Anyone else use the handi-vac to keep fish fresh?

We've had one for a few months now, I use it for anything I want to keep air off of. It works great for block cheeses, they don't lose their moisture, and meats.

I started using it for frozen fillets without having to screw with water. Its cheap, at walmart, and the bags are cheap. Plus you can suck until you're getting fish juice, and just wash the tip/reservoir out. I would think this is a better way to keep the texture of the fish without oxidizing than freezing it in a block of water.

Heres the link if you're curious: Reynolds Handi-Vac

I don't use the Reynolds brand...but I have a Foodsaver I use, it works great. I vacuum seal all my fish and deer.

I bought the handi vac to use for fish this summer. I will sometimes come home with only one fish :( and with the handi vac I can freeze it and then open the bag and add another one(or two), re vac the bag until I have enough to eat.
Works great.
I wish fishing were better here the midwest, but there have been days this spring that I was happy to catch one fish.
Mary

Good news! They now have a hand-operated pump and it works great! I picked one up because I'm cheap and I have to say that it works great. Just a few quick pumps and the air is gone. I also have a nice expensive electric vac sealer, but this is great for small quick stuff. I also like it for onesy twosy type stuff. It also doesn't take up much space. It would be great for camping.

I started using the Reynolds this year and love it. Easy to get the water out and the big bags will hold a lot of fish. They make the small bags also for if you have a few fish to freeze. Sure does save space in the frig.

The question is, does it really keep the fish as well as water? My vacuum sealer works well if it well hold the vacuum on the bag. It loses the vac on some of the bags in the freezer.

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Originally Posted by WhitePerchJerker

The question is, does it really keep the fish as well as water? My vacuum sealer works well if it well hold the vacuum on the bag. It loses the vac on some of the bags in the freezer.

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I had the same problem. Dry the fish as much as possible. Then place a paper towel in the top of the bag above the fish. This will absorb any moisture in the seal area. Not a sure fire cure but it helps.

had the same question about the bags holding a vacum, i use a foodsaver and have no problems

seems like the small bags hold the vac and some of the big bags loose the vac. Not sure why that is.

I have the Food Saver vacumn packing system too, I use it for everything. If you don't have either I saw a fishing show one time where they packed fish in zip lock bags then held them in a 5 gallon pail of water to push the air out of the bag before sealing it. Was a nifty little trick.

Fatman