Cleaning techniques

[legallimits]

So I'm used to fishing Big Lake and keeping several 16-19 inch reds that are easy to clean with an electric knife. Fishing VBay, I'm finding a whole lot more reds that are large pocket red or bulls. Those suckers can still be good eating, if prepared right, but they are always a pain to clean.

When it comes to trout, I've stopped using an electric knife. Following the lead of a couple guides I know, I've realized that I'm just as fast with a good filet knife as I am with electric, and I end up with a better filet.

But on the big reds, even the electric knife isn't strong enough. I end up taking several of them home to hit them with the Sawzall with a nine inch wood blade. Anybody got a better method? Perhaps a different way of cleaning to avoid the scales? I'd love to hear it, especially if it allows me to clean them when I'm out there so that I don't have to bring the fish guts home.