Fish and fish scaler

Luke 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and a honey-comb. 
Webster's Bible Translation

I like my fish whole -
presented proudly
besides holy grail
with head and tail
but no scale.

I like my fish fresh
fried or broiled or
stewed with kale
No recipe to fail
if I clean off the scale.

Scaling with a knife could be a nightmare with scales flying all over the kitchen space but there are ways to better your situation.

#1. Drop the idea of dealing with unscaled fish altogether. Buy fillet, avoid the trouble. 

#2. Ask your fish monger to scale your fish. Not always an option. Fish is pre-packed, too long of a wait, or you forgot to ask...you got it as a gift as is, unscaled (I did once: it was a semi-romantic story with no happy ending).

#3. Few sessions with psychotherapist may spare you from the phobia of scaling. If no, retreat to #1 or #2.

#4. Buy a scaler. I bought one at Amazon for small bucks: amazing how much easier scaling has become since. This idea occurred to me first when I saw one at Williams-Sonoma. Then  I asked a nice guy in Whole Foods seafood section  to scale my whole red snapper. Upon success of this enterprise I asked him to show me his scaler. Scalers come in various shapes and forms but I trust the professional choice.  

Kai Fish Scaler @ Williams-Sonoma @20

Fish Scaler Scale Remover @ Amazon

and just for laughs Petrossian Ossetra & Salmon Collection $800.00

In the 1920s two Armenian brothers--Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian--first introduced Paris to the magic of Russian caviar, and in so doing, founded the company that today offers many of the finest caviars and other delicacies from around the globe. This collection showcases an award-winning trio including Tsar Imperial Ossetra caviar, salmon roe and Petrossian’s house-smoked salmon.
For Passover and Easter delivery, order by Friday, Mar. 30, 2012, 5PM (PST).

As we are well aware, sturgeon comes with no scale and therefore is not kosher for Passover.