SUBJECT: # 64: How do I prepare trout?
Submitted by Sean from CALIFORNIA on 8/15/2000 2:30:00 PM
I am gearing up for a Colorado Rocky Mountain camping and fishing trip next week. Should the fishing Gods smile down upon me and I actaully land some keepers, I am at a loss as how to dress any kind of trout. I understand they can't be filleted like panfish or bass, with which I've had nearly all of my fishing experience. Any tips on cleaning and cooking?
- 8/15/2000 7:38:00 PM
Matt C from CALIFORNIA says Cleaning Trout
To dress the trout, hold it upside down by the gills with your left thumb and forefinger(assuming you are right handed) With a sharp knife, slit the trout from the anal vent to the gills. Now, on the bottom of the fish's jaw, he has a "tongue". Cut the through the skin so the tongue is separated from the jaw. Hold the fish in your left hand, belly up, and pull the tongue straight back towards the tail. This will remove the front fins and all the entrails. Run your thumb along the backbone inside the cavity to remove the clotted blood. With a little practice, this will take you about 10 seconds.I also will then "scale" the fish, but that's just to remove the slime coating. I like to stuff the cavity with onions, garlic, butter,and canned cooked shrimp, wrap in foil, and toss into the fire for 10-15 minutes. Good luck!! Matt
