Best Fish Fillet Knife Every Angler Needs To Breeze Through Filleting.
Here's our list of the top 5 best fish fillet knives you can buy on Amazon.
If you're a fisherman, then you know that having a good filet knife is essential. Not only do they make the process of filleting your catch easier, but they also help to ensure that you get the most meat possible from your fish. There are many different filet knives on the market, so it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. In this article, we will review some of the best filet knives for fishing and help you decide which one is right for you!
Looking to upgrade from that old rusty filet knife? Tired of using an average kitchen knife? A good fish filleting knife makes things so much easier, AND safer.
There are so many choices to make, you don’t have the time to wade through the options. No worries, we have you covered with our research so you can make an educated filet knife buying decision quickly.
Keep reading to find the best filet knife that’s right for you.
How We Choose
A good filet knife can make you feel like an Iron Chef. You can actually filet faster when it's sharp, and believe it or not, they're safer when they're sharp because the knife will go where you want it. Using a dull knife will make you want to press harder and that's where things can go wrong if you slip.
Having the right sharp knife can give you the confidence to get the job done faster and with less waste. Could you actually make the leap and say that a good filet knife is more environmentally friendly? Maybe, so let's just go with it.
Our team has read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide on the best filet knife. Don’t bother spending lots of time reading over many many reviews, we’ve done it for you and have come up with the top 6 filet knives to help you get the most out of your next fishing trip.
There’s a knife here that'll work for you! Read below for details and you can check the price on the one that you like.
What Is The Best Fish Filet Knife?
1. KastKing Fillet Knife
Why We Love It
KastKing is a brand that's popped up in the last 10 years, when a couple of college buddies got together and took a break from their MBAs and started a fishing company. They've become a success story.
Their line of professional level knives provide comfort and a lot of safety with their slip resistant super-polymer handles. They're super sharp and the grip is awesome, and we're partial to orange. So the bright orange handle and the black blade really look good together, which gives these knives another level of appeal. These are great all-around knives and are a pretty good value too.
Here's What To Know
- Premium, razor sharp G4116 German Stainless-Steel blades with a beautiful black finish.
- Non-Slip Super Polymer Grip
- 5” Bait Knife is stiff and strong, it has a serrated top edge that makes cutting frozen bait quick and easy
- 6”, 7” & 9” fillet knives are sharp and flexible
- 9” Steaking Knife is great for steaking big game fish
- Includes Protective Knife Sheath
- Covered by KastKing warranty
2. Rapala Fish 'N Fillet Knife with Sheath
Why We Love It
This is Rapala's original classic filet knife that's in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of tackle boxes around the world. I have one in my tackle box, and dad had one in his. In fact, then one in mine may well be dads.
This series includes four blade sizes for multiple types of fish. The progressively tapered blades are made from European stainless steel to hold an ultra-sharp edge while being full tang and secured with a safety notch at the base. The classic Rapala durable birch handle has been proven to last.
The leather sheath and single-stage sharpener are an added bonus, making it the "go-to" fillet knife in the fishing world. It' a great all around knife and you won't go wrong with the Rapala brand.
Here's What To Know
- Classic birch handle
- Progressively tapered, full-tang blade
- Safety notch secures tang to brass ferule
- Each Fish 'n Fillet features a full-tang Swedish stainless steel blade with the classic rapala reinforced birch varnished handle
- Genuine leather sheath and single-stage sharpener included
- The "go-to" fillet knife in the fishing world
3. BUBBA Pro Series Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife
Best Heavy Duty Fish Fillet Knife - BEST IN SHOW 2021
Bubba Pro Series Li-Ion Electric Filet Knife
Why We Love It
Most people don't know that this product won Best In Category at the fishing industry's annual trade show, iCast in 2021. The number of people mobbing the Bubba booth at the show was enough to show that these guys got it goin on.
The PRO Series Electric Fillet Knife is a heavy-duty, every day filet knife. If you're a guide, then this is your rig. Bubba has completely upgraded the design for longer life, more power, and more run time than any brushed electric fillet knife on the market. If you're a tekkie, this knife is built with commercial grade features such as a heavy-duty drive system, aluminum alloy housing, superior ergonomics, and a brushless motor for optimal long-lasting power output.
This PRO Series Electric Fillet Knife is designed for the hardcore angler who needs heavy duty equipment to tackle the largest of fish while working day in and day out in the toughest of conditions. Even the carry case has been updated to a hard-sided shell with a textured non-slip grip.
It comes with a secondary replacement battery and charging cord for maximum battery life and Bubba also includes four of their EFK blades—7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12”E-STIFF.
They're all high carbon stainless steel and coated with titanium-nitride for extreme corrosion resistance. This is a high performance knife if you're going to be fileting a lot of fish.
Here's What To Know
- 8.5” handle length and weighs 1.11 pounds
- Non-slip grip handle for outstanding grip security with a trigger guard for added security
- Aluminum Alloy Housing for Increased Durability with a
- Heavy Duty drive system for optimal output and
- Dual-rivet blade coated in TiN stainless steel
- Removable blades and the handle features an LED battery life indicator
- Includes: 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12” E-STIFF blades, wall charger, (2) lithium ion batteries and an Upgraded premium hardsided case for storage and transport and a power-charging station
- Brushless Motor for increased power and torque
4. BUBBA Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
The Fish Fillet Knife For Every Angler
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fish Fillet Knife
Why We Love It
Why are we also putting this knife on our list? We already have a Bubba knife?
WIth good reason, this knife is for the angler who doesn't fish every day and who doesn't need to cut through hundreds of fish. This knife is designed more for the average fiserman, even though this is not your average knife.
It's the little brother of the Pro Series. So it's got the same bones, it's just a different more affordable version. It's still ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in your hand, and incorporates the iconic non-slip grip handle, which allows you to cut through fish like margarine. The lithium-ion battery has the longest run time of any electric fillet knife on the market so you can stack fillets until you’re out of fish.
You get four different blade styles — 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF, and 12” E-STIFF — all constructed out of high carbon stainless steel and coated with titanium nitride making them extremely corrosion resistant. We’ve also incorporated a safety lock and trigger guard for ultimate security.
The electric fillet knife comes in a premium EVA molded carrying case, which allows you to break apart the storage units for easy cleaning. This knife contains a second replacement battery, charging cord, and all batteries include a battery life indicator so you'll never run out of juice.
This electric fillet knife is what most fisherman will be looking for. It's a great tool for every angler and that's why it get our "Bert's Best".
Here's What To Know
- 8.5” handle length and weighs 1.11 pounds
- Non-slip grip handle for outstanding grip security
- Dual-rivet blade design coated in TiN stainless steel with an ergonomic trigger
- Blades are removable for easy cleaning and can be stored in a special section of the zippered storage case and the handle features an
- LED battery life indicator
- Includes: 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12” E-STIFF blades, wall charger, (2) lithium ion batteries and a premium EVA case for storage and transport
5. Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife
Why We Love It
What? Bubba again? Yes! Not everybody is going to want an electric filet knife. Some people prefer to work manually, the old fashioned way. So that's why this knife makes our party.
The Bubba Blade 9 inch tapered flex blade is perfect for filleting fish. It's the same patented and textured non-slip grip handle and stainless steel that Bubba Blades are known for. The non-stick coated blade is great for filleting smaller pan fish.
We love the handle on these Bubbas, and it's just a good all-around knife to have in your arsenal.
Here's What To Know
- 15” overall length with 9” blade
- Non-Slip Grip handle for outstanding grip security
- Safety guards for protection from the blade and spines of fish
- Ideal for detailed precision cutting
- Super thin blade allows for effortless maneuvering to easily remove meat without loss
- The Ti-Nitride coated, rust resistant blade cuts through scales easily
- Extra sharp tip to make starting cuts easy
- Includes sheath with a belt loop for close, hands free carry
BONUS:
Black Anchor Fillet Knife 3-Pack
Why We Love It
Ok, we get it. These made our list really for one reason: price. They're cheap, and they're a great value. For this price, they're almost disposable, but not really. You could buy a new set every season and be good.
These are surprisingly tough, German-made stainless steel blades that makes them a contender for the best all-around filet knife for saltwater fish and for freshwater fish. We like that they're flexible and will hug the contours of a fish, and they actually feel good in your hand with the tacky handles that really are essential for a good filet knife. And there's a cord and line cutter built in as a bonus.
They're good all around knives, and these are a great value play in a filet knife.
Here's What To Know
- German 3CR13 stainless steel for durability and strength in both saltwater and freshwater.
- 6.7" flexible stainless blades
- Non-slip tacky grips
- Includes a light-weight and durable sheath
- 3 knives with sheaths are included for an unbelievable price.
Here's a great accessory for your new filet knife:
Dowellife Cut Resistant Gloves
Why We Love It
The job of filleting a fish is messy, and hands can get slippery and slimy. It's good to have a glove for grip and to protect your hand from the knife. The grip on these gloves will also help you grab the tail to remove the skin of the filet.
It's a good accessory to have when cleaning fish.
Here's What To Know
- High performance anti-cut material is 10 times stronger than normal gloves.
- Excellent comfort and dexterity to wear and grip
- Hand and machine washable
What To Look For In A Filet Knife:
Blade Material- The blade of the filet knife should be stainless steel. This will prevent it from rusting and corroding from exposure to saltwater.
Blade Length- The blade of the filet knife should be at least six inches long. This will allow you to easily maneuver around the fish and remove all of the meat. If you're working with a bigger fish, you may want a blade that is eight inches long.
Handle- The handle of the filet knife should be comfortable to grip and hold. It should also be slip resistant so that you can maintain a good grip on the knife.
Sheath- The sheath of the filet knife is important for safety and for storing the knife. The sheath should be made of a durable material and should have a belt loop so that you can easily carry the knife with you.
Flexibility- The blade of the filet knife should be flexible. This will allow you to hug the contours of the fish and remove all of the meat without leaving any behind.
Price- you can spend a lot or a little on a filet knife. It really depends on how often you plan to use it and what type of fish you will be filleting. If you are an avid fisherman, then it might be worth investing in a higher quality knife. However, if you only occasionally go fishing, then a less expensive option might be just fine.
Best Fish Fillet Knife FAQs
Are you still not sure about which filet knife is best for you? Don't worry you're not alone. But we've come up with what may be a solution.
We’ve created a buyer’s guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best fillet knife for your needs. Hopefully one of these questions is one you've already asked yourself about the best filet knives.
Which knife is best for filleting fish?
These fillet knives are our top picks:
KastKing Fillet Knife
Rapala Fish 'N Fillet Knife with Sheath
Bubba Pro Series Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife
Black Anchor Fillet Knife 3-Pack
What is the best knife for filleting salmon?
The best knife for filleting salmon is a high-quality, flexible blade that is able to glide smoothly along the surface of the fish and easily make precision cuts. This type of knife should be stainless steel, so it resists corrosion and offers durability, and have an ergonomic handle to keep it from slipping in your hand.
How do you pick a fish fillet knife?
Look for a knife that's sturdy and balanced with a long and tapered blade. The right amount of flex is also important. And at least a 6 to 7 inch filet knife will give you best performance.
What are the 2 most common knives used in fish?
- Fillet Knife: Probably one of the most popular types of knives for filleting a fish, is the aptly named fillet knife.
- Boning Knife: Boning knives are designed to separate bones from meat and fish.
What is the best length for a fillet knife?
There is no one "best" length for a fillet knife, as different people and different kinds of fish will require different lengths and types of knives. A good fillet knife should be long enough to comfortably reach into the thickest part of the fish while still being small enough to maneuver easily around delicate bones. It is ideal to use a 7" blade when filleting smaller fish like, crappie, perch, and bluegills, because you will have better handling and control. Larger fish like pike, tuna, and salmon require a 9 to 10 inch fillet knife to accommodate for the extra girth and surface area of the fish.
What knives do commercial fishermen use?
Our Top Fishing Fillet Knives
KastKing Fillet Knife
Rapala Fish 'N Fillet Knife with Sheath
Bubba Pro Series Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife
Black Anchor Fillet Knife 3-Pack
What makes a good filleting knife?
There are three characteristics that the best filet knives need to fulfill: it needs to be thin, strong and yet flexible. High quality steel (often made in Japan or made in Germany) makes a thin and sharp blade. Then another aspect that's important is the handle. It must feel great in your hand, and give you a firm, non-slip grip. And at least a 6 to 7 inch blade length will give you all around performance.
What is the best fillet knife for redfish?
Redfish are generally bigger fish, so a 9 or 10 inch fillet knife would work well.
The Best Fish Fillet Knife - Final Cut
So what are the best fish fillet knives? The answer to that may vary from person to person but we’ve tried to provide a variety of best options for you based on thousands of reviews. We hope you find this information helpful to find the best knife for your situation.
All you have to do now is just click the orange button to check the price on a good fillet knife for you. Thanks!
Cheers to the best fillet knives,
Bert
