Bleeding Fish

[guywhofishes]

So when I filet and rinse a fish that wasn't bled out, and the water gets bloody and the flesh turns white - is there actually still icky invisible blood left in the meat that makes it taste gross?!!

If that's the case, then it seems to me that perhaps I was (tragically) dropped on my tongue as an infant and I can't taste this nasty invisible icky residual blood.

Wait - I guess it was a fortunate drop on my tongue.

Winning.

 

[guywhofishes]

Damnit. Now the scientist in me has to do a taste test. You guys suck.

 

[johnr]

Damnit. Now the scientist in me has to do a taste test. You guys suck.

They actually taste best as a whole body sandwich. Don't let your instincts stop you from this blessed form of walleye delicacy

 

[riverview]

I bleed fish , when in my boat i bleed them when i get to the dock in a full live well let them bleed then dump live well no mess.

 

[Vollmer]

I'm often times too lazy to bleed the fish, but when I have I end up with the foamy mess as well. I should probably stop running my livewell pump after I bleed the fish.

 

[wslayer]

Yep before heading for the dock, reach in tear a gill. Throw on ice when loaded up.

 

[Magpie]

How the hell do you catch fish swimming around in a full livewell to bleed them? I have a large live well.

 

[Slappy]

Always bleed. It's the first thing done at quitting time. Garden snips work best. Pull the valve to pump out the livewell and blood is gone before the ramp. No flopping fish, no blood, no soaking.

 

[Zogman]

How the hell do you catch fish swimming around in a full livewell to bleed them? I have a large live well.

I cheat I have one of those little Trout nets! EASY,PEAZY

 

[risingsun]

I always bleed mine as well. Right before I head in, I take the fish out of the livewell, throw them in a bucket, then snip and throw them back into the livewell. Keeps one from getting splattered with blood. I pull the plug on the livewell then put new water in before heading to ramp. Then at cleaning station I rinse out livewell with a bucket of water or hose. I also use a 8" titanium scissors.

 

[MuleyMadness]

I've done it both ways. The white clean fillets are really nice but it is a huge pain in the ass trying to cut a livewell full of walleyes.

 

[3Roosters]

I have never bled mine and have never had any complaints when cooking for the bride or any others...use a cast iron skillet!

 

[Rowdie]

I always bleed them, but in a bucket, not my livewell.

 

[Rizzo]

To keep the live well clean and foam free, open the drain cut your fish and turn on the pump. Problem solved.

 

[NDSportsman]

Usually bleed mine right before I clean them. Whiter fillets and keep better IMO

I put them in a bucket or tote when I take them out of the livewell

 

[svnmag]

I've done it both ways. The white clean fillets are really nice but it is a huge pain in the ass trying to cut a livewell full of walleyes.

Here's something to think about: IMO stressed fish are like stressed game. "Live" wells are only "good" for tournaments. Fill with ice, smack heads, clip gills and spike head first into the ice. The heart will continue to pump for a bit...If not trolling; allow the ice to drain over selected spots. Even as I don't know the specific gravity of fish blood I'd try this if I had a boat. This post is giving me deja vu. I think it's a repeat from FBO.

 

[johnr]

I like my walleye stressed, so I will continue to livewell them..

 

[Shockwave]

I've never done it.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

My plan is always to bleed, but it doesn’t always work out because of timing and conditions. Plus 3 on the garden shears for bleeding fish. My winter regiment is to cut throats as soon as I get home and let them bleed out in cold water. I unpack gear, charge electronics, and get my cleaning stuff ready. By that time the fish are dead and bled out. I clean fish and go inside knowing everything is done and I’ll be ready again for the next day.