Freezing Crappie Filets

I rarely catch enough crappie to worry about freezing for future use. That said, on those rare occasions when I want to freeze crappie filets for future fish fries I'd like to know that I'm freezing them in a manner will make them enjoyable for family and friends when cooked. I've heard from some that when freezing almost any fish filet, they freeze them in a container of water. Any recommendation on how to freeze and store them for future use would be much appreciated.

I have always just froze mine in ziplock bags filled with water and burp the air out of the bag before sealing them up. Not sure if that's the best way, but it hasn't killed me yet.

Ziplock bags (freezer type) work great! Fill till water runs out when you close the bag. Do not allow any air to remain in the bag. Fish will be good for a long time. I always date the bag and eat the oldest first.

Guys, your comments are much appreciated.

I do this too. Use ziplock (brand) bags and leave no air bubbles in the bag. Filets will last 3 years and taste just like freshly caught.

I vacuum pack mine for two reasons, they thaw faster and take up less room in freezer,

I froze in water for years , but now I really prefer the vacuum method


MO

I second the vacuum sealer if you have one. If not the freezing in water is the next best thing.

I vacumm pack them and thaw them in a colander inside of a big bowl in the fridge. Quite a bit of water comes out of them and it makes them less mushy. Crappie is about the only fish I prefer after being frozen to fresh...it is a texture thing not taste.

2 more reasons:
3 - meat freezes faster which is better.
4- no soaking in water make crappie less muchy.

Same here, we place the fillets on a sheet pan and place in freezer for about 15 minutes or so then vacuum seal. So much better than bag and water we used to use

Have never added water to mine put as many filets ias possible in bag squeeze out air freeze.We eat about 500 filets a yr an always good.

Same here, I quit adding water years ago!

My best results with both crappie and white bass is to filet and go ahead and bread them for frying. Place on a cooling rack in the freezer overnight, then bag them (without water!). When ready to fry, don't thaw them out, just plop them in the oil/grease frozen. When they float and turn themselves over they're done.

I soak mine in saltwater overnight. Then rinse and dry them as much as possible. I'll put 10-12 in a freezer ziplock bag (no water) and make sure all the air is out. I usually east them within 1.5 years and have had no issues

Not all things that float and turn themselves over are good to eat, ( just sayin' )(