[header] How to clean a fish [title] Get a plastic bag or bucket and lay out newspaper to keep clean. [step] You'll use the bag or bucket for guts and bones. Get your disposal system ready before you start cutting so you can toss the guts and excess fish without getting up. 
Newsprint laid out on the cutting surface is helpful for soaking up the inevitable liquids that will spill out of the fish. [title] Use a dull knife or spoon to remove the scales.