Your favorite fillet knife
What's your favorite fillet knife? Thanks!
--
by D-Dare3
I have found that fillet knives are the one fishing tool that is not off limits to pick up and take home with you. I have never had a rod or a reel or a tackle box stolen. But you lay your fillet knife down and take your eye off of it for more than a minute or so, it ain't gonna be there when you want to use it. I've had some pretty cheap ones and I've had a couple that I paid a pretty penny for, and they have all managed to get up and walk off, fall in or get lost. So I don't own one. If I were going to, I'd get the cheapest one with a decent blade that I could find so I wouldn't have to mourn when goes its own way. Probably a Rapala. I carry a Leatherman Wave when I'm fishing.
I have had a Rapala fillet knife since about 1975, the leather sheath has been gone for years. I bought an Ozark Trail 6" fillet knife/plastic sheath with a glove, scissors and carrying case at Walmart a few years back for about $10, so now I can sharpen them both and always have a sharp knife to work with. They both work well, the Ozark trail cuts threw heavier ribs easier than the Rapala. Clean them up and put them back in your tackle box and you will have them for years.
FS Digest wrote:
What's your favorite fillet knife? Thanks!
--
by D-Dare3
I’ve always used Rapala knives but I decided I’d go ahead and treat myself to a “Knives of Alaska Steelheader”. I still prefer those much less expensive Rapala’s. Better flexibility in the blade, easier to sharpen.
I should add that I primarily fillet panfish and trout. Something more stout such as tuna would probably require a much more substantial blade.
Spiritof27 wrote:
I have found that fillet knives are the one fishing tool that is not off limits to pick up and take home with you. I have never had a rod or a reel or a tackle box stolen. But you lay your fillet knife down and take your eye off of it for more than a minute or so, it ain't gonna be there when you want to use it. I've had some pretty cheap ones and I've had a couple that I paid a pretty penny for, and they have all managed to get up and walk off, fall in or get lost. So I don't own one. If I were going to, I'd get the cheapest one with a decent blade that I could find so I wouldn't have to mourn when goes its own way. Probably a Rapala. I carry a Leatherman Wave when I'm fishing.
I have found that fillet knives are the one fishin... (
show quote)
I could only wish I never had a rod stolen from my truck. Anyway, I will stick with my 10 inch Dexter for my general fileting. I can use it on small freshwater stuf, and it's big enough to use on tuna and mahi.
I have a dexter fillet knife and love it. It's used a lot for larger fish. Lately, I have been pan fishing. For the pan fish I use a common sharpened dinner kitchen knife. It's small, has a rounded tip, and you don't have to worry about it being borrowed. If you have a nice sharp edge including the rounded tip you have an outstanding knife for cleaning pan fish. Try it, you will like it. Give use a follow-up report if you do.
My Rapala 7 1/2” still suits me fine. I tried my buddy’s Bubba blade, but it was too cumbersome for me to get used to.
Rapala fillet...Buck 110 all around
Haven't checked lately,but at lest 30 filet knives are laying in my garage as we speak. Yup-another addiction! I've tried them all,prices ranging from less than $10.00 to well over $100.00. I can honestly say that none can beat my birch handled Rapala 7 inchers. Sharpen about once a year,then use a good steel regularly and they're as good as it gets! Mainly for walleye,panfish and northern.
Dexter is the knife used at almost all west coast fish processing plants. They are expensive but reasonable priced for what you get. I have a couple different sizes, with the blade on my main filet knife about 2/3 size from years of sharpening. More important than the knife is the sharpening tool. Again, like the professional fish processors, I use the Dexter diamond impregnated steel. The knives and the steel stand up to the saltwater environment very well with just the smallest amount of care.
i agree comepletly
I catch red drum and black drum so I need a good solid knife . I would appreciate your thoughts on what to buy.
Fish I fillet are usually bluegill, crappie, and small bass. Like a Rapala 7 inch, but if I take them home will use electric fillet knife. Really cuts down time spent cleaning fish.
fishy
Loc: Susanville, CA
I skin my filets, so I need a flexable blade...Rapala works for me.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.