Its less than three weeks from my next trip to Kipawa. Should I get a electric filet knife? Particularly a rechargeable battery powered. Anyone have experience with the rechargeables?
Although not electric I can’t say enough about bubba blades
Amazing but pricey
3 years and have never sharpened it
I've never used a rechargeable -so I can not address that part of your question.
However, I've been using a Deluxe Rapala Electric Fillet knife since 2005. For me, I would never go back to a blade. See Cabela's Item : IK-515754. The deluxe model allows you to connect your electric fillet knife to a regular outlet, to your car outlet or to a 12 volt deep cycle battery. Everything but the battery comes in a handy travel case. There's typically no power where I go fishing. Consequently, a 12 volt deep cycle battery (about 30 amp hours) easily powers my fillet knife for a week for all the fish four guys keep/eat. There are YouTube videos that demonstrate how easy and quick electric fillet knives are to use.
Jay
@crackers42 , the Bubba Blade is rated extremely well, I will have to dig in and compare price to functionality. The Bubba is pricey though, but like anything you get what you pay for.
@Jay Thomas , the Rapala is what I’m steering toward mostly due to price. Alwaki does not have power outlet at fish cleaning stations so I’m leaning towards the two battery Rapala rechargeable filet knife. The few reviews I’ve read rave about the one you recommended and complain about the rechargeable one being weak on usable battery life. Best I can tell is each battery is good for 6 or so fish, which would be enough for my week at Alwaki.
Hodgey I have talked to a few guys that use the knives and they seem to really enjoy them. Brian at Alwaki loves his and brags about it all the time. For the fishing trips to Alwaki there really isn't an option but rechargable unless you can run 100' electrical cord from T-Bones cabin to the fish cleaning hut.
Hodgey
If you have a 12v plug in on your boat, get this one as Jay suggests. I love mine. I clean all our fish right on our boat, in the middle of the lake away from the bugs.
Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife AC/DC
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=rapala+electric+knife&hvadid=74354532610287&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvqmt=b&tag=msncahydra-20&ref=pd_sl_7c5xze0dpt_b
Quote from: Ozzy30 on July 08, 2019, 10:10:10 AM
Hodgey I have talked to a few guys that use the knives and they seem to really enjoy them.
@Ozzy30 Watching video of them being used, it looks like a real time saver. If I ran a cord from
@T-Bone cabin, It may effect their BTU output of their portable air conditioners, draft system and ice cube maker ;D
Quote from: limacharley on July 08, 2019, 10:24:47 AM
I clean all our fish right on our boat, in the middle of the lake away from the bugs.
@limacharley I do have a 12v outlet. Do you know if there's any regulations on cleaning fish while on the water ? I know all the regs on size, fin, tail and skin on requirements, but unsure on cleaning on the water. Here in PA I think its prohibited.
I looked and could not find any mention of where you couldn't clean fish.... What if you wanted to have a shore lunch?
I have my Rapala knife on my boat and a 18" x 24" cutting board tucked into the side of the back seat next to the dog house.
I keep xLarge Ziplock bags and a butcher's glove in the glove box.
Let me at those eyes!
You can run the cord if you want, but no way I'm unplugging the Kegerator or the air conditioning unit. :P
Brian just built a new cleaning hut on the main dock with two cleaning stations; not sure if I recall seeing him installing an outlet down there when he was building...it was only about 50% completed when we were there in May. Send him a quick note...I'm sure he'll give you the skinny.
Such conundrums don't worry me though...really have no need for a fillet knife. :o
[Note: for those of you that don't know...we're all just kidding on the cord bit. Don't want to set the wrong impression on camp capabilities]
If he has a light to see at night in the fish shack then he must have a way of plugging a knife in.
Bring a pigtail with a plug in.
I love to eat fresh walleye while at camp, but not the late night fish cleaning necessary to have such a dinner. Last year, I just was cutting the heads off, gutting and throwing in a zip lock bag to stay legal, yet quick. I will have to give serious thought to cleaning right on the boat. After watching Reggie https://youtu.be/JfynIW1qqtM (https://youtu.be/JfynIW1qqtM) from 3 Seasons do his magic, there might be even more fish dinners this year at camp 8)
@limacharley , guppy police in PA don't much care. Their idea of a shore lunch is a McD's bag in the parking lot at the boat ramp, waiting to break b_ll's.
Quote from: T-Bone on July 08, 2019, 11:52:41 AM
[Note: for those of you that don't know...we're all just kidding on the cord bit. Don't want to set the wrong impression on camp capabilities]
;D LOL ;D
I decided to go with the rechargeable, cordless Rapala and ordered from Fish USA today. The main reason is due to not needing to plug it in. All I could picture, was me all buzzed on suds and unscrewing the bulb in the fish shack at Alwaki and dropping it while trying to screw in the adapter ??? Brian wouldn't be happy with me, but as with most Canadians, I wouldn't know it ;D We need to send all NYC residents to Canada for personality training :o Kidding! Love NYC and their pizza, just don't mess with their light bulb, in their fish shacks!
As I noted in a previous post, most complaints in reviews had to do with battery life, but it comes with two. Reviews said one battery was doing 6-8 fish, I don't see myself cleaning more than 6-8 fish a day at camp.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/mbtrvq.jpg)
I have faith you can catch more that that a day Hodgey plus with that fancy new knife everyone might want to watch you work it and ask you to clean there fish. I know I would. "Show me 1 more time please" Good buy congrats and enjoy. Let us know how it works
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 09, 2019, 07:20:21 AM
I decided to go with the rechargeable, cordless Rapala and ordered from Fish USA today. The main reason is due to not needing to plug it in. All I could picture, was me all buzzed on suds and unscrewing the bulb in the fish shack at Alwaki and dropping it while trying to screw in the adapter ??? Brian wouldn't be happy with me, but as with most Canadians, I wouldn't know it ;D We need to send all NYC residents to Canada for personality training :o Kidding! Love NYC and their pizza, just don't mess with their light bulb, in their fish shacks!
As I noted in a previous post, most complaints in reviews had to do with battery life, but it comes with two. Reviews said one battery was doing 6-8 fish, I don't see myself cleaning more than 6-8 fish a day at camp.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/mbtrvq.jpg)
Hey Hodgey1. I could have saved you a lot of money. I would clean the fish for you and all it would cost you is a couple of beers. ;D ;D
Quote from: Ozzy30 on July 09, 2019, 08:17:01 AMLet us know how it works
Thanks OZ, I'll let you know.
Quote from: Rico on July 09, 2019, 08:29:57 AM
Hey Hodgey1. I could have saved you a lot of money. I would clean the fish for you and all it would cost you is a couple of beers. ;D ;D
Dang! Wish I would have known! ;D
Hodgey, here is my experience with the exact knife that Rico shows in his post. Last January, while deciding what to do with a Cabelas gift certificate that I received from the kids for Christmas, I went with the Rapala knife shown. I always wondered if I would like to use an electric. Admiral Jay also expressed his glowing preference during a trip at 3 Seasons several years ago, which was filed away in the back of my brain. So, I went for it and ordered the knife. When I received the knife, I did what I always do when I buy something with a rechargeable battery. I put it on the charger as sometimes, you can harm a rechargeable battery that is not fully charged to begin with. Fast forward 4 months and I'm attempting to use it for the FIRST TIME! There I am in the back yard with my fish cleaning stuff all set up and.... The knife would not work! I used the supply plugged in to 120 VAC and it worked! THE FREAKIN BATTERY WAS SHOT! Now I had read the reviews and most negative reviews concerned the battery, but I took the chance. It appears that there has been issues with the battery that Rapala refuses to address. I did not call Cabelas to see if they would take it back, maybe I should have. You would think that a big name like Rapala would stand behind their merchandise but they don't! What also is apparent, is that it is the luck of the draw... If you get a knife that works, it will work for a long time. So now what? I crossed my fingers and ordered a new battery... from Amazon, and so far so good, however, I prefer to use a 4' fillet knife when cleaning crappies. Just a "Buyers Beware" conclusion.
Quote from: Rico on July 09, 2019, 08:29:57 AM
Hey Hodgey1. I could have saved you a lot of money. I would clean the fish for you and all it would cost you is a couple of beers. ;D ;D
That's exactly how I'm going to approach it with Hodgey when we're up there, Rico. I won't fillet fish (don't eat them), Marco knows how but leaves about 25% of the meat on the carcass (total waste), and I'm confident Mattie has never done it himself.
"Hey Hodgey....the boys are hankering for a fish fry, but are too Bleue'd to fillet the fish. Can you do it? As compensation, I'll tell you about my newest 'hot spot' I've been keeping to myself." ;)
16.76
Quote from: T-Bone on July 09, 2019, 10:48:58 AM
"Hey Hodgey....the boys are hankering for a fish fry, but are too Bleue'd to fillet the fish. Can you do it? As compensation, I'll tell you about my newest 'hot spot' I've been keeping to myself." ;)
WT_ ! I thought we were kindred spirits... Brothers from different mothers.... friends even :-\ I will have to rethink all that, now knowing you're keeping secrets ???
LOL ;) ;D 8)
I love fresh fish, particularly Canadian Walleye. The cleaning part, I do not love. I'm hoping the electric improves the process. As a total sideways:::::: I cleaned 12 real nice walleye last Thursday, garbage went out last night..... Just sayin. Man I nearly vomited, the smell was sooo awful and 1k of blow flies, what a mistake that was!
16 days, 17 hours, 57 minutes and 18 seconds
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 07, 2019, 09:32:37 AM
Its less than three weeks from my next trip to Kipawa. Should I get a electric filet knife? Particularly a rechargeable battery powered. Anyone have experience with the rechargeables?
I watch Brian use a Rapala one the day we were leaving.. SOLD! I'm getting one for my next trip for sure! If you can swing it do it, you won't regret it!
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 09, 2019, 11:11:05 AM
Quote from: T-Bone on July 09, 2019, 10:48:58 AM
"Hey Hodgey....the boys are hankering for a fish fry, but are too Bleue'd to fillet the fish. Can you do it? As compensation, I'll tell you about my newest 'hot spot' I've been keeping to myself." ;)
WT_ ! I thought we were kindred spirits... Brothers from different mothers.... friends even :-\ I will have to rethink all that, now knowing you're keeping secrets ???
LOL ;) ;D 8)
I love fresh fish, particularly Canadian Walleye. The cleaning part, I do not love. I'm hoping the electric improves the process. As a total sideways:::::: I cleaned 12 real nice walleye last Thursday, garbage went out last night..... Just sayin. Man I nearly vomited, the smell was sooo awful and 1k of blow flies, what a mistake that was!
16 days, 17 hours, 57 minutes and 18 seconds
Hodgey1, do what I do in early Duck season, put your carcasses in a bag in the freezer until garbage day :)
Oh did those nice ones come from Erie? I need guidance on that big OCEAN!
Quote from: GregL on July 09, 2019, 12:34:40 PM
I watched Brian use a Rapala one the day we were leaving.. SOLD! I'm getting one for my next trip for sure! If you can swing it do it, you won't regret it!
Good to hear, I just ordered this morning.
Quote from: GregL on July 09, 2019, 12:47:01 PM
did those nice ones come from Erie? I need guidance on that big OCEAN!
Yes Lake Erie, off the shores of Erie, PA. Guide Hodgey1 says: Wait for a forecast of winds less than 10 knot with waves 1' or less.
How is Erie mid April?
Quote from: CaptainCrappie on July 09, 2019, 09:56:28 AM
Hodgey, here is my experience with the exact knife that Rico shows in his post. Last January, while deciding what to do with a Cabelas gift certificate that I received from the kids for Christmas, I went with the Rapala knife shown. I always wondered if I would like to use an electric. Admiral Jay also expressed his glowing preference during a trip at 3 Seasons several years ago, which was filed away in the back of my brain. So, I went for it and ordered the knife. When I received the knife, I did what I always do when I buy something with a rechargeable battery. I put it on the charger as sometimes, you can harm a rechargeable battery that is not fully charged to begin with. Fast forward 4 months and I'm attempting to use it for the FIRST TIME! There I am in the back yard with my fish cleaning stuff all set up and.... The knife would not work! I used the supply plugged in to 120 VAC and it worked! THE FREAKIN BATTERY WAS SHOT! Now I had read the reviews and most negative reviews concerned the battery, but I took the chance. It appears that there has been issues with the battery that Rapala refuses to address. I did not call Cabelas to see if they would take it back, maybe I should have. You would think that a big name like Rapala would stand behind their merchandise but they don't! What also is apparent, is that it is the luck of the draw... If you get a knife that works, it will work for a long time. So now what? I crossed my fingers and ordered a new battery... from Amazon, and so far so good, however, I prefer to use a 4' fillet knife when cleaning crappies. Just a "Buyers Beware" conclusion.
Just to clarify, I don't own an electric fillet knife. I have 3 original Rapala wooden handled fillet knives. One of which I have had for 50 years. I have used these knives on literally hundreds of walleye and they have never let me down. The secret is to not cut through bones and learn how to sharpen them. I believe a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Youtube has lots of videos on fileting fish and knife sharpening.
Takes me 2 minutes per walleye to fillet; no bones.
What you guys need is practice....!
Hardest part is being hunched over the dog house of the boat....oh my aching back.
This isn't me but you get the drift..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzkNoLdJOWo
Quote from: Rico on July 09, 2019, 09:41:00 PMsharpen them. I believe a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Completely agree. I've processed over a 100 white tails and 100's of fish over the last 50+ years. Nothing beats a good, sharp knife.
Hodgey, I have one of those Rechargeable knifes..I love it ! Does quick work even with the Quebec cleaning requirements. I did have to replace a battery after 2 years but my new one seems to be holding up well. I have not tried the Bubba fillet knife but I know the charters off of Mass. use them and seem to do a great job as well.
I have noticed that since I'm fairly proficient at cleaning my friends have no problem of having me clean their fish.but they keep my drink full and cold in exchange for completing the task.
Quote from: ziggy6 on July 11, 2019, 07:04:30 AMI have noticed that since I'm fairly proficient at cleaning my friends have no problem of having me clean their fish.but they keep my drink full and cold in exchange for completing the task.
We all have to be good at something!
Quote from: ziggy6 on July 11, 2019, 07:04:30 AM
I have noticed that since I'm fairly proficient at cleaning my friends have no problem of having me clean their fish.but they keep my drink full and cold in exchange for completing the task.
I guess that's not a bad trade ;D
You're welcome, Zig.
But I must say, I always offer to help.
My package arrived today and batteries are on the charger! ;D I'll report back soon.
As I’ve reported before the fishing on Lake Erie for walleye is beyond hot. This past weekend my son-in-law and I spent about three hours catching our limit of beautiful walleye. Our largest, was 28 1/2 inches and weighed over 6 1/2 pounds. So, perfect timing for the new Rapala rechargeable fillet knife to arrive from FishUSA .
I figured it would be a good idea to review it here with you guys. My first thoughts are that it is a serious timesaver. I single-handedly filleted 12 large walleye in a little over 30 minutes by myself. I am certain, had I used my old trusty fillet knife, it would’ve taken me at least another half an hour or more. Once I got the hang of it, I could go really fast, way faster than my traditional blade.
My complaints: 1-as reported in a lot reviews about the battery life, I have to totally agree. I needed to use both batteries to finish 12 Fish. As Jay and Lima Charlie recommended, if you have access to electricity or a 12v battery, I would get the model they recommended, I plan to add it to my arsenal as well, when money allows. For Alwaki though, this will work perfect, since there are no electric outlets in the fish cleaning huts. I really believe this will improve my Alwaki experience, because I love being there..........and chilling after the catch....and not getting eaten alive by Skeeter’s in the fish huts. This knife will definitely reduce the amount of time I spend cleaning fish and the amount of blood lose to skeets during fish cleaning.
2- my next complaint has to do with the trigger to operate it, I understand we live in a psychotic, “its everyone else’s fault†sue happy world, but the trigger to operate this thing sucks. I wish there was a way “and maybe a little duck tape will take care of it†to lock the trigger in the on/go position. The current configuration does not allow that, and to actuate the trigger you must make a small double movement with your finger, to get it to turn on And stay running, while squeezing.
It blows! After a while you get fatigued.
3- My last complaint, though small, Has to do with the sharpness of the cutting blades. They work pretty well, but I think they could work even better if they were way sharper. That may have something to do with not wanting people to hurt themselves? Yea, worrying about people cutting themselves with a sharp knife, as it maybe sharp............Yup, sharp knives, cutting people....
All in all, I would highly recommend this knife to anyone who wants to clean fish quickly, when no electric is available. Otherwise, buy one that is AC-DC adaptable. They are way cheaper and I’m certain work just as well and never need recharged!
See video of the me in action.. While no Reggie, I’m ready for the Ministry!
https://youtu.be/M7wn0CRW8ng (https://youtu.be/M7wn0CRW8ng)
https://youtu.be/xeM_mu5YZDM (https://youtu.be/xeM_mu5YZDM)
Firstly, congrats on a nice walleye outing on Lake Erie. 3 hours for 2 limits is outstanding.
Secondly, thanks for your informative review of the Rapala rechargeable electric fillet knife. I'm glad you are happy with your new purchase. I noticed on the Cabela's write up for this product that the charging base requires almost 4 hours to fully recharge the batteries.
With regards to your complaint about blade sharpness, it's my belief that a lack of power may be the cause of your complaint. I know from experience that my Deluxe Rapala electric fillet knife cuts through everything more quickly when I have it connected to an AC outlet. As soon as I connect it to a 12 volt battery, there is noticeably less power and it takes a little longer to accomplish an identical task. However, I have no complaints - during a week long walleye trip, my Deluxe Rapala electric fillet knife cleaned all the fish kept/eaten by 8 guys when connected to my 30 amp hour deep cycle battery.
Have a great trip to Alwaki.
Jay
Quote from: Hodgey1 on July 15, 2019, 08:45:15 PM
As I’ve reported before the fishing on Lake Erie for walleye is beyond hot. This past weekend my son-in-law and I spent about three hours catching our limit of beautiful walleye. Our largest, was 28 1/2 inches and weighed over 6 1/2 pounds. So, perfect timing for the new Rapala rechargeable fillet knife to arrive from FishUSA .
I figured it would be a good idea to review it here with you guys. My first thoughts are that it is a serious timesaver. I single-handedly filleted 12 large walleye in a little over 30 minutes by myself. I am certain, had I used my old trusty fillet knife, it would’ve taken me at least another half an hour or more. Once I got the hang of it, I could go really fast, way faster than my traditional blade.
My complaints: 1-as reported in a lot reviews about the battery life, I have to totally agree. I needed to use both batteries to finish 12 Fish. As Jay and Lima Charlie recommended, if you have access to electricity or a 12v battery, I would get the model they recommended, I plan to add it to my arsenal as well, when money allows. For Alwaki though, this will work perfect, since there are no electric outlets in the fish cleaning huts. I really believe this will improve my Alwaki experience, because I love being there..........and chilling after the catch....and not getting eaten alive by Skeeter’s in the fish huts. This knife will definitely reduce the amount of time I spend cleaning fish and the amount of blood lose to skeets during fish cleaning.
2- my next complaint has to do with the trigger to operate it, I understand we live in a psychotic, “its everyone else’s fault†sue happy world, but the trigger to operate this thing sucks. I wish there was a way “and maybe a little duck tape will take care of it†to lock the trigger in the on/go position. The current configuration does not allow that, and to actuate the trigger you must make a small double movement with your finger, to get it to turn on And stay running, while squeezing.
It blows! After a while you get fatigued.
3- My last complaint, though small, Has to do with the sharpness of the cutting blades. They work pretty well, but I think they could work even better if they were way sharper. That may have something to do with not wanting people to hurt themselves? Yea, worrying about people cutting themselves with a sharp knife, as it maybe sharp............Yup, sharp knives, cutting people....
All in all, I would highly recommend this knife to anyone who wants to clean fish quickly, when no electric is available. Otherwise, buy one that is AC-DC adaptable. They are way cheaper and I’m certain work just as well and never need recharged!
See video of the me in action.. While no Reggie, I’m ready for the Ministry!
https://youtu.be/M7wn0CRW8ng (https://youtu.be/M7wn0CRW8ng)
https://youtu.be/xeM_mu5YZDM (https://youtu.be/xeM_mu5YZDM)
To prevent getting eaten alive by the skeeters get a thermacell.
Great review! Thanks!
I'll try the Bubba and we can compare in Sept!
MAN!! I have gotta get to ERIE!!! I've never fished Erie, would you say the flavor of Erie walleye are as good as northern lakes?
Quote from: GregL on July 16, 2019, 09:01:13 AM
Great review! Thanks!
I'll try the Bubba and we can compare in Sept!
MAN!! I have gotta get to ERIE!!! I've never fished Erie, would you say the flavor of Erie walleye are as good as northern lakes?
Any Erie walleye I have had tasted muddy to me.
Quote from: GregL on July 16, 2019, 09:01:13 AM
would you say the flavor of Erie walleye are as good as northern lakes?
First, I'm no fish-In-Tologist, but I love to eat fish of
all kinds, both fresh and salt water varieties. I have many favorites, including Grouper, Snapper, Roughy, Perch and Walleye to name a few. I am a firm believer in moderate to no breading so I can get the flavor of the fish. Having said that, I think Lake Erie Walleye is delicious. We shared 6 hogs last night with family for dinner. I wet the filets & lightly floured "shake off excess" and pan fried in a CI skillet with a patty of butter and a tiny bit of EVOO. Season lightly with garlic salt or sea salt, Yum!
As to the "are they as good as the ones from northern lakes I say 15" Cad to 15" Lake Erie fish, I couldn't tell you there's a difference and I have both in the frezzer. When you get into eating the 26"-30" fish, I think they begin to taste a little more.....IDK... Fishy? But it's fish, I like fish, a lot, I also like Bourbon on the Rocks! The large pieces prepared my way are every bit as delicious as the small ones.
If you keep telling us about all the large walleye you are catching on Erie you may have to open up a B&B to the website members and have a bourbon and fish supper special with guiding service in the morning. Good luck in Kipawa hodgey
Quote from: Ozzy30 on July 16, 2019, 04:09:35 PM
you may have to open up a B&B to the website members and have a bourbon and fish supper special with guiding service
My current rate is 12 filets per day! ;)