I’ve done it on a truck tailgate. I’ve done it on my boat. I’ve done it on the beach, on my dock, and even on the kitchen counter. Get your mind out of the gutter. You never know where you’ll end up cleaning fish and, for this reason, fish cleaning table manufacturers have come up with a plethora of fish fillet table plans to fill every need. Sometimes you need a portable fish cleaning table, other times you need a fish cleaning table for boat fillet jobs, and, if you’re lucky you’ve got a nice dock mounted fish cleaning table, be that an aluminum or stainless steel fish cleaning table, in a shady spot right on the waterfront. Let’s learn what’s on the market today so you’ll be able to choose which one is right for you.
Portable Fish Cleaning Tables
When I think portable, I’m thinking about guys who need to clean fish out in the open. You could be setting up to clean fish on a camping trip or cleaning fish in your backyard, but either way you need a table that is light and doesn’t take much room. With these two needs in mind, here are your two main options.
Folding fish cleaning tables like the Coldcreek Outfitters Ultimate Fillet Station with Faucet are ideal for RV’s and guys who are travelling to do their fishing.
The Ultimate Filet Station folds down for easy storage but for some guys this is still too big. For those guys who just want to knock out a few fillets on the tailgate of their truck or on the beach and want to cut down on even more storage, check out the fish cleaning table top (photo below) for the Yeti Cooler Top Cutting Board from Mangrove Marine.
This fish cleaning table top bolts to the cooler so it won’t slide off and it has sides and drain ports so your fish won’t go anywhere and fillets can be sprayed off with ease.
Another option for anglers who want a portable cutting surface without a full folding table is KillerDock’s Sidekick. Designed to sit securely on a truck tailgate or other flat surface, the Sidekick gives you a dedicated place to clean fish without cutting directly on your tailgate or bedliner. At 36 inches wide by 18 inches deep and weighing about 15 pounds, it is compact enough to carry along without taking up the space of a full-size cleaning station.
Fish Fillet Tables for Boat Fillet Jobs
You could take either of the portable fish cleaning tables and use them on your boat, but the folding version won’t be stable if the boat moves and it will take up precious space. The cooler top fillet table will require you to bend over making for a very uncomfortable session in the slime. If you’re finding yourself in need of a pupose-built fish fillet table for your boat, try a rod holder fillet table like the one pictured below from Magma.
Dock Mounted Fish Cleaning Tables
If you’re cleaning fish, more often than not you’ve departed and returned to a dock. That brings us to our last type of fish fillet table, the dock mounted fish cleaning station. Now we’ve all used the build your own type. Typically it’s an amalgamation of scavenged wood, usually splintered, and some type of cutting surface, often plywood. The problem with these “build your own” types is that there’s often warping, cracking, and typically an odor from the previous angler’s efforts (or lack thereof) to clean the table off when he was finished.
For a dock mounted fish fillet table that is really well thought out, you really need to check out KillerDock. They make several different types of a unique anti-corrosion clear coating marine grade aluminum fish fillet tables that are just as good as stainless steel fish cleaning tables.
An Alabama based company started in 2018, KillerDock has been selling like hotcakes. Their motto is “The best fish cleaning stations known to mankind, and here’s why:
Drainage:
KillerDock offers several drainage options, including slotted tables for fast runoff and drain inserts that can be connected to plumbing, depending on how the dock is set up.
Shade:
KillerDock offers several shade options depending on the station. The Slam includes a canopy, while other setups can be paired with options such as an umbrella and holder.
Appearance and Design:
KillerDock offers fish cleaning stations for a wide range of dock sizes and needs. For anglers who don’t need all the bells and whistles of the larger Upscale or Slam models, the LiL Killa provides a more compact option in 4- and 5-foot sizes. It uses a King StarBoard work surface, coated marine-grade aluminum construction and built-in slotted drainage while still providing plenty of room for cleaning fish. Larger stations and custom configurations are available for anglers who need more workspace or additional features.
Cleaning fish can be a hassle, making you messy, tired and frustrated. It can also be time well spent with friends enjoying the fruits of a day’s labor on the water. So whether you do it on your dock, on the beach, in the boat, or in the bed of your truck, there is a fish fillet table that will work for you.
Furniture Options from KillerDock
In addition to their renowned fish cleaning stations, KillerDock also offers a range of furniture designed to enhance your dockside or waterfront experience. Their furniture line maintains the same high-quality, durable construction that sets their cleaning stations apart. Built from marine-grade aluminum and treated with their unique anti-corrosion clear coating, KillerDock’s furniture is designed to withstand the harsh elements of the marine environment while offering sleek, functional designs.
Whether you’re outfitting your dock with sofas, love seats, club chairs, tables, ottomans and cabanas, KillerDock ensures that all pieces are built with the same attention to detail as their fish fillet tables. Just like their fish cleaning stations, KillerDock furniture combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating an inviting outdoor space that complements your lifestyle. These pieces aren’t just practical—they’re a statement, seamlessly blending with your outdoor decor while withstanding exposure to saltwater, sun, and heavy use.
By offering custom design options, KillerDock allows you to tailor your furniture to your exact specifications, ensuring both comfort and durability. Whether you’re looking for a set of chairs for a laid-back evening by the water, their furniture line will elevate your dock or patio area into a stylish, functional retreat.
Explore KillerDock’s furniture offerings and discover how their durable, elegant designs can transform your waterfront into the perfect place to relax after a long day on the water.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you find yourself cleaning fish—on the dock, your boat, or in the middle of nowhere—having the right fillet table can make the task far more efficient and enjoyable. From portable options for the adventurous angler to dock-mounted stations for those who prefer a permanent setup, the market offers a wide variety of solutions. Whether you need a space-saving folding table, a sturdy rod holder table for your boat, or a sleek dock-mounted station like those from KillerDock, there’s a perfect table out there for every fishing situation. Invest in the right fish fillet table, and you’ll make the entire process—from your first catch to the last clean fillet—smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
