How to

[kygorski]

While I have caught a lot of catfish, and even ate some in resturants, Whats an easy way to skin them?And then what?Is thyere a muddy taste? how do you get rid of it. Thanks

[kyfanatic]

I just filet everything anymore.A straight sewer pipe upriver from you might give them a "Muddy" taste.

[Tyme2fish]

I just filet everything anymore.A straight sewer pipe upriver from you might give them a "Muddy" taste.

Also with cats, I cut off any yellow or discolored flesh. I soak just a bit in ice water ,rinse and freeze.

[Panfish Man]

No need to skin, cut the meat right off, and fillet them. I soak all my fish in salt water or milk over night. Takes the blood out of the meat, and makes the fishy taste a little milder.

[Panfish Man]

Also with cats, I cut off any yellow or discolored flesh. I soak just a bit in ice water ,rinse and freeze.

Usually that yellow is fatty meat. That doesn't taste too good, cut that away.

[Moon~Shaun]

Also with cats, I cut off any yellow or discolored flesh. I soak just a bit in ice water ,rinse and freeze.

I completely agree, while soaking add a lot of salt it helps, I freeze them in water filled bags so they get no freezer burn. Bass pro shops hot and spicy mix will cover some of that taste too!!!

[Moon~Shaun]

I completely agree, while soaking add a lot of salt it helps, I freeze them in water filled bags so they get no freezer burn. Bass pro shops hot and spicy mix will cover some of that taste too!!!

I forgot to mention after you fillet them slice a little in-between the meat and skin and use pliers or channel locks to grab skin and pull off.

[findingem]

Here is a nice video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edsJOuwcRKg

[Tyme2fish]

How to skin a cat? I don't. When I fillet a side of the catfish, I don't cut all the way thru the tail. The fillet is cut from the body of the fish but is still attached because I don't slice all the way to the end of the tail.

Flip the fillet off the fish and then start from the tail and "fillet" the skin off. I hope that makes sense.

That's the same method I use on any fish.

I watched the video posted by findingem and that seems like way too much work for me. Yeah, he does get a little more meat with his method, but I can clean 7 cats in the time it takes him to clean one.

[kygorski]

Thank all of you! now all I have to do is catch some. Reminds me of the "tiger stew" receipe, first: catch one tiger.

[crappiepappy]

The strong "muddy" or "fishy" taste is generally coming from the "red" meat along the outer sides of the filet. Cut that red portion off, remove any "yellow meat" (fat), and your catfish will taste much better. (note: removal of the yellow fat is recommended in order to avoid ingesting as much heavy metals contamination, which is concentrated in the fat of the fish).

Restaurant Catfish filets can come from pond raised/food pellet fed fish ... so their taste is not usually as strong as one that comes from your local waters. Removal of the "red meat" area of the fish, is your best option to try & duplicate that taste.

... pappy

[MagikSmallie]

....OR you could just try and catch Crappie and Walleye and not have to deal with fishy taste and have to cover it up with cajun spices as they are much better tasting fish!