Do You Need to Bleed Out Your Fish?

Some people swear by it, some people think it's unnecessary. So, what's the verdict? People chasing game fish ask the question: Do you need to bleed out your fish before you clean them, or is that just an old wives' tale?

Some people say that this makes the fish taste better by getting rid of the "fishy" flavor from the fillets. Others claim that it helps to firm up the flesh and make it easier to fillet. So, which is it?

Well, unfortunately, there's no easy answer. It really comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a more traditional approach, then bleeding out your fish is probably the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quicker and easier way to clean your catch, skipping this step might be the way to go. Ultimately, it's up to you.

How Do You Bleed A Fish?

It's pretty easy, just use a sharp knife to cut the artery below their gill plates and let the blood drain.  You can also just pull the gills where they connect at the base, at the bottom of the jaw, and they'll bleed out quickly. It's a quicker an more humane way to kill the fish also.

Place the fish on ice right after you drain the gills.  You'll have some of the tastiest filets you've ever had after you've bled the fish this way.

Do You Need To Bleed Out Your Fish?

So, there you have it. Bleeding out your fish is really a matter of personal preference. Some people swear by it, while others find it to be unnecessary. We've had some of the best shore lunches and great meals at the dinner table without bleeding the fish, so it's up to you and your guide.

Should you bleed all your fish?  Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what works best for you and your fishing style.  

You'll need a good knife to cut the gills, so check out our review on the best filet knives every angler needs.

Best Fish Fillet Knife Every Angler Needs

Here’s our list of the top 5 best fish fillet knives you can buy on Amazon.

Berts GuideBert Martin

Cheers to the outdoors,
Bert