How to fillet a fluke

[Angler Paul]

There are several ways to fillet a fluke but here is a short video of how I usually do it. I figured it would be timely as fluke season just opened.
Paul Haertel
JCAA Board Member/Past President

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YergTmWBOT4

[SaltLife1980]

I do mine a little different. I start with making a cut across the tail. Then slide the blade up the backbone then work the knife towards the side. Then slide the knife back in facing the other way and work out to the other side. Then make my cut behind the head and across and remove fillet. Then flip over and repeat. Just have to do it the way you feel most comfortable. Some like to make a cut down the middle of the fish and work the knife out on each side to end with 4 fillets.

[bulletbob]

That works well enough, but personally to me it seems like more of a hassle than its worth having the fillet in one piece.. Its paper thin down the center, and breaks apart into 2 pieces anyway.

I make a single cut directly down the spine, make the same angle cuts as shown, then cut the separate fillets away starting from the backbone to each side.. Takes less than a minute a fish, including skinning them... bob

[Pennsy Guy]

When I'm fortunate enough to get a keeper, I let the mates do it....but then I only fish a PB.....but that video makes it look super easy.....

[Angler Paul]

I do mine a little different. I start with making a cut across the tail. Then slide the blade up the backbone then work the knife towards the side. Then slide the knife back in facing the other way and work out to the other side. Then make my cut behind the head and across and remove fillet. Then flip over and repeat.
That is an excellent way to do it but I did not want to do a video showing how to do it that way because as you are pointing the knife towards the head and cutting the knife is also kind of pointed towards your other hand as well.

[SaltLife1980]

That is an excellent way to do it but I did not want to do a video showing how to do it that way because as you are pointing the knife towards the head and cutting the knife is also kind of pointed towards your other hand as well.

Yes you have to be careful when working the knife out. I paid the price a few times and was rewarded with stitches. I wear a cutting glove now.

[1captainron]

A good SHARP KNIFE is the key and NEVER cut towards your hand!!
The knife in the video made it look like he was cutting through butter...nice job! :)