Bait/fillet table

[SommerTime]

I like to clean and fillet my fish while anchored, other than rockfish, while I'm out fishing. I cut the remains into small pieces for chum. I have a small bait table that you all have seen that mounts in a rod holder. Does anyone have a better idea that makes the cleaning more comfortable since I sometimes will clean fish for an hour+. This gets very tiring for an old man. Pictures if available would be appreciated.

 

[DaleH]

Sounds like the height is the issue, as stooping over for that long a period would wear anyone out. Less raising the height of the table, how 'bout this? They make a small fillet table that clamps to the lid of a 5-gallon bucket.

Fillet your fish as usual on the table mounted in the rod holder, but to do your trimmings and make your chum, take a seat in a comfortable chair and use the bucket-mounted fillet table ... presto ... all the guts & pieces go into the bucket via the hole ... nothing goes onto the deck.

The one I'm thinking of is called the Fillet-N-Carry Sportsman's Table, $35 from here.

FWIW my brother makes his own chum and uses a big old meat grinder he bought at a yard sale for $5. He made a mount that places it in the rod holder, but at a comfortable working height where he doesn't need to bend over it.

 

[HM5]

Now that is really a trick deal!!

Like the grinder idea too.

Yeah a lot of great ideas here... this site is the Parker owners manual!

 

[SommerTime]

Thanks Dale: That solves part of the problem but the other part that I didn't mention was that the fillet table that I use the guys fishing will use the table for cutting their bloodworms-yuck. Got to think a little more about the best idea. I have something in mind but don't know that I have the skill to do a good job in making it. Maybe I can make a drawing of my idea and get it scanned so that I can put post it.

 

[pelagic2530]

Sommertime: a bit off topic, but something you should check, if you havent already. what species are you cleaning out on the boat? i dont know about your area, but in delaware, the fillets must be equal to the legal size of the fish itself, otherwise it is considered an illegal fish if you are stopped and checked. if you havent already, you may want to check on this, as the fine for an undersize fillet in DE is the same as the one for an undersized fish. and they confiscate it too. :shock:

 

[SommerTime]

Good Point: The only thing that I have be able to find in the Maryland regulations are rockfish must be brought back to the dock whole, i.e. you might be able to gut them, but not fillet them. If anyone knows anything different I would like to know. I will ask the question on another web site and see what people say.
Thanks for the point.

 

[HM5]

I might suggest that you check with Maryland version of Department of Environmental Management - Enforcement or Environmental Protection - Police to get the correct answer. Too many times there are supositions that get people into trouble; best to check with the authority, and get it in writting.

 

[Megabyte]

Thanks Dale: That solves part of the problem but the other part that I didn't mention was that the fillet table that I use the guys fishing will use the table for cutting their bloodworms-yuck.

I use a 12" scrap piece of 2x4 or 2x6 and an old serated blade kitchen knife for cutting bloods, shrimp, or chunking baitfish for bait.
It cost me nothing and if it ever gets too funky to clean, I toss it and get another piece of scrap from my pile.

 

[samsims]

Here is mine. Nice and high so no back pain. As for cost, can't compete with the $35 model Dale mentioned.
Stacy

 

[SommerTime]

Stacy: Now you are talking. Did you make it yourself or did you purchase it. If you purchased it, can you tell me where. Also are the legs attached to hatches? The only mod that I would make is I would attach it to the rod holders on the side of the boat since the area shown in the picture is prime fishing real estate. This would require modifications of the legs.

Thanks for your reply.
Bill

 

[mrfunandson]

This table is mounted into two 90 deg rod holders and is removeable.

 

[mrfunandson]

sorry

 

[SommerTime]

Did you buy or make the table? I like where it is located.

 

[samsims]

I made the table and support structure. I tried to find something off the shelf but could not find one that suited my needs. The legs mount between the fish hold hatches, all the hatches open.

Mounting it in the back is much better than on the side for the way I fish, and the boat. With the engine bracket/platform you can't much with a fish close to the boat off the back anyway, all netting is done off the sides. I had originally planned to mount it in pole holder or some other quick disconnect method and store it when not in use, but then you have figure out where to store it. I was very concerning it would be in the way, but so far I have never wished it wasn't there.

Stacy