Best Fishing Fillet Knives
Fishing Fillet Knives
Choosing a Fish Fillet Knife
One of the most important tools to
invest in for fishing is a really good
fillet knife. Once you finish a great
day of fishing, it’s now time to
prepare the fish for cooking, or
storage to cook later. One thing
you don’t want to have is a bad fillet knife that makes it harder to clean your fish,
or that causes you to waste a lot of the fish meat. A great fillet knife is easy to
guide right through the meat, bending around the bones, to give you perfect fish
fillets. For me, it’s also a matter of speed. When I get done with a day of fishing, I
want to fillet my fish quickly. I don’t want to struggle with cleaning a fish with a
bad fillet knife, causing me to have fillets coming out in chunks and pieces as I
struggle through cleaning my catch. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay
for. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really good
fillet knife.
Electric vs Manual
The first decision that you have to make is whether you want an electric fillet
knife, or a manual traditional style fillet knife. This is more of a matter of personal
preference because there are positives and negatives for either style of knives. A
good quality electric fillet knife is typically more expensive that a good quality
manual type fillet knife. The electric fillet knife will require a power source or
battery to run. The electric fillet knives are typically a bit bulkier than the
traditional manual style. An electric fillet knife can be quicker and plow through
large fish, but a manual fillet knife would be more thorough in getting all the
meat in a fillet swipe as they can get in there and grab all that meat with the fillet.
Many fishermen tend to buy both types of knives so that they can fillet the larger
bigger boned fish with the help of the powered blades, and a manual knife for
cleaning smaller fish or smaller boned fish for more targeted precise cuts
through the fish.
Knife Blade
One of the most critical components of a fillet knife is the blade. It’s important to
find a knife that is flexible so that it can bend around the bones and fins of the
fish to give you a clean cut, saving as much of the meat as possible as part of the
fillet. The blade thickness should be thin, which gives the blade the flex that it
needs to do the best job. The blade needs to be strong, and keep a sharp edge to
be able to cut through the fish like a butter knife through a softened stick of
butter. The blade needs to be durable to last for generations. The blade should
also be the right length for the fish that you are cleaning.
Blade Length
The length of the blade is important to match to the type and size of the fish.
Blade length’s typically range from four to twelve inches. The shorter blades are
great for panfish, and small trout, the medium lengths for largemouth bass and
larger trout, while the longest blades are great for striped bass, salmon, and
steelhead. The larger girth of the fish, the wider the fillets will be, which will
require a longer blade.
Knife Blade Materials
One of the best materials used for manufacturing knife blades is a good high
quality stainless steel. For the wear and tear that the typical knife goes through,
along with the wet environments that a filet knife is commonly exposed to, a
stainless steel blade is a great choice. Stainless steel won’t corrode, won’t warp,
and won’t tarnish, plus the blade is easy to clean and to keep clean. As for
cosmetics, they also shine up nice and look great.
Knife Handle
It’s critical to keep a good hold on any knife, and a fillet knife is no exception.
When cleaning fish it’s guaranteed that your hands will be wet, cold, and slimy as
it’s hard to avoid getting your hands dirty while you are cleaning fish. Because of
that, it’s important to have a fillet knife that has a non-slip grip that is comfortable
to hold and provides stability and control while gliding through the fish. You
should get a grip that is comfortable to hold and allows for a firm grip to remain
in full control of the knife at all times. A comfortable grip also lessens the fatigue
that can set in if you are cleaning a full limit of fish or two as well. So it’s more
than a safety concern, it’s also a concern about comfort.
Knife handles can be made of many different materials. A wood handle, for
example, though it may look nice, they can be less comfortable to hold, can
become slippery, and can start to wear and crack over time without the proper
maintenance. If you use a wood handle, I would recommend using gloves to
make the knife more comfortable and less slippery. Rubber and Plastic handles
are easier to maintain, and are typically less slippery. Any knife handle can last
generations under proper care and maintenance.
Knife Sheath
A good knife sheath to protect your knife is important for the knife to last and for
good safety measure to prevent accidents. Knife sheath’s can be made from
many different materials including plastic, nylon, and leather. Plastic is easier to
keep clean, and will typically last as long as the knife does. Leather sheaths
require some upkeep for longevity and to keep them looking nice. Both nylon and
leather can collect and retain moisture, which can damage the blade and sheath
over time. A good knife sheath should have vents or openings to allow the water
out and the air in to keep the knife dry. It’s important to clean your knife before
putting it in the sheath so that you don’t put guts and fish parts or juices inside
the sheath where it’s hard to get out. The type of knife sheath is mostly a matter
of personal preference, and which type you feel looks and feels better to you.
Plastic is the easiest to keep clean with less wear and tear over time, but you can
also take precautions if you decide to go with vinyl or leather by cleaning and
drying the knife before putting it back in the sheath and keeping it protected from
the elements to keep the sheath in good shape.
Knife Warranty
Many good quality knives will last for generations. But, just in case you have any
issues with the knife, it may be a good idea to buy a knife from a company that
has been manufacturing knives for generations, and will back the quality of their
knife by providing a lifetime warranty.
Made in the USA
Though you can find good quality knives made throughout the world, I have
found that the quality and craftsmanship in some of the leading manufacturers
of knives Made in the USA are truly of the best quality. I also found that the fish
like them more as they have an increased desire to bite my baited hook, and
lures, since buying my favorite fillet knife that was Made in the USA. Ok, I made
that last part up!
Electric and Cordless Fillet Knife
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Bubba Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife
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Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife Combo
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American Angler Pro Titanium Electric Fish Fillet Knife
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Bubba 110V Electric Fillet Knife
Cuda and Bubba Fillet Knife
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Cuda 9 inch Titanium Non Stick Professional Serrated Fillet Knife with Sheath
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Cuda Titanium Non Stick Professional Wide Fillet Knife with Sheath
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Bubba Flex Blade Fish Fillet Knife
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Bubba Stiff Blade Fish Fillet Knife
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Cuda 6 Piece Fisherman’s Knife Set
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Bubba Lucky Lew 7 inch Folding Fillet Knife
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Bubba Tapered Blade Flex Fillet Knife
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Cuda 6 inch Titanium Non Stick Professional Curved Boning Knife with Sheath
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Smith’s Lawaia Fish Fillet Knife
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Smith’s Mr. Crappie Curved Slab Sticker Fillet Knife
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Smith’s Baitbreaker Coated Bait Knife
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Smith’s Regal River Fillet Knife
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Offshore Angler Pro Fillet Knife
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Rapala Folding Fish Pro Fillet Knife
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Smith’s Regal River Baitbreaker Bait Knife
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Cuda Titanium Bonded Wide Fillet Knife
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