fish bag under deck

Okay, based on this thread I am saving up for that Sea Angler Inshore Bag.  I currently use the TJ's Blue Bag for Trout.

I get the idea of keeping the catch cold.  And the I get the idea of bleeding it.

But is gutting it on the water actually useful, beyond being able to pack ice in the belly cavity?

I know from hunting big and small game, that gutting was important, but mostly to let the meat cool faster.

A fish is already cold, as a cold-blooded creature, it should be the same temperature as the water (other than some large tuna which do generate body heat).  And the food in its belly isn't going to rot unless the fish increases in temperature.

So, does gutting really help?

Also, it seems dangerous to gut a fish on the ocean, knives and swells and things. 

Also, any recommendations on a good glove to protect hands when handling spiny and poky ocean fish?

The times I've gutted OTW, I did it just because it was easy to do and the cleaning station was going to be crowded. Plus, why not feed the other fishies?  It wasn't difficult, took some kitchen sheers out with me  and a few snips opened the belly and reach in and pull. Rinse my hand over the side.  Done, easy peasy

Okay, based on this thread I am saving up for that Sea Angler Inshore Bag.  I currently use the TJ's Blue Bag for Trout.
I get the idea of keeping the catch cold.  And the I get the idea of bleeding it.

But is gutting it on the water actually useful, beyond being able to pack ice in the belly cavity?

I know from hunting big and small game, that gutting was important, but mostly to let the meat cool faster.
A fish is already cold, as a cold-blooded creature, it should be the same temperature as the water (other than some large tuna which do generate body heat).  And the food in its belly isn't going to rot unless the fish increases in temperature.

So, does gutting really help?

The times I've gutted OTW, I did it just because it was easy to do and the cleaning station was going to be crowded. Plus, why not feed the other fishies?  It wasn't difficult, took some kitchen sheers out with me  and a few snips opened the belly and reach in and pull. Rinse my hand over the side.  Done, easy peasy

Excellent points here.
Another reason for gutting OTW is to prevent the migration of certain parasites from the gut to the flesh (roundworms/nematodes). This is especially true for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish (especially if they live in an area with sealions/seals).

I plan to get a fishbag this year too. Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll probably follow the same method as usual...with the exception of sliding the fish into my bag after they've been bled & dead. 

I keep a Dexter Cut and Gut knife with me. Makes quick work of gutting fish and scraping out the blood line.

dry ice is an option to be looked at. two or three pounds of it goes a long way on a kayak.

  Toss a little water in there,  they'll think it's Howard OTW.   

 

Anybody have experience with Elkton brand? This one is a good size and has positive reviews. Plus it's not as expensive as some other brands.
http://www.amazon.com/Elkton-Insulated-Zippered-Compact-Fishing/dp/B018REJ68C?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=pe_140030_188006250_em_1p_4_ti

Ideally, I'd like to get a bag that is top-loading and easy to open/close. Because I'm imagining it would fit nicely inside the bow. But I don't want to fumble around while scooting my butt towards the bow hatch. That's why I like the idea of these bags with gusseted bottom that expand. Then I could just pry open the bow hatch and drop in my fish. http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Fishing-Products-Kill-20x48-Inch/dp/B0097PQY4U/ref=pd_sim_200_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41wL4gsqCmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1WDWPRJ30CQ9DFQXZPWZ

Anybody have experience with Elkton brand? This one is a good size and has positive reviews. Plus it's not as expensive as some other brands.
http://www.amazon.com/Elkton-Insulated-Zippered-Compact-Fishing/dp/B018REJ68C?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&ref_=pe_140030_188006250_em_1p_4_ti

Ideally, I'd like to get a bag that is top-loading and easy to open/close. Because I'm imagining it would fit nicely inside the bow. But I don't want to fumble around while scooting my butt towards the bow hatch. That's why I like the idea of these bags with gusseted bottom that expand. Then I could just pry open the bow hatch and drop in my fish. http://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Fishing-Products-Kill-20x48-Inch/dp/B0097PQY4U/ref=pd_sim_200_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41wL4gsqCmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1WDWPRJ30CQ9DFQXZPWZ

Thanks for the lead on the Elkton brand.  Just saw a bag on the Jackson website that I may consider in the center hatch.