Harvesting Tilapia?

[wolgie]

I have a few questions about the best way to kill the fish before removing the fillets. I have cleaned fish in the past but not for a long time. I assume clubbing them on the head is the best method, are there any other methods I should know about?

Also I found a great youtube video showing a guy slicing fillets off in under 2 min per fish with no mess with an electric knife. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO56P4n5A24

Thanks,
Wolgie

[kellenw]

That's what I do. I clean thousands of fish every year. Electric knife is the way to go trust me. If you can find one, the American Angler Saltwater version is my favorite. I believe they are discontinued now, but they are fantastic knives. The Mr. Twister Saltwater version with cuda blades is petty decent also. I like saltwater versions of electric fillet knives because they tend to be higher powered and more durable. The blades are usually higher quality also. Avoid cordless models. They tend to be underpowered, and the batteries only last for a dozen or so fish per charge.

About the only time I use a non-electric fillet knife now days is when I am in the wilderness and have to pack light.

[wolgie]

Great. thanks, and I will definately be looking into stocking some of your white niles when I get it all setup.

[kellenw]

No problem. Happy to help! :-)

[RS_]

wolgie,

Just know that you have to have a Exotic Fish Permit from the State of Tx. to have the White Niles. This is why i started out with Mozzambica's from Overtons, as they do not need the Exotic Fish Permit, I did not want to have to go there, and spend that money($250 i think, but could be wrong), until i got everything setup and going, and sure i would not kill a bunch of expensive fish.
The Mossys are sort of like driving a Buick, and the White Niles are like driving a Cadillac. Then I could upgrade to the Cadillac when everything was right for it......

[kellenw]

The Overtons are good people. A very honest and ethical business.