How to zipper fillets

[powerdivehome]

Got a demo on that from a charter captain on Erie the other day. Just like cutting the mud vein or red meat out of a white bass, it's best to remove that "zipper line" from your walleyes to ensure prime flavor.

You should see these guys clean fish! Electric knives only (they use kitchen electrics, not fillet style knives). They can fillet out, skin and debone a walleye in about 30 seconds. After a trip, they get an extra dollar per fish for doing so.

To zipper a fillet: locate the lateral line/colored area that runs the length of the fillet, down the middle. Cut a one to two-inch notch in this line from the tail, then just pull the two halves apart(upper and lower portions of one fillet. They'll easily split right down the lateral line. Whichever half has the lateral line remaining, just grab the tail end and pull it out. It'll unzip cleanly once again. You'll end up with two long strips rather than one fillet.

Just passing on what I learned.

[Tablerock]

I guess that means you actually got to see / catch / touch a walleye.
Were the numbers good ?? How about size......

[walleyesrus]

I always remove that stip also.

[Lakebumb]

PD
Thanks for sharing that information. I have been using an electric knife for 20 years but the zipper thing is cool. I always fillet the red meat out by hand. This zipper thing works on everything (Crappie, stripers, walleye, white bass, catfish)

I have been using it and it works great.

Thanks agian, my fillet job just got easier

[Johnnie Candle]

Being an ex-Lake Erie Charter Boat Captain, the zipper trick is close to my heart. Here is another one that an old Capt taught me years ago. It is for removing the Waleye Cheeks.

Take a regular kitchen Table Spoon to your grinding wheel and sharpen the edges as sharp as you can. Some are better than others at this. Then just spoon them out, like making mellon balls. Some of the finest eating on the planet.

Growing up on Erie, we had to do this to make it time effecient. The limit was ten per person way back and that is a ton of cheeks. The Cheeks form a ten pounder can be eaten on a hamburger bun. Yes, there is no catch and release there.

[powerdivehome]

Johnnie, what would be the minimum size walleye you'd bother with removing the cheeks? Thanks!

[Lakebumb]

OK OK let me get this straight.

You can EAT the CHEEKS off a Walleye?????

This is the first I have heard of this.

Stupid question but here goes. Where exactly are Walleye Cheeks located?

If there is a place to obtain more meat off a walleye I am all for it. Those things are mighty fine eating.

[Tablerock]

LB....There is a "pocket" of meat on each side of the head. You can see them clearly after filleting the rest of the fish. If the walleye is big enough and you have the right tool, you can scoop them out. It's a little extra work but it's worth the effort.

[Lakebumb]

Thanks

I'll check that out if I catch any more this summer.

[bullitt]

I do about the same thing with the chunk of meat high on the back of their head that I can't leave on the fillet. It makes a thumb sized chunk that is really good.

[reelxtc]

I think the minimum size walleye for nice size cheeks is about 3 lbs. They're about the consistency of scallops. Very nice for appetizers before a fish fry. I saute' 'em in butter with a little garlic powder.

[Johnnie Candle]

I agree ReelXTC, about three pounds, unless you are really hungry.