Fish Processing: Side by Side results WFSM vs. 5 Star

Albrektsen · Oct-13-2006, 06:59 PM

Ok, here is the deal. I returned from a 10 day on Oct 4th. I had Mike process 220lbs of RSW Yellowtail, 4 FROZEN Bigger YFTs, 2 RSW Dorado. The yellowtail was done the SAME DAY, double bagged and quartered. This means no blood line. The quality was PERFECT. The Tuna was defrosted after a day and I asked him to leave the loins as large as possible so I could process them as I wanted. The tuna was left with skin on and bagged but not sealed...as I expected due to the large size. I also bought 9lbs of fish jerky and 22lbs of smoked tuna....All was excellent.

As for 5 star, I will be picking up my fish tomorrow (I was busy at work and couldnt get down there). They processed 2 large RSW Dorado, 1 large RSW Tuna, 1 samller RSW Tuna, 4 frozen Wahoo and 1 RSW Yellowtail....so that I can compare it with what I got from WFSF.

I will post a summary for all to view along with pictures of both operations results!

Kirk

**Surfdoc** · Oct-13-2006, 07:50 PM

Right on Kirk.

Could you also let us know the $$ / order on both ?

Thanks

And congrats on what sounds like a bitchen trip!

PS: I would have had Mike take care of the Hoo.......... but's thats just me.

terryc. · Oct-14-2006, 09:49 AM

Does each co. know what your doing? Looking forward to your results.

Albrektsen · Oct-14-2006, 11:21 PM

yes, I made it known to each that I was splitting the fish between them. I paid .10lb for WFSF and .60lb for 5 Star. I will post a full report tomorrow but after picking my 5 Star order all looks good.

Alter Ego · Oct-15-2006, 07:05 PM

Looks like you got a $0.15/lb discount from 5-star. Don't they usually charge $0.75/lb?

fshholc · Oct-16-2006, 05:36 PM

It will be interesting to hear how the results come in. I know this has all been said on previous forums but here's my 2cents. I've used all 4 companies and have never had a problem with any of them. I know Mike at WF looks a little rough but he has always dealt fairly, in fact overly fairly, with me over the last 8 years when I've used him. Personally I don't know how he's doing it but at $.10/lb. I'll give him my business.

paddler · Oct-17-2006, 06:06 PM

So what were the results?

Mark

Albrektsen · Oct-20-2006, 10:36 PM

Sorry for the delay....Kids, work...well anyway:

The results for the yellowtail are as follows: I told Mike at WFSF that I was interested in a nice result and he had his guy quarter the fish and as a result there was NO bloodline or dark meat. The fillets were packaged in what I considered perfect single serving size potions. I rate the quality as excellent. 5 Star also did a very good job with the Yellowtail I gave them. They packaged some the fish in larger portions and left the blood line and some of the off color meat right under the skin. At .60 per pound I would have liked the option to have the fish quartered and returned with no skin residue. They didn’t make that an option and I feel they should have asked me about it at the price I paid.

The Dorado from 5 Star was very good but I would have liked some additional smaller portion sizes.

The Tuna from Five star was excellent, I provided them with RSW whole fish and the packaged product was excellent in appearance and size.

Wahoo from 5 Star was packaged in excellent portion sizes and the overall appearance and quality appear to be excellent. I received one piece of Wahoo from WFSF and it looked excellent also.

In the end, the results from both processors are very good to excellent. What is of note is the different style of both operations. 5 Star is a very professional operation with a large, clean and welcoming facility on the way out of the Point Loma area. There is a waiting area for clients and the staff is professional. If you like to wait around and feel pampered this is the place for you. You can drop your fish and walk away. WFSF is a much smaller operation. The approach to customer service is efficient and friendly but with less “warmth” than 5 Star. Not that this is bad, just a different approach. They are located slightly away from the landings.

The difference between both companies in these area may become a deciding factor in choosing a processor. Call them both, visit them the day before your trip and you decide