I cleaned my fish at Willard today.

[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I decided that today would be a good day to get my boat in the water for the first time this year. It turns out that was a good decision. Since Willard Bay is the closest water to my home, I went there about Noon today. It was an absolutely gorgeous day on the water with air temps in the mid 60’s, water temps in the mid 60’s and NO wind.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]In less than an hour I had my limit of 3 wipers in the live well and I then switched it up to try for some walleyes. No takers. I finally quit and headed for the boat launch at about 3:30. After loading up the boat and pulling up to the top, I noticed the fish cleaning station is now open. It was still covered up and closed when I launched at Noon. So here’s a big ‘Thank You’ to the Park staff for opening it up just for me.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]And just in case you didn’t notice the new filet knife, it’s a 9" flexible Bubba Blade. I have a 7" flexible to go with it and they are without question the best I have ever used – including electrics.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Well that’s it for today boys and girls. Take care y’all and may all your lines be taught.[/#800000][/font]
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[fishin]
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[Laroo]

Good job on the wipers Bob, looks like you weren't the only one to get into em today.
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[Wildcat94]

Well done sir
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[fish_or_die]

Nice! what were they taking?
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[RockyRaab]

Bob, I've read some VERY mixed reviews of the Bubba knife. The negative ones say that the edge chips with the least pressure: brittle steel.

So what's your opinion? Is it a $50 knife or a $10 knife plus $40 to pay for all those TV ads?
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[wiperhunter2]

Nice, looks like the 14" to 15" cookie cutter wipers that are the main size in the lake right now. We might be going back to the way it was in years past, mainly catching wipers with some walleye every now and then[:/].
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[submoa]

Very nice! I've been wondering about those bubba blades, thanks for the review.
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[Springbuck]

Awwwww, man! I just gotta figure out how to catch a wiper. Even at 15" cookie cutter size, those guys are sure handsome, and look like fighters.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Nice report.

I too bought the Bubba Blade. Almost sent it back without using it. Saw that it was made in China and appears to be made for infomercials. The edge was not as good as what I normally keep on my fillet knives. And it is a bugger to sharpen. Good hard steel...but that is a "dual edge sword". Hard to sharpen but hard to dull. Also heard about the edge nicking easily.

It did okay on perch and white bass but wouldn't cut through the ribs on cats nearly as well as my electric. Still need to try it on walleyes and wipers. No doubt about trout...if I get around to them. You could fillet trout with a butter knife.


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[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Pat,[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]It worked better than my electric ever did on those 3 wipers. I don't know about the sharpening - yet. Haven't used them enough to make them dull. But so far I really like them better than anything I've used in the past. And of course, I reserve the right to change my mind about that in the future should the need arise. [][/#800000][/font]
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[RockyRaab]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll order a Dexter Russel fillet knife for a third the price, because that's what the commercial fish guys use.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I still reserve final judgment too. Not rushing into any hasty opinions.

I originally succumbed to the "hype" of the commercials on some of the fishing programs I watch because of the apparent heft and blade shape. It is much like one of my former favorite knives I used when working on fishing boats. It worked great for turning big ones into little ones.

But, I never relied on just one knife for all cleaning tasks. I had a rack of about a dozen knives for different species and different cutting needs. And I still have multiple knives...including 3 electrics.

I am sure that the Bubba Blade will establish a (pricey) niche in my hacking arsenal. But so far it does not outperform the big 35 year old Rapala wooden handled knife...3'rd from left in one of the attached pics.


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[Ahi1953]

nice wiper haul there dubob

not to stray off the main post . but was just wondering TD . what fish are the dark meat fillets from in the bubba blade kitty pics?
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Nice work eagle eye. That is a carp I also tested with the Bubba Blade. Brought it home to turn into carp cutlets for kitties. The verdict was the same as for catfish...the knife works but not as well as my heavy duty electric on those thick rib bones.


It is interesting that some carp are quite dark like that one. Others are almost as pale as wiper fillets. Not sure whether it is gender related, dietary or what.
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[FishMcFisherson]

Sadly enough, that carp meat looks really pretty. Have you noticed if the cats have a preference on the red or white carp meat?
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[Johnr]

I have a dexter russell as well as various other brands and would recommend a dexter any day.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I've never bothered with a side by side taste test. If the cats are eating carp meat it probably doesn't matter. Some days they do. Other days they seem to prefer white bass, minnows, crawlers, shrimp or buzzard puke. Ya never know so it pays to have at least two or three options for the kitty buffet.
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