Fish Cleaning Table

This DIY fish cleaning table made a major improvement in the efficiency of the boat. Its primary function is for cleaning salmon, large halibut, lingcod, and other fish, but its value increased because of its built in storage, functionality as a working surface that prevents tackle and items from falling overboard.

Materials

The fish cleaning table is made from a 4×8 sheet of 3/8 HDPE plastic purchased from a plastics manufacturing warehouse. The material is easy to work using common woodworking tools. Cost is about $130.

Dimensions

The fish cleaning table is 62″ wide, 22″ deep, 6″ high at the back and sides and 2″ high across the front. The back rail also has a 2″ overhang. In use we found that the 6″ walls are ideal height, preventing fish from sliding off the table in waves.

Mounting Hardware

The fish cleaning table mounts to the boat using standard scotty rodholder bases. To connect the table to the rodholder mounts, unscrew the rodholder from its fitting and used the fitting and the bolt to attach the table. In this way it can be easily removed from the boat at any time. When the table is removed all that remains on the boat are two rodholder inserts which can be capped or used for fishing. The back of the table is supported by two legs that rest on the boat.

Drain

The drain is made from a standard sink drain connected to a 2″ diameter plastic hose to drain the water and slurry overboard. At first I retained the drain strainer thinking it would prevent tackle from disappearing but found that the drain should be fully opened up so make it easier for fish debris to pass through unobstructed.

Durability

The fish cleaning table is strong enough to support a full load of fish. It has been operated over 400km on water and over 2000km trailering and the scotty mounting hardware has remained secure.

Accessories

The storage containers mounted to the back of the fish cleaning table keep knives ready at hand and provides a good place to store bait scent bottles upright and out of the way which otherwise might leak. Rodholder mounts give extra spots for short term storage of fishing rods.

Fish Cleaning Table in Action

The fish cleaning table has proven its value on our salmon fishing and halibut fishing trips. We have had it full of salmon, filleted 50lb lingcod and halibut, processed bait for crab and prawn traps, rigged tackle, and prepared lunches.

Maximizing Workspace Efficiency: Processing Your West Coast Harvest

Whether you are breaking down a multi-species groundfish limit or preparing a fresh catch for the backyard smokehouse, your cleaning station layout dictates the safety and speed of your entire processing routine. Trying to slice heavy fish on a cramped cooler lid or a cluttered deck makes precision cuts nearly impossible. To transform the efficiency of your boat and keep your processing area immaculate, pair your blade sweeps with a dedicated, custom-built cutting surface. Once your marine-grade workspace is prepped, match your filleting techniques to our definitive sportfishing playbooks:

• Halibut Processing: Managing the flat, wide dimensions of a heavy flatfish requires an expansive, stable surface to safely execute your four-fillet skinning sweeps. Learn how to transition your fresh harvest from deep gravel pinnacles straight to the table by reading our comprehensive FishinBC.com Ultimate Guide To Halibut Fishing.
• Lingcod Processing: Lingcod carry a massive skeletal structure and a thick, slimy skin layer that demands a rock-solid workspace to prevent slipping during heavy bone cuts. Master your terminal rig setups and safe boat-handling procedures by checking out our complete FishinBC.com Ultimate Guide To Lingcod Fishing.
• Salmon Processing: Cleaning a limit of ocean-bright salmon requires a continuous supply of fresh water and dedicated drainage slots to keep oils and scales clear of your workspace. To learn how to locate active saltwater migration routes and target trophy fish, dive into our FishinBC.com Ultimate Guide To Salmon Fishing.

Your Turn: What Is Your Ultimate Cleaning Station Setup?

Now that you know how to build a heavy-duty, marine-grade workspace with integrated tool slots and proper drainage angles, we want to hear from you! Do you prefer a permanent gunnel-mounted cutting board on your rail, or do you run a removable, wash-down table setup that keeps your boat deck completely clear during a live troll?

If you have any questions about sourcing starboard material, choosing the best dimensions for processing massive flatfish, or mounting your setup safely to your boat hull, drop your thoughts in the comment section below! We read and answer every single message from our West Coast fishing community.