Pike is a great fish to eat. Get a good meal by removing the "Y" shaped bones. The technique for doing this is easy. Learn the method and surprise your friends.
Steps
Step 1. Spread the pike sideways and cut the center fin at a 45 degree angle to the "neck"
Step 2. Turn the knife and cut along the spine to the tail
Stay as close to the spine as possible without cutting it.
Step 3. Repeat this procedure on the other side
Step 4. Remove the rib bones
This is the same technique you use with a walleye (sander vitreus) or perch fish. Cut under the rib bones without cutting the fillet.
Step 5. Look for and find some white dorsal bones as you continue along the fillet
They should be in the thickest area of the fillet.
Step 6. Make sure you first cut on the white spots until you feel the bone
Cut along the curve of the bones without cutting them.
Step 7. Now focus on the center line of the fillet
Cut up at a 45 degree angle. Cut until you feel the bones in a "Y" shape. Gently work with the knife along the bones in the opening you created, while cutting along the Y-bones (in step 5).
Step 8. Grab the Y-bones
They are held in place by a thin strip of tenderloin.
Step 9. Pull this strip and the Y-bones will come out in one piece
Use the knife if necessary to free them.
Step 10. Remove the fillet from the skin
Step 11. You now have a clean, boneless pike
Enjoy it!
Advice
- Make sure you have a sharp knife. If you do this with several fish it is best to have a sharpener.
- Invite your friends and surprise them with the delicious flavor of filleted pike!
- You can use a filleting glove for a firmer grip.
- The ridges of the bones look like white dots along the fillet. These are the Y-bones. The ones you need to remove.
