They could also be skinned or scaled and in any case we would still be dealing with some sort of prepared fish muscle product. However you prepare or clean your catch there are several things to keep in mind to maintain a safe food product. Fish or steak, eggs or cheese, there are some basic food safety rules that apply to all potentially hazardous foods. A potentially hazardous food is a food that could support the rapid growth of disease causing bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella. That normally means a food that is high in protein and moisture.
Some sportsmen enjoy the thrill of chattering teeth and frozen digits during the ice fishing season.
Keeping their catch safe from disease causing bacteria is much easier. They are provided with a very large chunk of ice where they can deposit their catch and thus it will remain very cold if not frozen. More people fish during warm weather and this creates a challenge to keep their catch in good condition and safe from bacteria. If they are alive they are not spoiling. If you cannot keep the fish alive or do not wish to, you should plan to keep them cold.