Smoking steelhead...whole or fillet

[lentz]

I have a couple of steelhead that a friend gave me and i was wondering if i can smoke them whole or should i fillet them out and then smoke? The heads and tails are cut off and they are about 18 inches i would guess.

[Derrel]

I like to cut fish to be smoked into pieces that are of similar thickness for the area of the fish. For example, the top or "shoulder" area of a fish is often much thicker than the tail area or the belly meat.

Cutting the fish into strips or squares or some other smaller shapes allows you to get the fish to the appropriate degree of doneness...the thinnest pieces will take less time than the very thickest pieces.

[sinkerhead]

I always fillet them and then cut each fillet into about 4 pieces. Some folks smoke the whole side, but i would imagine it is kind of difficult.

[seamslayer]

Originally Posted by sinkerhead

I always fillet them and then cut each fillet into about 4 pieces. Some folks smoke the whole side, but i would imagine it is kind of difficult.

I have had the best success cutting sectioning the fish in at least two pieces. For sure, I sepparate the tail section from the areas of rib meat. If the fillets are of sufficient thickness--relative to pakaging, serving size, and smoker set up--I prefer to section the rib meat into two to four pieces. Sectioning allows you to pull the thinner tail sections first, followed by the center cuts, ending with the collar sections.

[lentz]

Thanks for the input guys. I took one out of the freezer today, i'll fillet it out tomorrow and then get it brined and smoked.

[Beachbum]

Originally Posted by lentz

Thanks for the input guys. I took one out of the freezer today, i'll fillet it out tomorrow and then get it brined and smoked.

How did it turn out?

[Addicted2Koke]

Never heard of someone smoking a steelhead whole...Usually smaller fish are smoked whole.

[Musicman]

You can smoke them whole if you split them down the backbone but i guess that's alot like smoking a filet with the ribs attached.

[lentz]

Originally Posted by Beachbum

How did it turn out?

It turned out really good. I tried to make it last as long as possible but it can only go so far....dangit.