How to scale and clean sardines

Fresh sardines are easy to catch and quick to prepare. This snap guide will show you how to prep fresh sardines.

Use a sabiki rig to catch them.

A sabiki rig has multiple hooks and small beads to attract the fish.

Once caught, keep them on ice until prep time.

Begin by scaling the whole sardine.

Using a small paring knife, scrape the skin from tail to mouth.

Use firm pressure but not so hard as to tear the meat.

Continue until the scales are removed.

Repeat for the other side of the sardine.

Gut the fish by inserting the tip of the knife into the stomach.

Work the knife up in one swift motion.

Use the tip of the knife to remove entrails.

If desired, the heads may be removed at this time.

Use the freshly scaled and cleaned sardines in your favorite recipes.