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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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=viewtopic

Just google fish gripper for a few choices.

I get finned cleaning crappie bass or catfish.

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.

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"!!

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.

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)

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.

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 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.