To zip or not?

[Madd Matt]

Making the wife happy is the best reason and logic I have heard!

-Matt

[penalty box]

the biggest thing I started 2 years ago is to bleed the fish as I catch them, it makes a big difference. i have a 5 gallon bucket and a pair of scissors, just cut their gills and place in the bucket with some water, after about 5 minutes place in the cooler. The cleaning table is also less messy. As far as zippering last I checked we still live in America feel free to do as you choose.

[eriecaster]

I like zipping mine out just to be sure I get the bones. I was at a buddy's house over the 4th for a fish fry and he does not zip needless to say I pulled a handful of bones out of my mouth through out the feast. I do however keep some of the smaller fish in full fillets for the grill or baking. It's a personal preference if you havnt zipped give it a shot and compare. I also skim all red meat and started bleeding my fish this year and I have noticed a difference in the fillets as well.

[BobR]

I cut mine out accept an inch from the tail so the whole fillet is intact. Saves a big fight at the dinner table with the wife if she would get a bone. She really does not like eating anything without feathers so I will make sure there are no bones.

[troy1976]

I always have jsut left the belly meat alone. my wife prefers that I dont bother with anything around the bones so that is what I do. a happy wife is a happy life. wise man told that to me. as everyone knows