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#5272917 - 09/05/10 02:59 AM
Overcoming fear of catfish!
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Green Horn
Registered: 09/05/10
Posts: 3
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Okay guys,
I know this is a fishing forum full of avid, experienced fishermen. With that being said, I thought it'd be a good place to come for help.
You see,
I just recently got into fishing. I went a few times here and there as a kid, but not as much as I've been lately.
I love catfishing, it's awesome. And in my opinion, is the best tasting freshwater fish (along with crappie) out there.
I'm a big bearded burly kid. If any of you saw me, I can guarantee you that you'd never think for a second I'd be afraid of un hooking a catfish.
Well... as embarrassing as it is to admit... I AM!
I've never been finned before in my life. I've just heard SO MANY horror stories about being finned by so many people.
You see, I'm a hypochondriac, so I'm thinking that I'd just flip out if it were to happen.
I hear about infections, getting ill, the tremendous pain that getting finned causes.
So, would any of you wise men be so kind as to explaining the proper way to dismount a hook from the cat's mouth?
And explain to me what to do if I get finned by a catfish?
Does it mean I need to be rushed to the hospital?
Please...do tell.
Thanks guys.
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#5272922 - 09/05/10 03:14 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 05/12/03
Posts: 8054
Loc: Wylie, TX. USA
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Get you one (or two) of those kevlar fishing gloves that Berkley makes, and don't worry about it.
_________________________
Dave Morris  "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." --Thomas Jefferson,
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#5272945 - 09/05/10 05:31 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Duckcreek Davy]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 04/01/03
Posts: 8296
Loc: Shady Palms Trl. park, lot 17
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Get you one (or two) of those kevlar fishing gloves that Berkley makes, and don't worry about it. Good advice! And if this does not work....then just forget about fishing for catfish! The agony of the mind in your situation would preclude any possible joy or pleasure derived from said sport! And don't be disheartened! Not everyone can be a mountain climber or an Astronaut or work on an Alaska crab fishing boat or be a catfisherman! There are more gentle sports that can fit your particular makeup........like BASS FISHING! So.....give the gloves a try and if you still have these phobic repercussions from the slick-skinned finny tribe...........just give it up........and sign up for a BASS TOURNEY!!!   There ya go!
Edited by chuckwagon (09/05/10 08:29 AM)
Edit Reason: Bass dig!
_________________________
****Sun sinking low....lines baited.....gentle south breeze blowing...you realize.........I AM! .
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#5272976 - 09/05/10 06:33 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: chuckwagon]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 07/12/10
Posts: 8584
Loc: Universal City Tx.
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The gloves are a very good idea. The more you catch and handle the easier it will get. I have been stuck several times it just goes with fishing. Good luck and most important keep fishing.
_________________________
Current Holder of Seven State Records. Texas Parks&Wildlife Elite Angler Award.   John 3.16
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#5273022 - 09/05/10 07:33 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: chuckwagon]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 09/19/09
Posts: 1952
Loc: Red Oak, Tx. (North Texas)
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Get you one (or two) of those kevlar fishing gloves that Berkley makes, and don't worry about it. Good advice! And if this does not work....then just forget about fishing for catfish! The agony of the mind in your situation would preclude any possible joy or pleasure derived from said sport! And don't be disheartened! Not everyone can be a mountain climber or an Astronaut or work on an Alaska crab fishing boat or be a catfisherman! There are other things that can fit your particular makeup. So.....give the gloves a try and if you still have these phobic repercussions from the slick-skinned finny tribe...........just give it up. There ya go! EXCELLENT advise chuckwagon! Also metalaaron--  Try and go a to fishing barge where others are fishing close to ya without you "getting into their space" and if you see them catch a catfish just be as honest with them and I bet someone would be glad to show you how to do it safely as you can. Scroll down to the catfish section, there are many catfish brothers and sisters that will you on your new journey. YouTube is another good tool to use. Good Luck!
Edited by bbop1111 (09/05/10 07:36 AM)
_________________________
Formerly bbop1111- (and still not really sure why) 
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#5273027 - 09/05/10 07:40 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: steveiam]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 12/08/08
Posts: 1177
Loc: Boerne, Texas
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It does burn if you get stuck by a fin, but so does an ant bite, bee sting, scorpion sting, etc... The good news is it will not kill you and doesn't hurt near as badly as a broken bone. When you catch one cut the top 1/4 inch of it's pointy fins off with pliers and it won't be able to stick you anymore.
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#5273028 - 09/05/10 07:41 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: steveiam]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 06/07/08
Posts: 2597
Loc: Abilene
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I have been stuck more than a couple of times and have never been to the hospital. Get a set of fish grippers http://www.yakangler.com/forum/index.php?f=9&t=100&rb_v=viewtopicJust google fish gripper for a few choices.
Edited by snmcc (09/05/10 07:43 AM)
_________________________
  96 171DC 135HP
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#5273029 - 09/05/10 07:41 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: steveiam]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 12/04/09
Posts: 1377
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I get finned cleaning crappie bass or catfish.
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#5273161 - 09/05/10 09:11 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: blooper961]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 08/10/10
Posts: 126
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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I can't count how many times I've been stabbed by catfish. My fix for the painful puncture might surprise you. I scrape off some of the catfishes own slime and apply it directly to the puncture. Seconds later, pain is gone. Based on how you describe your fear this probably would never happen for you but might help others watching this topic. I got that tip from the Fishing Texas fish identification book. I was weary at first but decided to try it after a particularly painful stick. Worked like a champ believe it or not.
_________________________
Fish on!!!
2010 Blue Wave 1900 VLC
100 HP Suzuki
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#5273746 - 09/05/10 01:18 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: DanR]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 07/25/10
Posts: 53
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My little granddaughter thought catfish were the scariest thing in the world - until we fried them!! The taste of catfish from the family fish fry made her a true catfisher"woman"!!
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#5273765 - 09/05/10 01:31 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: FATMELGREENE]
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Pro Angler
Registered: 06/04/09
Posts: 790
Loc: nw Harris County
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I handle throw-back size with pliers- get hold of the top or side fins and then get the hook out, and put fish back in the water. For keepers, I nip off the side and top fins before handling the fish. For me, the little ones are the most trouble.
_________________________
Ray Nicholas noli illegitimi carborundum
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#5273829 - 09/05/10 02:13 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: quit]
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Green Horn
Registered: 09/05/10
Posts: 3
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Wow! Thanks for all of the advice. I think I will try the gloves. And the whole thing about snipping the fins off of the cat (if he's a keeper) is a PERFECT idea.
Is anyone in East Texas? Fishing Trinity River (Livingston Dam Area)
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#5273930 - 09/05/10 03:05 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 08/15/09
Posts: 1061
Loc: Daphne Alabama
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Biggest thing dont think its going to send you to the hospital if you get stuck been stuck several times. Gloves snipping of the fins as mentioned all will reduce risk of getting stuck.
Edited by RodneySr (09/05/10 03:05 PM)
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#5274126 - 09/05/10 05:16 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: RodneySr]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 02/06/09
Posts: 7395
Loc: highland village/lake Lewisvil...
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dont let your fear get in the way of firmly holding the fish. when you go to grab it, wrap your hand around the top of the head, your palm will lay down the top fin, two fingers one above one below the side fin and your thumb under the other side fin. dont hesitate and be firm. people get finned the worse usually when they hesitate.
_________________________
I live with Fear everyday but sometimes she lets me go fishin Gravley Construction  2012 fish in the boat:blues 60 PB 65# channel 2 caught on the boat pb 7 up to 68# Flats 0 DOW: 7
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#5274186 - 09/05/10 05:50 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: tgravley aka stinkbait tom]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 03/05/08
Posts: 1477
Loc: MS
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I have caught and unhooked a lot of catfish and get a small cut from them once in awhile and they burn a bit. I did have one finally in June get me really good. Took my son out bay fishing for a kids fishing rodeo and caugth a hardhead catfish and unhooked it like any other one. Went to toss him into the water and he flipped and then one of its side spines went about 2" into my hand between my thumb and pointer finger. I had to basiclly rip the thing out. It hurt like you know what, I paused and looked at the spine to find out why it hurt so bad. Final part of the story is I had to chill for about 5 min, my had was a bit swollen but we kept on fishing and kept an eye it.
_________________________
Army Bass Anglers (Air Force) Coalition Pro Staff Team
elite tungsten
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#5274253 - 09/05/10 06:22 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: ssj3goten]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 06/01/06
Posts: 26
Loc: San Antonio
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You can't really compare saltwater hard heads to fresh water catfish when it comes to fin stings. Freshwater cats are not that bad, and the slime does work.
_________________________
<',))))-<
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#5274321 - 09/05/10 06:47 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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Angler
Registered: 06/18/10
Posts: 392
Loc: Fort Worth, Tx
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I barely started catfishing (5 months ago) and im barely getting use to handling the cats. I bought a lindy glove because it is puncture resistant glove and it helped. i tried to puncture it w/ a 8/0 hook and it didnt go threw. Just buy you one and you wont regret it. BTW they make 2 different gloves yellow which is s/m and orange which is l/xl. They also make two different styles, 1 has a velcro strap and the other doesnt. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE VELCRO STRAP http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_38705____SearchResults
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#5274376 - 09/05/10 07:10 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: 817angler]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 06/07/08
Posts: 2597
Loc: Abilene
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those gripper pliers are the way to go... Grab them by the lip with one pair then remove your hook.
_________________________
96 171DC 135HP
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#5274487 - 09/05/10 07:59 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: snmcc]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 07/25/09
Posts: 1963
Loc: San Antonio TX
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I personally do not handle catfish barehanded, Once upon a time in a land far far away (Abilene Tx, 80's) I was fishing lake Kirby, and got finned by a cat, I pretty much immediately had an allergic reaction to the poke, fortunately there was a hospital right across the highway from the lake and the ER treated me and advised that I avoid any future incidents. Its pliers all the way for me now. Laterz, dafanman 
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 **New Cell Number** 210-426-4474** Special Flat rate for TFF&THF Members
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#5274494 - 09/05/10 08:02 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: tgravley aka stinkbait tom]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 03/01/09
Posts: 1456
Loc: Titus County
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dont let your fear get in the way of firmly holding the fish. when you go to grab it, wrap your hand around the top of the head, your palm will lay down the top fin, two fingers one above one below the side fin and your thumb under the other side fin. dont hesitate and be firm. people get finned the worse usually when they hesitate.
_________________________
 Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim .
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#5274829 - 09/05/10 10:32 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Siberman]
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TFF Team Angler
Registered: 04/18/07
Posts: 3178
Loc: DFW
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#5274875 - 09/05/10 10:45 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: JT Evans]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 04/21/09
Posts: 71
Loc: Argyle, TX
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" IF that catfish sticks you, Just pee on it "
quote: " grandpa "
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#5275004 - 09/05/10 11:42 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: GLASSANGLER]
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Green Horn
Registered: 09/05/10
Posts: 3
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I think the biggest part of it is me just absolutely freaking out and thinking that the fin is going to kill me if I don't seek care immediately. I'm not scared of a little pain, it's just I've heard to many horror stories!
I will try the gloves, pliers, fish grippers to see what's right for me.
Thanks for everything. And hell, if anyone has any more advice, please post it!
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#5275059 - 09/06/10 12:28 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 03/03/09
Posts: 1916
Loc: Midland, TX
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ha, aaron, you crack me up...glad to see you made it to the site.
BTW this is Marc, dont be scared them fish aint going to hurt you that bad, lol
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#5275072 - 09/06/10 12:57 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: mev002]
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TFF Team Angler
Registered: 07/09/07
Posts: 3315
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Just stabb yourself with the catfish a few times on purpose and i guarantee you wont be scared anymore. These ain't cats from River Monsters u know......
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#5275550 - 09/06/10 09:53 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: tgravley aka stinkbait tom]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 04/26/02
Posts: 8356
Loc: At the Terrell WalMartz
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dont let your fear get in the way of firmly holding the fish. when you go to grab it, wrap your hand around the top of the head, your palm will lay down the top fin, two fingers one above one below the side fin and your thumb under the other side fin. dont hesitate and be firm. people get finned the worse usually when they hesitate. That is how I do it and it works for me. You can also hold 'em from the bottom with your palm on the belly and your thumb behind one pec fin and your other fingers behind the other pec fin. This grip is not quite as secure as the one described above, but it works. Won't have to buy or keep up with gloves.
_________________________
 "Look at the head on that mutha!!"
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#5275595 - 09/06/10 10:05 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Wilson Biddy]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 06/09/09
Posts: 1125
Loc: Saginaw, Tx
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Just stabb yourself with the catfish a few times on purpose and i guarantee you wont be scared anymore. These ain't cats from River Monsters u know...... LOL@Wilson @aaron don't follow this advice man...it's just not safe to do this and it really aggravates the fish.
_________________________
 Want to learn about Linux? Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
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#5275656 - 09/06/10 10:25 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: MikeTbob]
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Angler
Registered: 03/10/03
Posts: 407
Loc: Rowlett, txusa
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Its the small ones that always get me. If I catch a small one, I will try to not handle them, but instead, just grab the hook with plyers and shake them off. The larger fish spines don't seem as sharp.
I also get stuck throwing them back in.
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#5276778 - 09/06/10 05:11 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: senko9S]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 03/27/02
Posts: 2084
Loc: Princeton / lake Fork
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I have been finned hundreds of times since I was a small child and only died from it once..
After a few dozen times it wont even hurt anymore, I pretty sure I built up an imunity to the poison years ago because my fingers don't even get sore anymore.
I had a fin about a quarter inch long break off in my finger about twenty years ago and it took about a month to work it's way out the other side.
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#5277478 - 09/06/10 08:55 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: brokenjeep]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 07/09/09
Posts: 1084
Loc: Waco, TX
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Good Luck man! FYI my wife don't like to pick up cats either but she has developed a new system. Once she gets a bite and reels in a decent sized cat she pauses and then some how knows that I'm getting a bite and my attention is on my rod and then bam she swings it in the boat and impales my calf with the cat!! She has done this twice-- I think I'll get some snake boots!!LOL
A week ago while I was carrying out the remains of bunch of cats somehow the gut bag swung into my shin and a 2" fin went in and almost poked out the other side. It's a dangerous sport but it's all worth when you have big fish fry!!
_________________________
JESUS IS THE GREATEST FISHERMAN OF ALL!!!! 
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#5278094 - 09/07/10 07:27 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: roadtrip]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 08/10/10
Posts: 126
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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dont let your fear get in the way of firmly holding the fish. when you go to grab it, wrap your hand around the top of the head, your palm will lay down the top fin, two fingers one above one below the side fin and your thumb under the other side fin. dont hesitate and be firm. people get finned the worse usually when they hesitate. That is how I do it and it works for me. You can also hold 'em from the bottom with your palm on the belly and your thumb behind one pec fin and your other fingers behind the other pec fin. This grip is not quite as secure as the one described above, but it works. Won't have to buy or keep up with gloves. This is the same method that I use. Works great.
_________________________
Fish on!!!
2010 Blue Wave 1900 VLC
100 HP Suzuki
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#5278265 - 09/07/10 08:31 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: DanR]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 12/04/06
Posts: 6212
Loc: Midlothian, TX
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I grab them from the belly with one of the pec fins right above my thumb and the other finbetween my index and middle finger.
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#5278992 - 09/07/10 11:42 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Mudshark]
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Angler
Registered: 01/31/06
Posts: 480
Loc: Highland Village
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All you hero's out there be advised. Those catfish stings can be very serious. Ive been stuck a few times myself but my brothers resent incident will make me think twice about playing tough. Long story short, he had to go to surgery few days after a sting to get part of his foot cut out due to infection. It's the slime that causes the infection and sting so I would not advise rubbing the slim on the wound like mentioned above. Doctor said he is lucky he came in when he did.
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#5279013 - 09/07/10 11:47 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Mudshark]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 04/13/09
Posts: 2256
Loc: Fort Worth
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The worse ones are the little ones. Just grab it like Tom said..don't hesitate or it will flop and get you for sure. The worst reaction I ever seen was when I dropped a small one on my leg and it poked me like a pin. It swelled up like a mosquito bite. Bottom line is you are only going to mess with all the gloves, grippers, etc for a short while an you will get tired of them. Getting finned is just a part of it...more than likely nothing worse then temporary discomfort will result.
I suppose some people have terrible life threatening reactions, but the you could get killed by a sudden derencho.
Edited by BrianTx01 (09/07/10 11:52 AM)
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Fighting Texas Aggie Class 2001  34.5# Blue Cat
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#5279436 - 09/07/10 01:23 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Mudshark]
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Pro Angler
Registered: 11/25/08
Posts: 722
Loc: fort worth
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I grab them from the belly with one of the pec fins right above my thumb and the other finbetween my index and middle finger. This is how I do it to just have to make sure you have quick hands on the release. Thats when I get stuck the most.
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#5280041 - 09/07/10 03:37 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: driedmeat]
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TFF Guru
Registered: 02/25/03
Posts: 45536
Loc: Dallas, TX
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they used to make a metal fish grabber. it would open up and then you squeezed the handle and the arms would grab the fish. i dont like grabbing em, but grew up fishing for em. i have to let em settle down before I grab em. those spines hurt!
_________________________
 Skeeter Ronnie
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#5283070 - 09/08/10 10:21 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Wilson Biddy]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 07/19/10
Posts: 81
Loc: Bridgeport
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Easiest way to handle them is with a lipper, or sometimes called a gripper. Long handled device locks down on bottom lip and keeps fish out of reach. You still have to stay out of the way when the catfish starts flopping around, but good advice to clip the fins if you are keeping the fish.
I hold the fish with the lipper, and use long pliers to retrieve the hook. I have to admit that if the hook gets swallowed, sometimes I retrieve the hook AFTER the kitty is no longer alive.
Some lippers even come with weights. The one I have does not, but I still like it. Good for all fish, so as not to handle and injure the ones that you are releasing. Keith Bunch (fishing guide) showed us how to use these things, and I went right out and bought one and have been using ever since.
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#5283115 - 09/08/10 10:30 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: spro]
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Pro Angler
Registered: 07/01/07
Posts: 997
Loc: East Tawakoni
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All you hero's out there be advised. Those catfish stings can be very serious. Ive been stuck a few times myself but my brothers resent incident will make me think twice about playing tough. Long story short, he had to go to surgery few days after a sting to get part of his foot cut out due to infection. It's the slime that causes the infection and sting so I would not advise rubbing the slim on the wound like mentioned above. Doctor said he is lucky he came in when he did. Not to say they arent serious... but I have been stuck multiple times and always rub the belly slime into the stick as best I can. When I get home, I disenfect it really good. If it's sore, I soak it in some ebsom salt. I have never gone to the hospital (or needed to) over a catfish stick. Just make sure you disenfect it when you get home, and do so for several days. With that being said, when you pull the fin out of your hand, finger, ect... .check the fin and make sure part of it didnt break off down in there. That would be the only reason I could think of to make me go to the hospital or Dr over a stick.
Edited by Larry in Tawakoni (09/08/10 10:31 AM)
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#5283534 - 09/08/10 12:19 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Larry in Tawakoni]
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Angler
Registered: 07/17/10
Posts: 370
Loc: Canyon Lake, TX
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i get stuck more often by perch lol.. i just slide my hand down and lay the fin over with my hand and hold it tight, pull the hook out and toss her back.. no big deal.. it if matters that much, go ahead and step on it and pull the hook out. its not nice to the kitty but at least you wont get poked.
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#5283565 - 09/08/10 12:28 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Reaper9789]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 03/27/02
Posts: 2084
Loc: Princeton / lake Fork
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i get stuck more often by perch lol.. i just slide my hand down and lay the fin over with my hand and hold it tight, pull the hook out and toss her back.. no big deal.. it if matters that much, go ahead and step on it and pull the hook out. its not nice to the kitty but at least you wont get poked. I wear a glove while perch fishing, I prefer cats any day over perch.
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#5283950 - 09/08/10 01:52 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: brokenjeep]
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TFF Team Angler
Registered: 02/04/08
Posts: 3611
Loc: Waco
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If they are over a pound and under 10lbs I will usually grab them from the top. They have a little hollow spot there on each side of their head. Works pretty good for me.
If they are bigger than 10lbs, then the fins are usually dulled down some anyways. But they sit in the net until picked up with fish grips.
The little ones are the ones that will really get ya. I grab them from under the belly. One fin between ring and middle finger, other fin between thumb and index finger. I hardly get stuck anymore, but it will happen now and again. Belly slime makes it stop hurting.
Only had one trip to hospital for catfish fin, had one break off in my knuckle. Hand got really swollen. Doc's grabbed it out with needle nose pliers after they numbed it up enough for me to not care. I think a buddy and I could have done the same thing with enough whiskey.
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#5285841 - 09/08/10 09:33 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 05/05/10
Posts: 34
Loc: Katy Tx
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A short Hardhead cat story.I was fishing off the rocks at 91st in Galveston. Had a fish on the line and was pulling him in,when it got to the rocks I gave it an extra tug to get it over the rocks.Well It came flying at me and stuck me in the calf.I don't mean it just stuck me but it was actually stuck in my leg.I looked down at it and it felt like I had electric going threw my leg.It was in so deep that it just hung there.I pulled it out(without getting stuck again)took it off the hook and threw him back in the water.There was a women there crabbing with her son,she said she never saw anything like that before.Thanks I said.I had to sit for a few minutes and it was getting dark so I decided to head home.I did stop at CVS and picked up some neosporen.I've been stuck many times and try to always use pliers to get them off the hook but when they start flappin around they can and will get you.
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#5285997 - 09/08/10 10:06 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: lou7]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 10/10/09
Posts: 1238
Loc: Mesquite TX
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I got hit by hardhead when I was about 10 years old. It was pretty painfull and I never want that to happen again. I now use pliers to pop the hook out. I guess i'm scared because I want touch one now.
Reggie
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#5286197 - 09/08/10 11:06 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Grainraiser]
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Green Horn
Registered: 01/20/10
Posts: 19
Loc: Central Texas
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Team Catfish "floating fish grip" is the ticket. Just watch Jeff handle cats with them in his videos and you will see how great they are.
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#5294226 - 09/11/10 01:44 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: W B]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 05/27/10
Posts: 143
Loc: fort worth,texas
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I had one actually break off in the palm of my hand in April! The cat stuck me and it was actually dangling from my hand then it broke. I had to cut it open with a razor blade to get it out. My hand was swollen like a baseball for about 3 days but it didnt kill me. Its all a part of fishing. My kids sure thought it was funny!!!
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Catfish Jay
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#5321702 - 09/19/10 05:48 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Wilson Biddy]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 04/09/10
Posts: 59
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Usually for catfish I slide my hand up under its belly and grip under the fins. I have never been stuck doing it this way. If it is to big to grip under the fins, I grab it by the mouth with my whole hand.
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#5321812 - 09/19/10 06:35 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Jonathan Gatica]
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Pro Angler
Registered: 09/20/08
Posts: 524
Loc: Austin, TX
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If you put them in a livewell, there is a good change you will get a fin in your hand when you take them out. I carry a pair of tin snips and snip all three fins off (top and both sides) before I put them in the livewell. After that, they are safe.
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#5330381 - 09/21/10 11:15 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: fish 'till I drop]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 09/13/03
Posts: 60
Loc: odessa
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had a deep stick and it hurt like heck, had a numb hand for about an hour but got over it.
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#5331290 - 09/22/10 10:11 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: seaark]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 06/11/04
Posts: 2895
Loc: Lake Lewisville
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I've been stuck plenty of times and it hurts. All keepers get their fins cut before going into the box. I don't really mess with the slime on the wound thing. If it's bad enough, I'll stop the bleeding, disinfect it and put a bandaid and tape over it. It gets a good cleaning when I get home as well. Had a small piece of a fin removed from my finger one time after it was in there over a month or so. Luckily it never got infected. Just got sore all of a sudden and was ready to come out. The Team Catfish Floating Fish Grips are great. I keep a couple of pair handy in the boat at all times. http://teamcatfish.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28
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#5332107 - 09/22/10 01:29 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: metalaaron]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 01/13/09
Posts: 56
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Okay guys,
I know this is a fishing forum full of avid, experienced fishermen. With that being said, I thought it'd be a good place to come for help.
You see,
I just recently got into fishing. I went a few times here and there as a kid, but not as much as I've been lately.
I love catfishing, it's awesome. And in my opinion, is the best tasting freshwater fish (along with crappie) out there.
I'm a big bearded burly kid. If any of you saw me, I can guarantee you that you'd never think for a second I'd be afraid of un hooking a catfish.
Well... as embarrassing as it is to admit... I AM!
I've never been finned before in my life. I've just heard SO MANY horror stories about being finned by so many people.
You see, I'm a hypochondriac, so I'm thinking that I'd just flip out if it were to happen.
I hear about infections, getting ill, the tremendous pain that getting finned causes.
So, would any of you wise men be so kind as to explaining the proper way to dismount a hook from the cat's mouth?
And explain to me what to do if I get finned by a catfish?
Does it mean I need to be rushed to the hospital?
Please...do tell.
Thanks guys.
No worries. It's not that bad. It hurts but to me, not anymore than a wasp or bee sting. The pain is more from the venom, like how a jellyfish sting would work. To put this in better perspective... Comparisons... -bee sting vs catfish finned... rather be stung -going shopping with girlfriend vs being finned.... rather get finned... -getting finned or slapped by another man... getting finned.
_________________________
LOL! "I'm one of the few asians with a real fishing license!"
Proud Annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Cardholder.
SUPPORT TEXAS PARKS
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#5333568 - 09/22/10 08:16 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Hill Hopper]
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TFF Guru
Registered: 07/27/07
Posts: 16546
Loc: Plano TX
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I hate catfish wiskers
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#5335694 - 09/23/10 12:24 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Trickster]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 04/19/04
Posts: 2918
Loc: Rockwall
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I never handle them when unhooking. I just grab the hook with the needle nose pliers and shake. I shake them over the livewell if they are destined for the pan or over the side of the boat. When I do have to handle them a grab them around the head with my thumb behind one fin and index finger behind the other. I have never been finned bad but I had a buddy that was seining with me that was. We caught a baby cat in the seine and he put his hand down right on its dorsal fin. He buried the whole fin in his palm.
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#5337834 - 09/23/10 11:39 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: fish 'till I drop]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 08/05/08
Posts: 1928
Loc: Snagsville
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I agree with fishhauler...I've been stuck countless times and it's always the bullhead or small channels that are most dangerous. They're just too hard to grasp anywhere without having to deal with a sticker.
I've never been cataclysmically stuck like some of the horror stories you hear. Usually it's no worse than a bee sting but you do want to try to keep the wound clean as it is prone to infection. Whether this is from the catfish itself or just the generally unsanitary conditions we often find ourselves fishing in I don't know. I do know that catfish spines contain a small bit of poison which makes the wounds more painful.
Like others have said, if you learn to handle them correctly, you reduce your risk factor considerably, whether this is with a gripper tool or just your hands. I'd rather have a firm hold on one while trying to unhook it than just trying to do the pliers shake method, which has gotten me stung before also.
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Ben
LSCB
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#5343808 - 09/25/10 08:32 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Cyprinus]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 09/25/10
Posts: 45
Loc: Mathis, Texas
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I think the best way to handle a catfish is from the belly side. I hang them up with the fishing line and grab them from the belly side allowing the side fins to go between my fingers. Just grab them firmly. If you do get stuck, rub the catfish's belly on the wound and it will not get sore.
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#5343811 - 09/25/10 08:35 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: Kelly G.]
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TFF Celebrity
Registered: 02/06/09
Posts: 7395
Loc: highland village/lake Lewisvil...
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you guys are worried about getting finned a little bit, just wait till you get ahold of a biggun and stick your hand in its mouth and it takes the hide off the top of your hand!!! now that hurts but its worth it!!!LOL
_________________________
I live with Fear everyday but sometimes she lets me go fishin Gravley Construction 2012 fish in the boat:blues 60 PB 65# channel 2 caught on the boat pb 7 up to 68# Flats 0 DOW: 7
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#5343983 - 09/25/10 09:28 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: tgravley aka stinkbait tom]
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Angler
Registered: 06/18/10
Posts: 392
Loc: Fort Worth, Tx
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maybe this winter you can take me and my better half out and show us what you are talking about
yesterday i went w/ bro terry and i finally got finned (2 times at the same time) on the hand(only been finned in the leg, dropped a 4lber on a deck and it slapped up and got me).
It doesnt hurt that much on the hand, the first 5 mins felt like a bee sting, the next hour felt like an ant bite after that is was just a lil sore. Woke up this morning and forgot all about it until reading this post. I did put some slime from the catfish and it seemed to help the pain and it made a scab over it which kept anything from getting in there and getting it infected
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#5344784 - 09/26/10 10:40 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: 817angler]
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Angler
Registered: 06/06/07
Posts: 455
Loc: Longview, Tx
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lol like hell it just feels like a beesting...Maybe if they just barely get you...I had a big bullhead bury its dorsal to the hilt between my thumb and forefinger, took about 5 min. and my hand was basically turned into a claw...
or maybe i'm just a big sissy lol...
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Eric Nykamp 903-746-7146  
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#5345248 - 09/26/10 01:47 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: enykamp]
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Angler
Registered: 06/18/10
Posts: 392
Loc: Fort Worth, Tx
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lol like hell it just feels like a beesting...Maybe if they just barely get you...I had a big bullhead bury its dorsal to the hilt between my thumb and forefinger, took about 5 min. and my hand was basically turned into a claw...
or maybe i'm just a big sissy lol... well it wasnt his dorsal fin, but he did get me. Im glad the fin didnt get stuck in me.
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#5345348 - 09/26/10 02:09 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: 817angler]
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Extreme Angler
Registered: 04/13/09
Posts: 2256
Loc: Fort Worth
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If your affraid catfish you should take up crappie fishing.
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Fighting Texas Aggie Class 2001 34.5# Blue Cat
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#5345421 - 09/26/10 02:24 PM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: BrianTx01]
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Angler
Registered: 06/18/10
Posts: 392
Loc: Fort Worth, Tx
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If your affraid catfish you should take up crappie fishing. i aint affraid of nothing but snakes. I need a lil more practice handling the cats thats all. Like others have stated its the smaller channels that are the worse, they seem to move around alot more. Harder to get them under control.
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#5433509 - 10/21/10 10:11 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: GLASSANGLER]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 10/18/10
Posts: 20
Loc: forney
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" IF that catfish sticks you, Just pee on it "
quote: " grandpa "
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#5433679 - 10/21/10 10:52 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: banker77]
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Outdoorsman
Registered: 07/30/10
Posts: 88
Loc: Texas
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I am scared to death to remove a catfish! ! !
I caught a small catfish on Lake Cleburne on a Spinner Bait.
My M.O. is to step on them and then remove the hook with pliers, then kick them off the side of the boat.
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"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!" Arthur Carlson WKRP in Cincinnati 
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#5433770 - 10/21/10 11:07 AM
Re: Overcoming fear of catfish!
[Re: noodlebuttsmom]
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TFF Guru
Registered: 07/27/07
Posts: 16546
Loc: Plano TX
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Use long pliers and you should not need to touch the fish. Grab the hook and use the weight of the fish to get the hook out.
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