How To Fillet Wiper

Mastering the Art of Filleting Wiper

Wiper, also known as striped bass, is a popular game fish known for its firm, flavorful flesh. If you’ve recently caught a wiper and are looking to prepare it for a delicious meal, filleting is the way to go. While the process may seem daunting at first, with the right technique and a bit of practice, you can easily master the art of filleting wiper.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• Sharp fillet knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl of water for rinsing
• Plastic bag for discarding scraps

Preparing the Wiper

Follow these steps to prepare the wiper for filleting:

1. Place the wiper on the cutting board and make sure it is clean and scaled.
2. Make a small incision behind the gills and cut down towards the belly to create an opening.
3. Remove the innards and discard them.
4. Rinse the wiper thoroughly under cold water.

The Filleting Process

Now that the wiper is prepped, it’s time to start filleting:

1. Lay the wiper on its side and make a small incision behind the gills, angling the knife towards the head.
2. Run the knife along the backbone, using smooth, steady strokes to separate the fillet from the body.
3. Continue cutting until the fillet is completely removed.
4. Repeat the process on the other side of the wiper to obtain the second fillet.

Removing the Rib Cage

After filleting, you’ll need to remove the rib cage:

1. Locate the rib bones along the center of the fillet.
2. Insert the knife at an angle and carefully cut along the top of the rib bones to separate them from the flesh.
3. Discard the rib bones and any remaining scraps.

Final Steps

Once the fillets are free of bones and skin, rinse them in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Your wiper fillets are now ready to be cooked to perfection!

With practice, filleting wiper will become second nature, allowing you to enjoy the delicious rewards of your fishing expedition. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the fillets, you can savor the fresh, delicate flavor of wiper in every bite.

So, next time you reel in a wiper, don’t hesitate to fillet it and create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends!