Just wanted to ask what kind of tool(s) you guys use to scale bluegills. I have an old fish scaling tool I have probably had for 20 or 30 years that I jam into the hand I'm using to hold the fish while scaling it. I've gotta find a better way. Any suggestions?

I use a spoon.

Thanks for the reply fshnrelax. I probably should try that. At least it wouldn't scratch up my hands when I come up close to where I'm holding the head.

Plus #1. Or a potato peeler.

It's been a while, but I do remember using a big spoon.

Tablespoon works great!!

Thanks guys. Hope to catch and clean a few tomorrow. I'll try a tablespoon. I fillet most of the bluegills I keep, but spouse likes them cooked whole on the bones, so I have to scale a batch every so often.

Yes it does! Also Duke1227 to the TFF!

I have this plastic tool with a square front that you push to scale. Cain't remember the name and don't have one in the truck but I have been using for 30 years and I can out scale anything including a Rocket. Bold talk.

In the 70s lodges at Toledo Bend had fish scalers. Looked like commercial front load dryer. Stainless steel drum with protrusions. Think it was 50 cents for 25 "bream".

Usually fillet fish but on the rare occasions when I scale them I use a simple spoon.

I use the magic fish scaler. Best one I have ever used.

double ditto for this...works awesome. Especially when I put them in the hands of my kids. Then all I gotta do is head and gut.

Thanks to all of you for the replies. I scaled a few gills yesterday with a table spoon and it worked pretty good, better than what I've been using. I have seen the magic fish scaler as shown above and wondered about it. Based on your comments Toney and Troy, I'll get one. Appreciate all the replies.

A good sharp knife is the best tool I've found to scale fish.