After the catch

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Usually on Bluegill outings, my partners and I will selectively harvest a few 7-8" gills..and for several years now, I normally just fillet and skin them for the pan....As of late, member Jeremy Mayo has taunted my taste buds with his field dressed style and method of preparation.....so I'm about to give it a go!

[Eric White]

I usually skin them as well, but a fishing buddy of mine scales them he always brags how much better they are, but I dont have the patience to scale them haha.

[John Sheehan]

Yes Mountain Man .. I dont enjoy scaling and having the scales fly up into my eyes after a childhood experience ...whats the good way to scale Musky Bill?..maybe I'll try it again! Eating fins ,dont know 'bout wanting that!

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Best way to scale in my opinion is under water.....in a bucket or a tub. I did these in my kitchen and didn't lose a single scale.......The fins are tasty, just ask Jeremy R Mayo!

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

Just like taterchips!

There is a contraption that you can get to pull behind your boat that tumbles and turns and takes the scales off while you pull it. Its pretty cool. I just do em the old fashioned way. 6 pack, of beer a fan to blow off the bugs, a spoon, couple buckets, waterhose, knife, and a strong stomach!

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Don't tell my cardiologist!.....they were damn good!

[Frosch]

Add a few more fries and that looks like a great plate;) I wish I had that right now.

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

UMMMMMMMM!!! CRISPY FINS! I LOVE IT! The last batch I caught I fillet a few of the bigger guys but I also scaled and left the skin on them. Im going to fry a few cause just like chicken I think the skin is the best part. The main reason I did it though was I was wondering if I did them this way maybe I could seer a few on the grill and hopefully the skin would hold them together a lil better. Only did a few so as not to waste them but I cant wait to try it. Great looking meal Mr. Bill

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Jeremy, I harvested 9 Bluegills for this project....all were scaled....4 were field dressed....5 were filleted. I ate the fillets tonight, they were...extraordinary!

[C Barb]

That looks delicious!

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

Maybe you should make us a whole dressing video there Mr. Bill?

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

a high pressure washer will take those scales right off if you have got a lot to do,just a little messy but saves lots of time

[Jeremy R. Mayo]

That sounds like it may tenderize the meat a lil bit to! haha. We have used the flat spray on the waterhose a few times but its best you be in cloths you dont mind getting wet!