KALAMAZOO, MI, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Marilyn K. of Kalamazoo, MI is the creator of First Mate, a self-contained fish cleaning and filleting stand developed to improve the stability, safety, and efficiency of fish processing operations. The stand is constructed from food-safe or food-grade materials and is designed to securely support small- and medium-sized fish in a belly-up orientation to provide users with unobstructed access during cleaning and filleting procedures.

Cleaning and filleting fish often require the user to stabilize the fish while simultaneously manipulating a sharp cutting tool. Conventional methods that rely on manually holding the fish or placing it on a flat work surface can result in unwanted movement during cutting, reducing precision and increasing the potential for injury, product waste, and contamination. These challenges may be further amplified for users with limited hand strength, reduced dexterity, or impaired vision.

The First Mate unit offers a dedicated holding system that mechanically secures the fish throughout the cleaning process. The device incorporates a rigid base panel extending between opposite ends and a pair of adjustable side walls that project upward from the base. The side walls can be repositioned to accommodate fish of varying widths for providing lateral support while maintaining the fish in a stable working position.

To further secure the fish, a vertically extending gill post projects upward from the base panel and includes a removable coupler configured to engage the fish at the gill region. This attachment helps prevent longitudinal and rotational movement during cutting operations, allowing the fish to remain securely positioned while the user performs scaling, gutting, skinning, or filleting procedures.

The device is configured to maintain the fish in a belly-up orientation, providing direct access to the abdominal cavity and internal organs. This positioning streamlines cleaning operations while promoting a more ergonomic working posture. The First Mate is suitable for use with a variety of fish species and body sizes commonly encountered by recreational anglers and may be utilized in home, dockside, campsite, or other outdoor fish-cleaning environments where a stable and sanitary work platform is needed.

Key features and benefits include:

• Food-safe or food-grade construction suitable for fish cleaning and food preparation environments.
• Self-contained stand designed for cleaning and filleting small- and medium-sized fish.
• Adjustable side walls accommodate fish of varying widths while providing lateral stabilization.
• Belly-up positioning provides direct access to the abdominal cavity for efficient cleaning and organ removal.
• Helps reduce the potential for knife-related injuries associated with stabilizing slippery fish by hand.

The First Mate system provides a simple and convenient platform for stabilizing fish throughout cleaning and filleting operations by combining adjustable support components with a dedicated fish retention mechanism.

Marilyn was issued her Utility Patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is working closely with InventionHome, a leading invention licensing firm, to sell or license the patent rights to her First Mate product. Ideal licensing candidates would be U.S. based product manufacturers or distributors looking to further develop and distribute this product innovation.

Companies interested in the First Mate can contact InventionHome at member@inventionhome.com. Inventors currently looking for assistance in patenting, marketing, or licensing their invention can request information from InventionHome at info@inventionhome.com or by calling 1-866-844-6512.

About InventionHome®

InventionHome® is a top-rated invention marketing and product licensing company dedicated to helping inventors successfully patent, prototype, and promote their new product ideas. From securing intellectual property to connecting with potential licensees, InventionHome® offers a streamlined path to commercialization. Learn more at https://www.inventionhome.com or email info@inventionhome.com.

For expert guidance on every step of the invention process, visit our growing library of inventor resources and articles at https://inventionhome.com/articles.

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+1 866-844-6512
info@inventionhome.com

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