Abstract: In a fileting process for fish of the Siluridae species, for instance, catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), the bone plate present in the area of the dorsal fin of these species for supporting the dorsal spike is first undercut from the dorsal area without cutting through its connection to the bone structure, in order to obtain largely trim-free filets. This takes place by means of a cutting tool that makes incisions under the bone plate up to the ventral bones, so that, in the subsequent cutting free of the filet meat from the ventral bones, the outer parts of the bone plate accumulate separately from the filet meat.

Abstract: An adjustable gauge plate for a food slicer comprising a front plate and a rear plate attached to the front plate, such that a cavity is defined between the plates, the rear plate having at least one hole therethrough. The gauge plate further comprises an indexing member attached to a slicer base, an adjustment plate mounted to the indexing member, the indexing member and adjustment plate being shaped to fit in the cavity between the front and rear plates, and a fastener shaped to be inserted in the hole in the rear plate and adjustably connected to the adjustment plate such that the gauge plate is capable of being adjusted relative to the adjustment plate and the gauge plate is capable of being adjusted relative to the food slicer.