I've always heard that when frying whole catfish that I should try the tail fins, they crisp up like bacon, has anyone ever eaten them before

I have never heard of anyone removing the tail fin when frying whole catfish.

I suspect most everyone has tried them, yes they are good.

i grew up eating the tail fins of small catfish and perch, but it was a novelty more than anything. don't think it's too healthy now. don't need any sharp things in my colon. one thing i learned this year was that when you filet catfish, save the backs and fry them separate for snackin. still a good amount of meat on them. guy at the camp did this and fried them first for early snacks, it was great and kept us out of the main dish!

Good idea, Smooth, and good way to make sure the oil is at the right temp too!

The fins are delicious. I keep the ones from smaller cats even if I'm not frying them whole. They just taste like whatever batter you choose; and the texture is like a potato chip. My suggestion is to take smaller bites though, the extremities of the fin are what you want. The closer you get to the spine, the more "bony" they are.