Depending on the size of the fish I usually put all fish I catch in a nice ICE bath for the ride home or as soon as I get there. This seems to be the easiest way and for me they clean easier as well.

Now the big cats like Flathead we always hung them on a tree like CATMANDOO had mentioned and let them bleed out as it removed most of the red in the meat. Now you�re ready to butcher the beast.

If you happen to be in a boat with a livewell and you have a knife (electric works the best) with you, you can slit the gills and let them bleed out that way. This works nicely and you can them clean them on site as well. (or once again throw on ice to keep them fresh until you get home)