walleye cleaning regulations

[ziggy6]

 Does anyone know if the Quebec regulations for walleye'sare the same this year as last?  especially the cleaning of the fish regs.?

thanks   

[wayne]

As far as I know the Regs are the same as last year.  With the exception of no minnows. I believe that would also include the cleaning method for transport. We advised our guests to just gut and gill and freeze the Walleye whole. Then fillet them as normal when you consume them at home. Hope this helps.

[ziggy6]

It does thank you

[RHYBAK]

Last year I brought my vacuum sealer with me.
Gutted the take home fish , then sealed them flat in case we were stopped.
By leaving the head on, it made for easier cleaning at home .
Something to hold onto when cleaning.

[Jay Thomas]

I've been filleting walleye with an electric filleting knife since 2005. For me, an electric filleting knife is easier and quicker. I've also been vacuum sealing (FoodSaver) take home fish since 2007. For each walleye going home, the two fillets (skin attached) minus head, back bone and rib cage are connected at the tail. One benefit of this is that you only have to leave the pectoral fin on one of the fillets. When we're ready for a walleye meal at home, I thaw the fillets and then grab the tail to remove the skin. I'm not saying my method is better than any other method. Rather, I'm just participating in the discussion. Looking forward to cleaning some walleye this season.

Jay

[RHYBAK]

I've been filleting walleye with an electric filleting knife since 2005. For me, an electric filleting knife is easier and quicker. I've also been vacuum sealing (FoodSaver) take home fish since 2007. For each walleye going home, the two fillets (skin attached) minus head, back bone and rib cage are connected at the tail. One benefit of this is that you only have to leave the pectoral fin on one of the fillets. When we're ready for a walleye meal at home, I thaw the fillets and then grab the tail to remove the skin. I'm not saying my method is better than any other method. Rather, I'm just participating in the discussion. Looking forward to cleaning some walleye this season.

Jay

Jay
I liked your method and was doing it that way until last years new cleaning regulation came into effect.

May be easier with an electric knife

[Jay Thomas]

Hi John,

Yes, with an electric filleting knife, it's relatively easy to prepare a walleye for transport with the pectoral fin on.

Jay

[ziggy6]

I agree with Jay in the fact that the electric knife has really been a positive for me in cleaning fish.  Taking the vacuum sealer is an idea of something to bring along.

[NortonJoe]

I've never tried an electric filet knife, mostly because no one in our group has one for me to use.  I'm far too cheap to buy something blind for fear I won't like it!  What, in your opinions, are the advantages to an electric knife? Is it difficult to sharpen them? Sometimes they look a bit "clunky" for lack of a better word.

[Jay Thomas]

I'm biased because I've been using a Rapala electric filleting knife since 2005. Before then, I always used a blade.

However, in 2005, one day during a week at the Gouin Reservoir, the outfitter requested that my partner and I each bring in a full limit of 8 walleye - he needed more walleye for a camp walleye dinner for all guests that evening. Several hours later, as we're approaching the dock, all I can think about is that I have 16 walleye to clean. By the time we had tied up to the dock, the owner was at the boat and took our 16 walleye to the fish cleaning house. He reached into a cupboard and pulled out a Rapala electric filleting knife. He had the fillets off those 16 walleye in about 9 minutes - a little over 30 seconds per walleye. I was convinced then and there that an electric filleting knife was in my future. I purchased a Rapala electric filleting knife shortly after I returned home and I've been cleaning walleye for our group since.

There are no power outlets where I typically go walleye fishing. Consequently, the Rapala electric filleting knife that I purchased can work off 12 volt DC power or 110 volt AC power. A 30 amp hr deep cycle battery has always cleaned all the fish our group needs to clean in a week.

I checked the Cabela's site this afternoon and they have a Rapala electric filleting knife (Item number IK-51574) that can work off 12 volt DC power or 110 volt AC power. It retails for $69.99 USD. Replacement blades are only $10.99 for the 6" and $11.99 for the 7.5". In 11 years of use, I have only bought 2 sets of replacement blades and one of those sets in still in the box.

Here's a web reference to a video that demonstrates how to clean walleye with an electric filleting knife - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQVQvC62mBo
There are many such videos online - for walleye, pike, crappie, etc.

Jay

[NortonJoe]

@Jay Thomas watching that video, I may just have to break down and ask for an electric filet knife for my birthday!

[ziggy6]

I have been using a electric filleting knife now for years. Before that I also was using a quality fillet knife. On a group ice fishing trip we had a mess of perch to clean and one of the other gentlemen had an electric knife and he was much quicker than myself. After that I purchased one and find it very efficient. The knifes are serrated ( at least the ones I use, not sure if there is any other kind) and stay sharp for a long time..I do have a back up pair of blades.  I purchased a battery powered one for last years trip and it did a great job, even cutting by the pectoral fins of the walleye when I filleted them.  I'm a believer.   

[SgtCrabby]

Question:  is there any difference between an electric fillet knife and a plain electric knife?
I've had a plain one for about 12.5 years on a shelf, used it twice.  May turn it into a fillet knife . . .

[RickOnt]

I really don't think there is any difference in the power part, but the blades are shaped more like a regular fillet knife

[RickOnt]

As for transporting fish I think Wayne has it correct, as stated in the regs,  the "Whole" fish would be head included