as far as cleaning the electric knife is the way to go. i used to catch crappie and let em go cause i hated to clean them. i seen a guy use the EK and i went an bought one myself. just try it. it takes a little practice. i like my knife to be a little dull personally. dont be scared and doit like the guy who first told you how . hes prety well right. as fara s breading i put em in milk and egg wash and then shake em in cracker mill. youcan do it yourself with a food processor, a rolling pin or buy it pre chopped(thats what i do)