fish cleaning after trip...

[mcrae]

If the trip is 5 days or less some boats will offer to clean the fish for you.

[SeaBasstard]

5 STAR.

[bfraser]

Take this from someone who "used" the other "cheaper" guys. It was 50% of the cost because over the summer 5 star was $1.00 and it was my first long range and I was advised to go there...disclosures out of the way, I haven't used 5star, but will be on my 5 day this July. It's not worth the hassle, was not impressed with the handling of my fish (thrown around), and not impressed with the facilities.

Do yourself a favor and use 5 Star! It's "part" of the cost of a long range trip so plan on it based on the trip you're taking and the poundage you'll bringing back.

[the hook]

If you are trying to save some $ and don't mind giving up some fish, call some experienced fish cleaners and have a fish cleaning party. The trick is to have people that are willing and able to meet the boat, get the fish to a spot where they can defrost, can cut efficiently, and package the processed fish to your satisfaction.

Sounds a lot like 5 star- except the $$. Be prepared to spend $$ on drinks and snacks, and to give up a good portion of your fillets. Also buy some Foodsaver bags. That is the way to save if it is just the money. If you help, you will learn how it is done.

[Tunacolada]

It would definitely use one of the processors. Time is money as they say. You need to think about all the logistics of doing it yourself. Getting the fish home, or to a friends to do it. Filet time, which for most people could take hours, your yield on the fish which will most likely be less. Vacuum sealing and cost. The time it takes to seal small portions can take hours. The mess in your kitchen or backyard. All said and done having a product sealed and filet without all the hassle is well worth the 75 cents. I've eaten 5 Star fish 8 months later. If you're worried about the cost then you can just limit what you kill. For me personally 100lbs of filet is way more than enough. So if I get a few nice ones on a trip I try to release or the fish gets taken by someone who needs a fish. I don't have a fridge to store that much anyway, and I don't have that many friends, HA
Good fishing, Tony

[wahoodad]

Be selective with your catch. Don't process any popsicles, only fish from the RSW. Pick a few of the best of each species to process, take them over to the gals at 5 Star, and you will be rewarded with great quality product.
I find that I don't need to come home with full limits and have them processed.
Some don't think it's a good idea, but I trade my popsicles for cans, as well as any fish that don't look prime 1A.
The rest goes to 5 Star, they are the best.

[hooklinelunker]

thanks for the tips guys, it is greatly appreciated... im just trying to get a ball park figure of how much more money i gotta come up with for this trip, and although .75/pound does seem alot to me, a person who has never done a long range trip before, i guess its well worth it to preserve my fish... anybody know if they will keep the yellowtail belly and collar if i ask them too?

[wahoodad]

You tell them what you want, and it will be done. Portion it to whatever size fits your needs best.

[SMN XPS]

I am going on my first trip this summer, based on previous threads I called five star. once you talk to one of the girls you will have no doubts. I am flying so they are going to fix me up with an airline box to bring back and a box to fed-ex to my dad.

i consider the cost to be the price of quality tune to eat all year at .75 a pound if the yield is 40% then that is less than $2 a pound, still waay cheaper than anything i can buy at the store.

give them a call,
jerry

[hookuphoo]

never had a problem with sportmans sea food!!!!!

[fishgirl]

Originally Posted by 12yak

So... is that .75 times the original fish weight or .75 per pound of delivered weight?

And while we're on that subject, just how much of a fish results in meat? I'd guess a tuna provides about 50% of the original weight.

12yak

Someone told me there was a post on here so I always have to jump in...

I will stick by my word-
We have weighed the fish before and after a few times and this is what we see:
Any Yellowfin tuna weighing over about 80 lbs will yield approx 50%. I have seen 50 lb tuna yield very close to 50%.
Wahoo seem to yield the same.
Smaller tuna will get you close to 40%
Yellowtail about 30-40% depending on the weight. Those guys are mostly head, tail and bone, but sure taste good.
Rock fish yield much smaller amounts. I have not weighed them before and after, but I will do that this year so I can tell you guys.

All Albacore and tuna bellies are packaged separately and always given with your order. Sometimes the frozen fish bellies don't turn out good, and my fish cutter makes the decision on whether to keep them for you or not depending on the quality. If they are nice, he will cut them out for you.

Collars and bellies of yellowtail can be given- BUT if we are really busy I request that you ask us as you pick up your fish because keeping everything organized can become grueling. Tons of special requests for collars and such can be overlooked and I NEVER want to dissapoint you- so I leave it up to you to ask us for them when you get to the shop.

For the newbies- you receive your exact fish back. We pay special attention to this detail.

Thank you to all who commented here. It is keeping me excited for the summer season!

Fishy wishes,

[JSR]

Mario's has the Jerky!!!!!!!!!
and, a discount for cash
he's not quite a cute as the gals from 5 star
but, i like the little f'r.........