love it. The blades flex nicely so I am able to make cuts that I am happy with. The filets come out great. Good luck. Cleaning fish is a chose of love when you do it for others. 

2/4/25 @ 6:31 PM
eyesman
eyesman
User since 1/7/02
I tumbler scale panfish and use a 6” Rapala fillet knife. I keep it sharp with a Chef’s Choice sharpener and a honing steel. 

Displaying 1 to 8 of 8 posts
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