Traditional Fish Cleaning

To “clean” a fish means to prepare it for preservation, cooking, or immediate consumption. It’s a fundamental component of sustenance fishing, and there are MANY styles and techniques for doing so.

Reasonably, there is a significant difference between a commercial fishing boat that yields a thousand animals per day, and a lone traveller looking to score a day’s dinner. Therefore, fish cleaning means and methods very greatly.

From my experience, the older the technique—the more intimate and direct it feels. As I’ve mentioned earlier, much of my enjoyment of fishing involves reflecting on its past. Thus, I’m always intrigued by traditional and REALLY old-school fishing tricks and tactics.

I’ll admit—I’m not crazy about ice fishing. Typically, I prefer warm weather, no matter what I’m doing. Still, I respect the depth of history it has in arctic regions. By imagining the conditions and challenges they faced, as long ago as they did, it warms my chest like a dose of brandy from a St. Bernard’s rescue flask. Regardless of what you’re passionate about, periodically remembering to appreciate its origin may revitalize the very passion itself.

The gentleman in the video below does an excellent job of species-specific cleaning of a yellow perch. Please listen carefully to his narration as the video plays. Also, keep in mind that his method is based on a deeply rooted hunter-gatherer tradition, which is well refined. 

The gentleman in the video above does an excellent job of species-specific cleaning of a yellow perch. Please listen carefully to his narration as the video plays. Also, keep in mind that his method is based on a deeply rooted hunter-gatherer tradition, which is well refined.

Beyond the obvious tutorial aspect of this video, is the humility and respect the instructor humbly embodies. There’s a sincere signal of significance that he believes in what he does. Believing in what you do FAR exceeds how you may actually do it, regardless of what it is that you're doing. Fishing = winning, all day.

Correct Knots to Avoid Fishing "Nots"

I’m a huge fan of the experiential aspects of fishing. Be it the feel of the forest floor or the sound of the crashing surf, there is always a sense of colorful mystery involved. Still, we must remember the importance of the mechanics of fishing, therefore the gear, which essentially facilitates the experience. One typically overlooked, yet vital component of tackle is the physical connection between line and accessory (lure, hook, leader, swivel, line type, line CONDITION, etc.), which is the KNOT used to tie the line to the appropriate accessory.

Metaphorically for fishing, the knot is “where the rubber hits the road.” You might have a brand new Corvette, but throw some mismatched tires on it and you’ll likely have a poor driving experience. Likewise, if you apply an impractical knot in your line–your chance of a failed connection to the fish increases. A seasoned old timer once said, “For landing big fish, always tie the right knots.” Shortly thereafter, his young son supposed, “Dad, I thought that TV show Knots Landing was about fishing.”

Whether you’re attaching a bait setup or lure setup, the fact remains that your knot is essential to your security. This is where the knot earns its money. Optimally, you want to choose a knot that is relatively informal, quite practical, and VERY effective. An excellent choice in this situation is the “Palomar Knot.” It is very reliable, requires far less attention than equally strong knots, and once learned, can consecutively be tied efficiently.

See below for a linear diagram depicting this knot-tying process.

Also–it has been recommended (that between steps 3 and 4), the tyer add some saliva to the loop, to assist the tightening of the line during the final step. Mastering this knot may further solidify you links, while easing your mind.

No matter your passion, preparedness for excellence should always be a standard for it; simply because it’s a passion. An extra minute of knot prep might save you years of regret. Hopefully, this post may provide you a valuable tool for landing instead of losing that LUNKER. Best of luck!!