Cutting the Gills - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

madscientist · 08-07-2008, 02:41 PM

Most tuna I've seen hit the deck start bleeding profusely anyway. On a private boat I bleed everything. I agree with Tyler on WSB, except that unbled fish will have more visually noticeable black blood lines in the meat.

With halibut I don't think it really matters, and even bled they'll still hop around 30 minutes later. I stopped clubbing fish years ago after realizing it doesn't make much of a difference. If you want to kill it immediately use a spike to the brain (a gaff works in a pinch).

The other advantage of bleeding OTW is the filleting process will be much cleaner.

08-07-2008, 02:41 PM	#9
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	Most tuna I've seen hit the deck start bleeding profusely anyway. On a private boat I bleed everything. I agree with Tyler on WSB, except that unbled fish will have more visually noticeable black blood lines in the meat. With halibut I don't think it really matters, and even bled they'll still hop around 30 minutes later. I stopped clubbing fish years ago after realizing it doesn't make much of a difference. If you want to kill it immediately use a spike to the brain (a gaff works in a pinch). The other advantage of bleeding OTW is the filleting process will be much cleaner. __________________