DK ; we don't fillet them,just scale then , gut scrap the side and fins, the golden brown crisp fins is the best part of the fish(sorta like fish chips)not fish and chips. to remove any mud stuck ; and salt , pepper , meal and deep fry them,when golden brown and comes to the top; floats. eat till yo can't walk.[].

the only fish we filletare bass or anything that weights more than a 16 oz.can of beer