Fish scaler

[hobbess]

My doctor has ordered me to start eating more fish, so I guess this means that I should cook more fish which also means that I need to buy the cookware to prepare and cook said fish.

When I eat fish, my favorite part is the crispy skin of the fish. But, too often, I still get scales in my mouth which can rather off-putting, to say the least.

Does anybody have a favorite fish scaler? Or, any ideas about what makes one scaler better than another?

So far, I've found two completely different designs for a fish scaler:

One design has these serrated edges that are lined up parallel horizontally to each other, sometimes 2 or maybe 4 serrated edges parallel to each depending on the model.

But, then there's this other model where the serrated edges are in circular pattern.

Surely, one design is superior to the other?

[Chemicalkinetics]

I use a knife for scaling.

[monku]

The only time I scale fish are the fish I catch.
Don't places you buy fresh fish scale them for you?

[hobbess]

Yes, they will scale fish for you but too often they're not thorough and there's leftover scales.

And, from what I'm reading, those scales are a protective barrier. The longer the fish has those scales on, the quality of the fish will be compromised less. Once you scale the fish and fillet it and expose it to air, then the fish quality starts to break down.

If I break down the fish- scale it and fillet myself- this will provide a longer lasting fish especially if I'm not cooking the fish the day I buy it.

[bgazindad]

I worked in a fish market. We used the round style. It was fast especially when we scaled big fish like 30 lb white sea bass which had very large scales. On smaller fish like trout, you could use anything. I use a scaler I got from a fishing tackle store. Its OK for small to medium size fish.

[hobbess]

That's interesting that the round ones are used for big fish- do you know how that works?

As for the smaller or medium fish, did you ever try using a knife or spoon as some have suggested? Or, does that only work when the fishmonger has already done most of the work and gotten rid of most of the scales for you?

[bgazindad]

there is a handle and the blades that circle around from one end of the handle to the other. there were two blades with serrations on one side. you pull the scaler across the skin. These are big about 7X5 in diameter. I have not used a spoon but have used the back end of a knife. A scaler is faster and scales more thoroughly. The scaler I got from the tackle shop was about $2,00 in case you are concern about costs.

[pabboy]

I saw fishmongers use the cheap all metal veggie peeler so that's what I use.

[DBinNOLA]

The best scaler that I ever used was made by Tupperware. It is a freebie gadget that was given out as a prize at Tupperware parties. It is curved in sort of a "s" shape and has a serrated edge. Perhaps you could locate a Tupperware dealer in your area to find out if the item is still available. Of course you might be required to purchase a Tupperware item to get the freebie - I suggest the travel coffee mug, its my favorite Tupperware item.

[Uncle Bob]

I've used an ordinary soup spoon for 50 years ~~ I've tried various other contraptions, but always return to the spoon...It works well for me.....YMMV

[Johnny West]

I use my pocket knife, a Buck 307, and it works fine;
also have the Case and Kabar fishing pocket knives
with fish scaler blades but don't know if they are still
made. You might check the auction site or local knife
shows.

[Gio]

I agree... no need to buy a scaler. If the spoon doesn't work for you try the reverse side of an ordinary table knife.