Techniques and devices are described for preparing a fish fillet. The techniques and devices facilitate the removal of the skin and/or rib bones of the fish from the meat that forms the fillet. In embodiments, the techniques employ a fish skinning device that includes a roller and a blade. The roller is configured to contact the skin included on a fillet so that rotation of the roller causes the fillet to be directed toward the blade. The roller and blade are configured so the skin passes between the roller and blade and is generally separated and directed away from the meat. A blade float assembly permits the blade to float with respect to the blade during use to receive the skin or rib bones of the fish fillet between the roller and the blade.