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.