Anglers save, store, and freeze their catch in several ways. Most freeze their cleaned fish in a plastic Sack.
There was a time when anglers did not have zip lock zipper plastic bags. These sacks come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and seals. The better quality of the sack, the better the fish will be preserved. Smaller sandwich sized Sacks are perfect for individual portions.
Years ago, we would freeze our fish in milk containers that were cleaned out. The fillets were placed into the container and water was added to near fill. Since water expands when it freezes, you had to estimate for the expansion. My Mother would write on the closed container and sealed it with freezer tape. This is actually a great way to save fish for a longer period.
We also used wax paper and then rolled the fish in a paper lunch sack. It was easy to label the paper sacks. We also used the plastic bags that the newspaper boy used to cover the newspaper on a rainy day. The red rubber bands were used to hold the plastic bag over the filets. Smoked fish could also be wrapped in paper and frozen.
Not everyone filets their fish. Some fish mongers leave the skin and heads on. My Grandmother enjoyed placing an olive in the eye socket for presentation. The fish was scaled and gutted. She would also stuff the body cavity.
We also canned our fish. The poached, cleaned fish was cut into pieces and stuffed into jars for a secure seal. These could be used to make fish cakes, added to soups, or made into a sandwich spread.
My first fish would fit into smaller Sacks. In Montana, bigger Sacks are required. I saved the larger Costco chicken and frozen vegetable bags to hold a limit of 5 Montana pigs. In Maryland, years ago, a legal trout was once 7 inches and 7 trout. Most of the stocked trout were under 12 inches back then. They stocked plenty of fish, but Pigs were rare. We used small bags from toys or whatever we had. They would be rinsed and reused.

Plastic Sacks are not a good idea for spiny, warm water fish. The sharp fin bones and teeth will make a plastic bag a holey mess. We instead carried our fish in a wicker or canvas creel. Wet boughs of pine or grass kept the fish damp.
Whatever size fish that you catch needs to match the size of your Sack. Otherwise, you will need a cooler or ice chest. They do make foldable coolers that are more flexible. Keeping your fish contained, and fresh is important for health and flavor.
Another way to avoid using a Sack is to roll out the Plastic Wrap. Recycle Styrofoam trays to lay the fish onto. Now you can see the entire fish and freeze it completely. Use plastic wrap to cover the fish and trays. A couple layers are a good idea. Now you can use a permanent marker to label the package.

I also give copies of recipes to folks that I give frozen fish too. Now they have no excuse to cook up a meal of fish.
Stay Sack Ready!
Montana Grant
