Abstract: A fish filleting machine using the anal fin for guiding fish over belly cutting blades, a belly cleaning wheel and past backbone and rib removal blades. The machine includes a spring loaded belly positioning assembly at the belly cut area for ending the cut at the anal fin. A guide horse in the belly cleaning area of the machine has an inclined plane which properly positions the belly of the fish at the correct height for cleaning irrespective of fish size. The fish are presented to the backbone and rib removal blades at an oblique angle to produce an angled cut for minimum meat loss. A rib pick-up assembly in the boning area utilizes the ribs of the fish to guide the fish from the backbone removal blades to the rib removal blades. A method of filleting the fish is also described.

Abstract: A fish filleting machine using the anal fin for guiding fish over belly cutting blades, a belly cleaning wheel and past backbone and rib removal blades. The machine includes a spring loaded belly positioning assembly at the belly cut area for ending the cut at the anal fin. A guide horse in the belly cleaning area of the machine has an inclined plane which properly positions the belly of the fish at the correct height for cleaning irrespective of fish size. The fish are presented to the backbone and rib removal blades at an oblique angle to produce an angled cut for minimum meat loss. A rib pick-up assembly in the boning area utilizes the ribs of the fish to guide the fish from the backbone removal blades to the rib removal blades. A method of filleting the fish is also described.

Abstract: A fish processing machine for removing the gills, viscera and blood line kidney from head on fish. The machine includes an adjustable positioning ramp located upstream from a pair of spaced apart belly cutting blades. The adjustment of the height of the positioning ramp combined with the spacing between the belly blades is such that the tongue can be cut away from the jaw but left attached to the gills. The fish is then transported downstream with its tongue riding lower than its head and ribs. A gill removal wheel utilizes the tongue to pull the gills from their gill cavities thus removing the gills and viscera. Another cleaning wheel located downstream of the gill removal wheel removes the blood line kidney. A method for removing the gills, viscera and kidney from head on fish is also disclosed.