We are trying to find the best filet knife for ‘on the water’ cleaning. We have a couple different knifes (that plug into the boat cig. lighter) but they don’t seem to make more of a mess that producing a nice, clean filet.
Any recommendations?
a custom made fillet knife, around $160.00
I just ordered a Bubba Blade 9 inch FLEX Fillet Knife for that. I have a 12v Rapala electric that sorta works well but I want to try the Bubba. When it gets here I’ll let everyone know what I think of it----and, if I ever get a chance to go fishing, what with cutting up three 40’ trees, fence repair and general clean-up.
I have wondered about that knife. I think it MAY be overhyped,but I know what the $160 custom blade will do.
I fillet hundreds of crappie yearly if not monthly and its an American Angler 12 volt for me..save your money on the other brands…Ranger
American Angler knives are not what they used to be.
Go buy a Rapala or Berkley and we will talk some more…just sayin…I have one that I am using now and have for 6yrs all I have done is replaced the blades like 5 time. Mister Twister blades are the perfect replacement. I can’t wear mine out and have 2 more put back just incase. There is no telling how many crappie, sandbass, and catfish this knife has cleaned. As far as I am concerned until they make a better one which they do not at this moment it’s American Angler for me in 12 volt. Mister Twister in electric…Ranger
I prefer Mister Twister in electric also, but I clean less fish now where 110v is available. I was actually looking for an American Angler in 12 volt when I bought my Rapala. I was told the metal geared model was discontinued. My b-i-l used a metal geared one for years before it gave out and then picked up a new one. He told me the new one is nowhere as good as the older model.
Floyd I have both and have used them both as well and I can’t tell much difference in either. They are both hands down better than either of the 2 that I mentioned…Good Luck in fisnding the right knife…Ranger
American Angler, 12 Volt it is!!
American angler, glens army navy store had them on sale for 29.99!! I had a berkley before and it was a piece of $$$$
Mark, you clean more fish in a month than I do in a year so I’ll try one of the new American Anglers when I find one. I know Cabelas and BPS quit carrying them and I haven’t seen any at Wally World. I’ve been using a regular filet knife more and more because most of the time I just clean three or four during a lull and then throw them on ice.
If you are near an Academy Sports store, I am just about positive they carry the American Angler knives. I’m pretty sure I saw them last time I was in OKC.
This is the best advice on the whole thread! When my Rapala died last year, I didn’t replace it. Instead, I dug out my old fillet knives, sharpened them up and now use them. Been thinking about making me a fillet knife about 7 inches long for Crappie. The only time I wished I had an electric back is when I’m cleaning cats. It takes me a tad longer with a normal fillet knife, but I like working with a knife and I’m not in a hurry so all goes well!
Academy in Tulsa didn’t seem the have them. They have Rapala/ Mister Twisted Sister and then an off brand like Trophy Angler.
A couple of years ago I bought a “Saltwater American Angler” 12v that is white and it’s junk, slow and under powered. My thinking was that “saltwater” meant “power”. My friend has a black with yellow trim American Angler 12v that works great. I bought a 110v American Angler that is gray that works very well. The best catfish fillet knife I ever saw was a GE 110v with a bread knife that my friend used. That thing went through 20lbers rib cage and all like hot butter.
Amen to the fact that the Berkley and Rapala electric knives are junk. I tried both on some 1.5 pound plus crappie and neither would make it to the tail without bogging down. When I took the Berkley back to BPS they didn’t even ask why, then told me that they get em back all the time. They’re used to it. I have switched to 12.00 electrics from WM when I have the rare big mess to clean but if you’re looking for a standard fillet knife I love my Wusthof Classic Ikon. Sharpens easily and really holds an edge. Pretty much best Fathers Day gift ever several years ago.
Dave McCroskey makes the finest knives money can buy for under $200. He is making fillet knives for $160, I believe. He is in Stillwater 405-624-9900. We have 7 of his hunting customs and they are the ONLY hunting knives we use. I have processed 8 deer before resharpening one of my elk hunter knives. The knives are far sharper than a Buck ever thought about being and many times harder steel. I have known Dave since 1976. Crappie, bream, bass and cats ribcages etc are not a challenge at all.
CG, here’s another maker in your neck of the woods that turns out great knives. Rick Menefee of Menefee Knives.
I have a McCroskey that I really like, a customer gave it to me!! When I received it, it had a little note that said basically free lifetime sharpening if I had a problem getting it sharp. Bear in mind that was probably 8 years ago, so I am not sure that he still offers that option. I have never had to send it back to him, and it is one of favorite blades. I didn’t know that he did fillet knives, (thanks Cricket) guess I need to give him a call.
