You’ve been fishing, and even better, you’ve been successful and now you have a bunch of fish to clean. A good fillet knife is an important tool to properly care for your catch and ensure the best fish for your dinner table. That care begins immediately upon landing the fish. If you are not going to keep it, try to handle the fish as little as possible, take photos if you want and then quickly release the fish back into the water. The less handling, the greater the survival rate of the fish.
If you do want to keep it for the table, get it either on a stringer and back into the water or, on ice as quickly as you can. The best way is to gut the fish as quickly as possible and then put on ice, but we all know that is not too common these days. We want to continue fishing, and gutting will take time away from catching the next one. So, as the next best alternative, put the fish directly on ice immediately and then as soon as possible clean and prepare your catch. In order to do that, you will need some tools for the job and the primary tools will be good fillet knives followed by a good fish cleaning table or station.
Fillet knives Tools of the Trade
Fillet knives come in all shapes and sizes and, of course, price ranges. Your standard straight edge fillet knives or even electric fillet knives. The old reliable straight edge filet knife will always have a place in your gear because those fancy electric knives will need a power source which sometimes isn’t available or your battery powered cordless can run out of juice just when you need them.
That being said, the new cordless electric fillet knives are a handy tool to have and make quick work or cleaning your catch. We’re going to take a look at some of the best offerings for electric fillet knives currently available on the market. From high end to a more budget friendly version, there is something here for everyone.
What is an electric fillet knife?
An electric fillet knife is a kitchen tool specifically designed for filleting fish or other meats. It features a motorized blade that oscillates rapidly, making it easier and more efficient to cut through the flesh and bones.
Bubba Blade Lithium Ion Electric Fillet Knife
The famous “Bubba Blade” knives are a relative newcomer to the fillet knife market. Although they have now been around a few years, knives like Rapala have been here for decades. Bubba blade knives are a bit pricey, but they are first-rate quality fillet knives. Heavy duty for long life and handling tough jobs, the Bubba Blade is a great choice for a quality knife that will last you for years. Recently, they have added electric fillet knives to their line up.
The Bubba Lithium Ion Electric fillet knife is the ideal battery operated fillet knife. With a long run time you’ll be able to fillet your fish forever. This knife comes in a convenient, premium EVA molded carrying case. The Bubba Lithium Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in your hand. We’ve stayed true to our roots by incorporating the iconic non-slip grip handle, which allows you to cut through fish like butter.
Our lithium-ion battery has the longest run time of any electric fillet knife on the market so you can stack fillets until you’re out of fish. The engineered ventilation has been made to maximize motor transmission output giving you an incredible amount of torque. Included are four different blade styles — 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF, and 12” E-STIFF — that reflect our legendary tapered flex and stiff fillet knives.
These blades are constructed out of high carbon stainless steel and coated with titanium nitride making them extremely corrosion resistant. We’ve also incorporated a safety lock and trigger guard for ultimate security. The electric fillet knife comes in a premium EVA molded carrying case, which allows you to break apart the storage units for easy cleaning. This knife contains a second replacement battery, charging cord, and all batteries include a battery life indicator so you can rest assured that you’ll never run out of juice. This electric fillet knife is exactly what you’ve been looking for, and it’s ready to fillet any fish any time.
- Dimensions: 8.5” handle length and weighs 1.11 pounds
- Ease of use: Non-slip grip handle for outstanding grip security providing ultimate knife control with a trigger guard for added security
- Durable: Dual-rivet blade design is coated in TiN stainless steel and features an ergonomic trigger
- Convenient: Blades are removable for easy cleaning and can be stored in a special section of the zippered storage case and the handle features an LED battery life indicator to ensure you always have a functioning knife
- Includes: 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12” E-STIFF blades, wall charger, (2) lithium ion batteries and a premium EVA case for storage and transport
- Comes with 4 different Bubba styles: 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12” E-STIFF
- Blades are made with high carbon stainless steel, coated with titanium nitrade for corrosion resistance.
- EVA molded carrying case
- Comes with secondary replacement battery and charging cord
- Ergonomic trigger
- Non-slip grip
A very high quality knife capable of handling some of the biggest and toughest fish in the sea. A bit pricey, like most of the Bubba Blades, but it will last you for years and years.
Rapala Rechargeable Cordless Electric Fillet Knives
Rapala has been making fillet knives for decades, and we’ve all probably owned one or several over our fishing lifetimes. Quality, long-lasting and sharp, Rapala fillet knives were the standard by which all other knives were measured. Well, they are still making quality knives and that quality is also apparent in their electric knives as well.
The Rapala Deluxe Cordless Fillet Knife Set has no cords in the way. The Rapala Deluxe Cordless Fillet Knife makes even the toughest filleting chores a quick and easy task. Two removable rechargeable battery packs provide an ample power source to complete the job. The charger base allows charging of one battery to a full charge in 3 hours and 45 minutes, while you put the other to use, or pre-charge for a fast shore lunch preparation in the field.
Both a 6 inch and 7.5 inch stainless steel reciprocating style blades are included. The whole set packs neatly into a compact blow molded plastic carrying case so you can bring the ease of filleting everywhere. The premium motor will provide years of service. Dual Rechargeable Battery Packs Advanced Air Flow Design Quiet Long-Lasting Motor 6 inch & 7.5 inch Reciprocating Blades AC Battery Charger One Year Warranty
With no cords in the way, the Rapala® Deluxe Cordless Fillet Knife makes even the toughest filleting chores a quick and easy task. Two removable rechargeable battery packs provide an ample power source to complete the job. Charger base allows charging of one battery to a full charge in 3 hours and 45 minutes, while you put the other to use, or pre-charge for a fast shore lunch preparation in the field. Both a 6″ and 7-1/2″ reciprocating style blades are included. The whole set packs neatly into a compact carrying case so you can bring the ease of filleting everywhere. Premium motor will provide years of service. Case: Blow Molded Plastic. Blades: Stainless Steel.
- Relaxed Grip Body
- Dual Rechargeable Battery Packs
- Advanced Air Flow Design
- Quiet Long-Lasting Motor
- 6″ & 7-1/2″ Reciprocating Blades
- AC Battery Charger
- Compact Storage Case
- One Year Warranty
A good cordless filet knife from Rapala the makers of Rapala filet knives with decades of experience cleaning you catch. Rapala, always a good choice in fish cleaning equipment.
American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Sportsmen’s Kit
American Angler’s newest electric fillet knife, the PRO EFK, is our most powerful knife yet. With 2X the torque and smooth and consistent filleting, the only thing slowing this knife down is how long it takes to land your catch. This product includes 5 blades: (1) 10″ Saltwater Blade, (1) 5.5″ Curved Tip Blade Replacement, (1) 8″ Curved Tip Blade Replacement, (1) 10″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade Replacement and (1) 8″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade Replacement.
When it comes to cleaning your catch at the end of the day, you want a knife you can trust. You don’t want a knife that performs poorly, has no power, overheats easily, has dull blades, or doesn’t have a long lifespan. It just slows you down, especially if you have a large haul of fish to fillet. That is why we created the knife for every American Angler.
- Fillet with Ease: The PRO Series motor boasts 2X more torque than any other “Heavy-Duty” EFK so big bones never slow you down.
- Fillet Season After Season: Superior Drive Train components and design gives the PRO Series 4X the lifespan of any other “Heavy-Duty” EFK
- Fillet Comfortably: Advanced airflow design keeps the PRO Series ergonomic handset cool for hours of continuous filleting.
- Fillet like a PRO: Commercial Fisherman and Guide Services choose the American Angler PRO Series more than any other EFK. Backed by a 2-Year Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Fillet to Perfection:The EFK PRO series handset is compatible with all variations of American Angler Replacement including the 8-Inch Curved Replacement Blade (31018DS) and the 8-Inch Curved Replacement Shark Blade (31018DS).
- Fillet with Ease: The PRO Series motor boasts 2X more torque than any other “Heavy-Duty” EFK so big bones never slow you down.
- Fillet Season After Season: Superior Drive Train components and design gives the PRO Series 4X the lifespan of any other “Heavy-Duty” EFK
- Fillet Comfortably: Advanced airflow design keeps the PRO Series ergonomic handset cool for hours of continuous filleting.
- Fillet to Perfection: The EFK PRO series handset is compatible with all variations of American Angler Replacement including the 8-Inch Curved Replacement Blade (31018DS) and the 8-Inch Curved Replacement Shark Blade (31018DS) Blades so you always have the perfect blade to fillet your catch.
- Fillet like a PRO: Commercial Fisherman and Guide Services choose the American Angler PRO Series more than any other EFK. Backed by a 2-Year Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Bubba Blade Corded Electric Fillet Knife – 4 Blades
We looked at the Bubba Blade cordless model, however, if you have access to an electric outlet where you clean your fish, maybe the corded Bubba Blade would make a better option for you. No recharging of batteries to worry with. And, rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced eventually and that is an extra expense.
The Bubba Corded Electric Fillet Knife is perfect for powering through big fish or game with total control and is great for carving meat. 4 blades included. Designed by fishermen for fishermen and ergonomically crafted to fit perfectly in your hand, this knife is a game-changer. We’ve stayed true to our roots by incorporating the iconic, non-slip grip handle so you can keep a firm grasp on the blade while turning your latest catch into your next meal.
The engineered ventilation is made to maximize motor transmission output; giving you an incredible amount of torque. Included are four different blade styles — 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF, and 12” E-STIFF — reflecting our legendary Tapered Flex and Stiff fillet knives. These blades are constructed from high carbon stainless steel and coated with titanium nitride for corrosion resistance.
It features an eight-foot cord, safety lock and trigger guard for ultimate security. We’ve also included a premium EVA molded carrying case, which allows you to break apart the storage units for easy cleaning. This knife will have you stacking fillets until you’re out of fish.
- Dimensions: 8.5 inch handle length, 8 feet power cord and weighs 1.11 pounds
- Ease of use: Non-slip grip handle for outstanding grip security providing ultimate knife control with a trigger guard for added security
- Durable: Dual rivet blade design is coated in TiN stainless steel and features an ergonomic trigger
- Convenient: Blades are removable for easy cleaning and can be stored in a special section of the zippered storage case
- Includes: 7 inch E FLEX, 9 inch E FLEX, 9 inch E STIFF and 12 inch E STIFF blades and a premium EVA case for storage and transport
Another in the line of high quality and durable Bubba Blade products. Again, not the least expensive, but you will be getting a piece of equipment that will last for years and is backed up by the folks at Bubba Blade.
Mr Twister SW Piranha Electric Filet Knife
We’ve all seen them, maybe even owned one, the Mister Twister Piranha electric fillet knife. I’ve included the Mister Twister because of their familiarity, and they are a very budget friendly option when compared to the other knives we’ve looked at today. Now, it’s like comparing a Cadillac to a Hyundai, but the Mister Twister Piranha will handle most any fish you throw at it. If price is a factor, it can be a very good choice. Don’t expect it to be as durable or long-lasting as the more expensive fillet knives we’ve looked at, but it has cleaned a lot of fish around the world.
As Mister Twister says: “Bad to the Bone” More Power… More Torque… More Speed… Superior mechanics means superior results. Saltwater and trophy freshwater fishermen have a fillet knife that can handle any big fish in the Piranha™ from Mister Twister®, the pioneer in electric fish cleaning technology.
Every bit as rugged as the classic Mister Twister® Electric Fisherman™, the Piranha™, features 25% more torque and 15% more speed than most other electric knives, so it will handle the tough scales and skin of any trophy fish. The real key to its cutting power is in its 9″ heavy-duty stainless steel blade. More power, more torque, and more speed make the Piranha™, “Bad to the Bone!” 9″ blade length means less time cleaning fish and more time on the water.
Two Year Limited Warranty
The Mister Twister® Piranha™ Electric fillet knife is warranted against defects in materials & workmanship for 2 years from the date of original purchase.
Electric Filet Knife Comparison
In the table below, I have attempted to give you a side by side comparison of these electric fillet knives with what, in my opinion, are the important features and factors to consider when deciding which knife to choose. Of course, I always recommend you take a look and decide for yourself as fillet knives, like girlfriends, are very much a personal preference. 😉
Frequently Asked Questions on Electric Fillet Knives
How does an electric fillet knife work?
Electric fillet knives have a handle that houses a motor, which powers the reciprocating blade. When the knife is turned on, the motor causes the blade to move back and forth rapidly, creating a sawing motion that aids in filleting.
What are the advantages of using an electric fillet knife?
Electric fillet knives offer several benefits. They make the filleting process faster and more precise, as the motorized blade effortlessly cuts through the meat and bones. They also reduce the strain on your hands and wrists, especially when filleting large quantities of fish.
Can electric fillet knives be used for other tasks besides filleting fish?
Yes, electric fillet knives can be used for various other tasks. They are great for slicing through boneless meats, such as turkey or roast beef. Additionally, some models come with interchangeable blades that can be used for tasks like bread slicing or carving.
Are electric fillet knives easy to clean?
Electric fillet knives are generally easy to clean. Most models feature removable blades that can be detached for thorough cleaning. Additionally, the handle and other parts can be wiped down with a damp cloth. However, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
Can electric fillet knives be used outdoors?
Yes, electric fillet knives can be used outdoors. They are often used by anglers while fishing to fillet their catch on the spot. However, it’s essential to ensure that the knife is used safely and that proper precautions are taken when operating it in outdoor environments.
Are electric fillet knives safe to use?
When used correctly, electric fillet knives are safe to use. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary precautions. Always handle the knife with care, keep fingers clear of the blade, and unplug the knife when not in use or during cleaning.
Can electric fillet knives be used by beginners?
Yes, electric fillet knives can be used by beginners. They can be particularly helpful for those who are new to filleting, as the motorized blade helps achieve consistent and clean cuts. However, it’s advisable to practice caution and familiarize yourself with the knife’s operation before use.
Are electric fillet knives corded or cordless?
Electric fillet knives are available in both corded and cordless models. Corded models need to be connected to a power source, while cordless models are powered by rechargeable batteries. Each type has its own advantages, so choose based on your specific needs and preferences.
Can electric fillet knives be sharpened?
Yes, electric fillet knife blades can be sharpened. However, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for sharpening instructions, as some models may have specific requirements. It’s generally recommended to use a sharpening stone or a professional knife sharpener.
Grab Your Knife and Go Catch Some Fish
Electric fillet knives, in the hands of someone who knows how to use them, are a tremendous time saver. In fact, you will find that once you get familiar with your electric fillet knife that you waste less fish. You get more fish off of every fillet and do it much faster. The ultimate goal is to get the most out of our catch and provide the best quality food for our table. With electric fillet knives, and a bit of practice, you will accomplish both goals and in a much shorter time.
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can follow up on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.
A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
