Buckshot’s Bait & Tackle is in Curtice, Ohio (east of Toledo), just down the road from Meinke Marina on famed walleye-factory Lake Erie (west basin). Buckshot’s is a traditional bait shop, selling live bait, rods and reels and other fishing gear. But what sets it apart from almost all other bait shops is it offers fish cleaning services. And FYI: It’s open seven days a week from 5 a.m to 8 p.m.

Below is info I found on Buckshot’s website regarding its fish cleaning services:

Upon arrival we will weigh out your catch, and have you fill out the ODNR required paperwork. We will write up a receipt with all information regarding #s and preferred cuts. Based on demand we will inform you of when we can have them ready for pick up. You must PAY in full at drop off. Feel free to call before heading back out to pick up fish. If there are any delays in your schedule, just give us a call and let us know. We will happily freeze fish for an additional fee.

A few other notes about Buckshot’s and its fish cleaning services:

  • Walleye cleaning prices: $2/per fish for fillets; $2.50 for fillets plus wings OR cheeks: $3 for everything (fillets, wings AND cheeks). Perch are also $2/per fish for fillets.
  • A catfish skinning pliers is used for grip when removing the meat from the skin
  • You’ll notice that Josh, the staff member featured in this video, scrapes along the walleye’s back with the backside of his knife before starting on the second fillet; this is done to remove the scales before he inserts the knife to prevent dulling
  • Cutting off the head is personal preference; a few of the fish cleaning experts at Buckshot’s remove the head while others don’t
  • Watch closely and you’ll see that Josh uses three knives, each one for different steps in the process. A large knife is used for removing the head and wings, then a smaller knife is used for the cheeks and fillets, and finally a medium-size knife is used for skinning. Knives used by Buckshot’s fishing cleaning staff are from Victorinox.

Check out the 47-second Facebook video, and be sure to turn up the volume for best viewing.