How to Split or Butterfly a Fish

Lift Out the Backbone

Lift out the backbone

Holly A. Heyser

Once you've snipped the tail end of the backbone, begin lifting it out of the fish. You may have to gently slice away some remaining bits to free it -- do not yank on it, just move gently and smoothly.

• Gather Your Tools
• Cut out the Bottom Fins
• Cut Toward the Tail
• Remove the Bottom Fins
• Slice Around the Ribs
• Free the Meat from the Backbone
• Snip the Tail End of the Backbone
• Lift Out the Backbone
• Snip the Head End of the Backbone
• A Finished Split Fish