Catfish stingers (Page 2): ...

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Shutupandfish wrote:

The fins can be sharp especially on younger/smaller catfish they contain no poison in them as a stinger would, yeah they hurt and can get infected but from bacteria on the skin of the cat kinda like a song “hey-leave them fish alone”

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Jeremy wrote:

He can just STOP catfishing. That would also fix the problem :)

That would kinda mean stop bait fishing all together where catfish are wouldn’t it?

sumcatone Loc: Salem VA

If you're going to keep the fish cut em off. If not leave em be.

Dadeaux Loc: Florida Panhandle

sumcatone wrote:

If you're going to keep the fish cut em off. If not leave em be.

I find those spines make it easier to get hold of the catfish in order to get the hook out which most of the time those suckers inhaled the hook...I'm talking bout salt water cats...pain in the butt when they are in the area.
Now have been in areas where people around me loved me for catching all those cats & then giving them the catfish. Never tried salt water cats...any of you guys eat salt water cats???

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

I snip them off so they will lay flat on th table to filet them.

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Gordon wrote:

I snip them off so they will lay flat on th table to filet them.

I do too when I filet them

PierRat904 Loc: St. Augustine

I don't think anyone has had an issue with the saltwater GaffTop SailCat. These critters have three stingers that can make grown men cry. I've seen where on penetrated the sole of a workboot and I've seen tourists step on then wearing flip flops. These guys are highly toxic and can cause an infection which can fester up months later. I carry a dehooker when fishing but I still managed to drop a stinger onto my arm; I pulled the fish off and it appeared to have penetrated my arm about 3/4 of an inch. Size makes no difference as I've been stung by a 7" gaff top sail cat and nearly paralyzed my arm; lasted about 3 hours.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

Dadeaux wrote:

I find those spines make it easier to get hold of the catfish in order to get the hook out which most of the time those suckers inhaled the hook...I'm talking bout salt water cats...pain in the butt when they are in the area.
Now have been in areas where people around me loved me for catching all those cats & then giving them the catfish. Never tried salt water cats...any of you guys eat salt water cats???

I've eaten them for years. Saltwater Hardhead Cats and Sail Cats. Sail cats are some great eating. The meat is snow white in sail cats. If I catch a sail cat I'll fry it. The hardheads I marinate and smoke. Smoked they are very good and I vacuum seal them and save them.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

PierRat904 wrote:

I don't think anyone has had an issue with the sal... (show quote)

Personally I don't know if Sailcats are any worse than Hardhead cats. In my experience both are equally bad. You just need to avoid getting stabbed. Use tools or gloves. I don't trust gloves. I keep all the cats I catch except dinks which I throw back. I marinate the Hardheads and smoke them and the Sail cats I'll fry.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Hoss: If anything on that cat stung you it was a dorsal or pectoral fin. Not the whiskers. Now, it could have been moved by evolution, you never know.

Reminds me of a joke. Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen, remember them? Ed asked Charlie, "Charlie, have you been getting any on the side, lately?"

To which Charlie said, " No, I haven't, Say, I didn't even know they had moved it!" badda boom,. Just Sayin...RJS

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

😂😂

jepolt Loc: North East Ohio

My opinion, please do not cut of the catfish fins or whiskers off if you plan to release them. They have the three boney fins for protection. PLEASE do some research and find out the best way to hold the fish while removing your hook. We can all give you our methods but find out the method that works best for you.
Good luck to you.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

jepolt wrote:

My opinion, please do not cut of the catfish fins or whiskers off if you plan to release them. They have the three boney fins for protection. PLEASE do some research and find out the best way to hold the fish while removing your hook. We can all give you our methods but find out the method that works best for you.
Good luck to you.

djs300 Loc: Illinois

I believe some people are allergic to catfish stings like some are to bee stings. I have been stung so often by catfish I see it as a price to fishing. It is just like getting stung by panfish

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

djs300 wrote:

I believe some people are allergic to catfish stings like some are to bee stings. I have been stung so often by catfish I see it as a price to fishing. It is just like getting stung by panfish

Welcome aboard there DJS