Thread: fileting catfish

Fileting is my favorite way to clean a catfish. I start behind the gills. I start in front of the top fin and angle down trying to miss the ribs. Blade placement differs a little by species. With practice you will figure it out as to where to start. Saves alot of wear and tear on the filet knife esp if you are cleaning a big trotline run. * My biggest tip would be for blue cats etc, I butterfly the filet cutting out the blood line, Makes a huge difference in taste. Flathead usually don't need this ,they are the best tasteing catfish in my opinion. Never had a spoonbill though.

I use a knife to fillet my Channels and Blues. But Flatheads are usually larger and we skin them. Then fillet off the meat. Besure and not waste the belly meat as it is the best part on a Flathead.