Fileting fish at sea

[Day Late...]

Who knows the law?
Can I filet my fish on board while at sea?

1) Yellow Fin Tuna
2) Blue Fin Tuna
3) Albacore
4) Yellowtail
5) Dorado

My neighbor who smells my rotting carcasses in the trash can thanks you very much for your help...

[u got slack!]

yes, but filets must be a minimum length depending on the fish species. check the f+g regs.

[sealskinner]

No filleting in Mexican waters. Plus you have to leave some skin on. If cleaned in U.S. waters.

[stairman]

none of those listed have a minimum size but they do need a skin patch....which i absolutely hate.It keeps the bacteria laden skin in contact with the meat which is relatively sterile when you first cut ,except at the gaff hole.This speeds the deterioration of the meat,so if your gonna do it at sea have plenty of ice on the boat.Get the little skin patch off as soon as you get home and then throw your bagged fillets in the freezer for a couple hous to give a max chill quick.it makes a difference.

[tunark]

If filleting in harbor area or anywhere in the ocean for that matter and your cutting board hangs on the side of the boat watch out for sea lions popping up and grabbing your fish right out of your hands. This happened to me twice in the same day. Never again.


Also, I take the great big plastic lawn bags and dispose of the carcass in there and tie the bag in a knot then place that bag into another one and tie that. Sometimes the bones will poke a hole in the plastic and then you have to do it again. Then, go find a dumpster or garbage can away from everybody you know and isn't illegal to throw trash into. I have a friend who owns a business that has his own dumpster that will let me throw away stuff.

It's a problem but it is doable.