[header] How to scale a fish [title] Rinse slime off the fish with cold water. [step] Before you start trying to scale the fish, rinse it well under cold water. This removes the slime on the scales. 
Fish can be slippery and difficult to hold, especially when they're still slimy. Rinse it off so you can grip the fish firmly, or hold the fish with a dry cloth or towel.