Fishing trips can be a lot of fun, but unless you catch and release, the hardest job is done after the fish are caught. Cleaning fish is a messy job, but it’s easier when you have the right tools.
If you fillet more than one fish at a time, you might benefit from using an electric fillet knife. This handy tool can help you cut through scales, meat, and rib bones without breaking a sweat. You’ll be able to fillet more fish in less time, which means you can begin cooking fish sooner.
I’ve combed through hundreds of online reviews and researched the best electric fillet knives on the market. You’ll find their key features, the types of fish they’re suited for, and their drawbacks. You’ll also find some helpful info on what to look for in an electric knife.
Ready to get started? Keep reading for a round-up of the best electric fillet knives.
Contents
At a Glance
Best Electric Fillet Knives: Reviews
Bubba Cordless Electric Fillet Knife: Best Overall Pick
The Bubba Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife is my top choice for cordless electric fillet knives. This knife comes with a collection of four stainless steel blades, including:
- 7-inch E-FLEX blade
- 9-inch E-FLEX blade
- 9-inch E-STIFF blade
- 12-inch E-STIFF blade
Having multiple blade options allows you to fillet a wider range of fish. The shorter blades are quite flexible, allowing them to maneuver around the irregularly-shaped bones of delicate fish like crappies and perch. The longer E-STIFF blades are stronger, so they can slice through the bigger fish like salmon and grouper.
Each blade is made of carbon stainless steel with a titanium-nitride coating that resists rust and corrosion, which is a must for fishing gear! The blades are easy to clean, removable, and interchangeable. They can be stored in the zippered case, along with the handset and battery charger.
The ergonomic handle has a rubberized coating to provide a safe and firm grip, even when wet. The ergonomic trigger makes it easy to start and stop the motor, while the trigger guard provides added security.
Two lithium-ion batteries provide three to four hours of cutting before needing a charge. Of course, a cordless knife means you don’t have to worry about having access to a power outlet or untangling a cord. Plus, the handle has an LED battery life indicator to let you know when it’s time to charge the battery.
So what did customers think about the Bubba knife? They were impressed with this knife. They loved that it came with an assortment of blades, and the extra lithium-ion battery meant they could use it for longer periods.
This isn’t the most expensive option on the list, but it is an investment. This Bubba Cordless Electric Knife is suited for those who catch fish regularly and would like something that will last for several seasons.
Pros
- Multiple blades for all types of fish cleaning
- Comes with 2 lithium-ion batteries
- Portable, doesn’t require an outlet
- Zippered case for easy storage
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
Old Timer Cordless Lithium Ion 110V Electric Fillet Knife: Runner-Up Electric Fillet Knife
The Old Timer Cordless Electric Fillet Knife is another great cordless option. It uses lithium-ion batteries to provide power. With a blade length of 8 inches, it can make fish cleaning fast and easy. It can even handle some bigger fish and saltwater fish.
This knife features a stainless steel blade with a serrated edge that’s curved to maximize the knife belly. It’s removable for easy cleaning. The knife blade can be stored in the zipper mesh bag that’s included.
The Old Timer has a substantial handle with a texturized comfort grip for stability and control. The LED battery indicator on the handle lets you know when the lithium-ion battery pack needs to be recharged. The air vents on the side minimize heat and reduce vibration when filleting.
This cordless knife includes a safety lock that prevents the trigger from accidentally turning on if bumped.
Customers had high praise for the Old Timer Cordless knife. They loved the durability and the long-lasting battery. This knife saved them time and energy, with several using it for crappies, and even large catfish.
The one issue that popped up was the trigger. It’s incredibly difficult to push, and you need a lot of pressure to keep it engaged. Some wished there was a lock to keep the knife on during use, but the lock is only to keep the knife turned off. Others had issues with the trigger sticking, which can be a pain at best and dangerous at worst.
If it weren’t for the problems with the trigger grip, this knife would be my top pick. It’s a fantastic value, offering a lot of the key features of higher-end knives but at a fraction of the cost. It also has excellent cutting performance. The lithium-ion battery lasts a long time, and the powerful motor makes filleting a snap.
If you can deal with the potential trigger problems, I would jump at this electric fillet knife. Otherwise, the other lithium-ion models on this list are also solid choices.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Cordless lithium-ion batteries
- Includes storage bag
- Durable, long-lasting
- Saves time
Cons
- Trigger sticks, difficult to squeeze
Bubba 110V Electric Fillet Knife: Best Corded Knife
If you prefer corded knives, this Bubba Electric Fillet Knife is high-quality and offers a lot of key features. It would be at the top of my list of corded electric knives on the market.
Like the cordless model, this corded version comes with four blades, ranging from 7 inches to 12 inches long. The two shorter blades are more flexible, making them ideal for filleting smaller fish and maneuvering around delicate bones. The larger blades are stiffer and are better for large, saltwater fish.
The blades are removable for easy cleaning. When you’re done with the knife, you can store the blades and handset in the convenient zippered case.
The handle has a comfortable, ergonomic grip. The texturized rubber means the handle won’t get slippery, even in wet conditions. A trigger guard and safety lock protect the user from accidents.
Corded knives generally have more power and torque, and this Bubba knife is no exception. Customers were happy with the knife’s cutting performance. They were impressed with how quick and easy it was to skin and fillet the fish. They were also happy with the comfy grip and the versatility.
This model is similar to the Bubba Cordless Electric Knife. If you want all the key features of the best electric knives in a corded version, this Bubba Electric Fillet Knife is for you.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Includes four blades
- Comes with a zippered case
- Comfortable, non-slip grip
Cons
- Requires power outlet
Bubba Pro Series Lithium Ion Electric Fillet Knife: Splurge Pick
You may have noticed several Bubba knives on this list, and for good reason. Bubba electric fillet knives are made with high-quality materials. This Bubba Pro Series Electric Fillet Knife is no different. It comes with the following blades:
- 7-inch e-flex blade (17.8 cm)
- 9-inch e-flex blade (23 cm)
- 9-inch e-stiff blade (23 cm)
- 12-inch e-stiff blade (30 cm)
It also includes a wall charger, two lithium-ion batteries, an 8.5-inch handle (22 cm), and a premium hard-sided case for easy storage.
The trigger is non-slip with an ergonomic handle for comfort. You can safely use the knife without worry thanks to the trigger guard and safety lock.
The durable aluminum alloy housing has a heavy-duty drive system for optimal output. The dual-rivet blade design is coated in tin stainless to resist rust and corrosion. The blades are removable for cleaning, and the handle sports an LED battery life indicator to ensure you always have a working knife.
The brushless motor increases the power for long-lasting performance. Buyers were happy to have a cordless knife that they could use away from an outlet.
Customers were also wowed by the extremely sharp blades. And because this knife comes with an assortment of blades, users were able to fillet both freshwater and saltwater fish.
Some said it takes some getting used to, in terms of the weight and handling. But once you get over the learning curve, there’s not stopping you.
Buyers also enjoyed the versatility of this knife. They could take it, along with their tackle box, on the boat, while others used it in the kitchen. No outlet is required, so it can go almost anywhere.
They also enjoyed the carrying case. It can take a beating without damaging the knife or falling open, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it along on a fishing trip.
The biggest drawback is the price. It’s quite expensive, and it might be a little much for the average budget. I wouldn’t recommend this knife for someone new to fish cleaning. This is better suited for someone who fillets a large quantity of fish.
If you want something top-of-the-line that’s also versatile and efficient, it’s tough to beat the Bubba Electric Fillet Knife.
Pros
- Versatile, works great for different fish
- Includes four blades
- Includes a zippered carrying case
- Cordless design can work without an outlet
Cons
- Expensive
Mister Twister 120V Electric Knife: Budget Pick
The Mister Twister Electric Fillet Knife is suited for a variety of tasks. It has a blade length of 8 inches, but the shape is what distinguishes it from other knives.
It has a traditional straight stainless steel blade, as opposed to a curved blade. This shape means the knife can be used to slice roasted turkey and fillet fish. In this way, the Mister Twister electric fillet knife more closely resembles standard electric knives.
The corded design produces a lot of torque, although the coiled cord itself is pretty short. Several users said they wished the cord was longer.
The 7.5-inch blade is ideal for perch, bluegill, and walleye. I recommend against trying this with larger fish. It will likely disappoint. The blades can handle smaller jobs quickly and efficiently, but the blades cannot be sharpened, and they might dull faster than more expensive knives.
This electric knife features a safety lock to prevent accidental cuts. It’s relatively easy to handle, although it doesn’t have the rubberized grip that other knives have. Even so, most customers found it comfortable. The green and yellow color makes it difficult to lose this knife.
This Mister Twister electric knife is best suited for beginners, occasional fishermen who only need something for a couple of seasons, or for those who need something inexpensive.
Pros
- Safety lock
- Lightweight & versatile
- Good for beginners, small jobs
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not as powerful
- May dull quickly
Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife: Best Bargain
Rapala has been in the fishing gear business since 1938, so it has a long track record. The Rapala Deluxe electric fillet knife set comes with all the tools needed for filleting fish. It includes adapters, two reciprocating blades, and a hard plastic travel case.
The stainless steel blades measure 6 inches and 7.5 inches, respectively. The heavy-duty 110V motor can handle most filleting jobs but still has quiet operation. The airflow design helps reduce vibration and cool the motor, although some customers still had issues with overheating.
It comes with an 18-foot power cord. That much length is helpful for reach, but it can be a tripping hazard! It seems trivial, but this was actually one of the most common complaints among users.
The handle has a relaxed grip body for comfort and stability. It’s lightweight, with an ergonomic handle that allows you to fillet multiple fish comfortably. The safety button helps prevent accidents.
This electric knife is a bargain pick. It’s more affordable than other fillet knives but has better reviews and better features than others at a similar price point. If you want a fillet knife that will give you the best bang for your buck, the Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Heavy-duty, good speed
- Comfortable handle
- Includes carrying case
- Durable
Cons
- May overheat
- Cord is super long
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife: Best Mid-Range Option
The American Angler Pro Electric Fillet Knife is a solid mid-range option. American Angler is an established brand that’s been manufacturing fillet knives for over 30 years.
This fillet knife has an 8-inch stainless steel blade that’s coated in titanium for extra resistance to corrosion and rust. It’s gently curved to help you get quick, precise cuts. This blade length is good for snapper, but you can also use it on other fish like catfish and walleye.
The American Angler Pro series has a 40mm motor and built-in Fanjet Air system that minimizes heat buildup and maximizes torque. This electric knife is corded, so you’ll need an outlet to use it. But that also means you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and offers a solid grip. For added convenience, the Pro Series handset is compatible with all American Angler replacement blades. It comes with a ventilated nylon mesh zipper storage case.
Customers were overall pleased with the performance, but some reported problems with the trigger button sticking. And despite the Fanjet Air system, some people had issues with the handle getting too hot.
This American Angler knife is a solid choice for filleting fish. It’s not at the top, but it gives you some key features that many of the budget picks don’t have.
Pros
- Interchangeable blades
- Titanium-coated stainless steel blade
- Ergonomic handset
Cons
- Can overheat
- Trigger sticks
Buying Guide: Electric Knives for Filleting
What’s the Difference Between a Fillet Knife and a Boning Knife?
Fillet knives and boning knives look similar, so it’s understandable that people confuse the two. However, each knife serves a different purpose. Fillet knives have thinner, curved blades that are much more flexible. The flexibility is perfect for cutting around delicate bones.
On the other hand, boning knives have stiff blades that allow them to separate meat from the bone. Boning knives are commonly used on pork, beef, or deer. Near my neck of the woods, deer hunting is popular, and every hunter has their favorite boning knife.
How to Use an Electric Fillet Knife
You’ll use an electric fillet knife much like a manual fillet knife. The main difference is that with an electric knife, the motor is designed to give it cutting power, so you don’t need to apply much pressure. Electric knives can go right through the skin and scales, which can make a mess if you aren’t careful. Instead, let the motor do the work and guide the blade through the meat.
In the video below, Antonio demonstrates how to use an electric fillet knife to fillet a bass:
Corded or Cordless
The big debate. Which is better, corded or cordless knives? The answer really depends on where you will use your knife the most.
If you need something portable for filleting on a boat or from the dock, you should get a cordless electric knife. Cordless knives run on batteries, so you don’t need an outlet. You also don’t have to deal with untangling a cord. The flip side is that these models have limited battery power. They slowly lose power as the batteries wear down, which can worsen the cutting performance.
Corded electric fillet knives have a long continuous runtime without the risk of running out of battery power. They generally have more power and torque for heavy-duty jobs. However, they require access to power outlets to function. Furthermore, the cord can get in the way and be a pain to deal with.
Blade Length
You should match the size of your blade to the size of the job. The average electric fillet knife will have blades between 7 and 8 inches in length. This will allow you to fillet most fish. If you fillet larger fish, like tuna, salmon, grouper, and bass, you might need access to longer blades.
Some electric knives come with extra blades, while others only come with a single blade. If you fillet a variety of fish, you might prefer to have a diverse set of blade lengths and shapes. If you mostly stick to one type of fish, I wouldn’t bother with a bunch of blades. One should do the job.
Power
The more powerful your electric fillet knife is, the easier it will be to fillet fish. A high-powered knife will allow you to fillet fish in less time, using less effort. You want at least 110 volts, but several models come in 120 volts or more. A more powerful motor allows you to cut through larger fish like grouper.
Corded knives tend to have more power than cordless electric knives, although the best cordless models have a powerful motor. If you have a cordless knife, it’s important to keep the batteries charged.
Weight
A good electric fillet knife will be comfortable to hold and feel balanced in your hand. If the knife is too heavy, it can wear out your hand after a few cuts. If the knife is too light, you might struggle to get the blade through the fish in one motion. Good balance will give you even, clean cuts. If a knife is unbalanced, it can tear the meat or make it difficult to cut. You can check the product description to find the knife’s weight.
Safety Features
Filleting fish is a messy job. When you add in sharp serrated blades and a powerful motor, it’s no surprise that fillet knives can be dangerous. Many knives have safety features to prevent accidents and keep fingers safe.
Some knives have handles with a rubberized grip and contoured guards to prevent the hand from slipping and sliding onto the moving blades. When you’re elbow-deep in fish guts and water, you know how important that is.
Several models also include blade locks built into the trigger. This keeps you from accidentally turning the knife on or off if bumped.
Most knives require constant pressure on the trigger to run. This can be a pain if you’re filleting several fish at once, but it’s an important safety feature that prevents the knife from running if your hand slips off the trigger.
How Do You Sharpen an Electric Fillet Knife Blade?
If you’re wondering whether you can sharpen your knife, good news! You can. Sharpening your electric knife is a relatively simple process. Of course, it’s crucial you cut the motor and remove the blade from the knife first before sharpening it.
The easiest way to sharpen an electric fillet knife is to use a sharpening rod or an electric sharpener. Simply separate the blades and sharpen each blade individually. I prefer the sharpening rod because it’s easier to sharpen a serrated edge by running it between the teeth of the blade.
Be aware that not all blades can be sharpened. In that case, when the blades dull, you’ll just have to buy new blades.
Watch the video to see how to easily sharpen a serrated electric knife blade with a sharpening block:
Best Electric Fillet Knife: My Recommendation
When it comes to the best electric fillet knives, my top pick is the Bubba Cordless Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife. It has all the features you want in an electric fillet knife, and the extra lithium-ion battery means you can fillet cleaned fish in no time. It’s one of the best cordless electric knives.
Electric models aren’t the only fillet knives on the market, however. If you need a manual fillet knife, check out my review of the best fillet knives.
Ready to get that fish to the dinner table? Try out my grilled salmon recipe or these delicious fish tacos, which you can prepare with different types of fish.
