…This has to be one of the best quotes I’ve read in a while. To get a better grip or loosen more of the skin, twist the pliers. The pictures were great and in great detail show you exactly what to do, thanks so much! You can gut it before or after. ", "Because this example showed me how to clean catfish properly and safely. Day and night difference in the taste. ", "Works very well with the scamadic, good set up ", "Thanks for helping me clean & skin a catfish. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you have smaller catfish around 14–16 inches (36–41 cm), consider. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 402,198 times. Using this argument (i.e. Any catfish species – whether big or small, skinned or whole, can be smoked. ", "Instructions were simple. Smoked Catfish Brine Recipe. To remove the dorsal fin completely, cut around it with your filet knife about. Wish me luck! With this approach even an animal with a reduced sense of pain (as compared with mammals) would still suffer greatly. Just read an article about raising catfish in a tank as a homestead food source. I think I’ve seen and heard it all in the comments on Youtube (outside of the PETA debate). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. … ", "Made my cleaning these critters really easy!! The live well is bright red with blood and the fillets do not have ANY blood in them. Pour hot boiling water into the bowl containing the pieces of dried catfish until the water covers the fish. I’ve been fishing for cat’s for a long time but never kept them, just liked fighting for them. wikiHow's. Antibacterial soap doesn’t work immediately. Remove your catfish from the refrigerator and the brine bag. You can watch the Youtube Video below to see how to wash and clean catfish thoroughly to remove the slimy nature of the skin. Why is it important not to puncture the organs? Catch, photograph, and release is the only way to go with the big catfish. When the topic of cleaning catfish comes up the first question people always ask is “do you skin the catfish”. Won’t it taste bad? Fish, once primed to react to a painful event (as evidenced by a change in their behavior), resume normal behavior after being injected with painkillers. Remember that through this process that you should always cut away from your body and always push the knife through the fish, never pull the fish through the knife. Remove the catfish from the bags and give the fillets a quick rinse. Now the doc’s went and put me on a low fat diet that has lean fish as part of the menu. Aug 19, 2018 - Explore Scott Kanzelberger's board "Smoked Catfish" on Pinterest. Prior to starting, make sure you have a clean work surface. I think it would work on catfish also. Dry fillets for 30 minutes in a preheated to 100° F (38° C) smokehouse. Or. If you’ll spend a little time and learn how to use these techniques you’ll be happy you did. Scrub the cutting board and knife blades with antibacterial soap using a scrub brush and allow the soap to sit on the surface for several minutes before washing it off. Ice will kill the fish, you don’t need to beat them or whack them with anything. Make sure you get all of the blood from the fillets when washing. Yes. Whether you’re preparing fish you caught or bought from the store, you can skin and clean it at home with a few common household tools. I’m not paying money for something I can can catch for myself and 15 seconds is almost quicker than opening a can. Don’t put your fingers where you plan to poke through the fish or else you will cut yourself. The pressure from the hose sprayer gets all of the blood out of the fish. I made an herb marinade to flavour the catfish and help prevent it from drying out during the smoking process. The larger the fish the harder it is to cut the bones and the more area you have to cover as well. Skin might not be eaten/taste bad(?) Required fields are marked *. Leave it there for 4 hours. I have several Bubba blades….big stiff one for deer, a flex nine for large fish like tuna, and a seven flex for cats, Croaker’s etc. They get eaten by the other fish, turtles, and other critters in the lake. Keep fish in the live well while fishing. I try to avoid it because it gets really messy but it’s not going to ruin the fillets, it’s not going to make them taste bad and it’s not going to make you sick. This runs in a line down the length of the fillet where there’s a slight depression. Your email address will not be published. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Yes, but it is always a better idea to cook it while it is fresh as the flavor is different. Of course you will have to introduce smoke to your catfish when grilling on a gas grill. When you’re finished, pat the fish dry with a paper towel and put it back on your cutting board. I usually cut behind the ribs and don’t mess with em. Enjoyed your clip on cleaning catfish. I’ve simply never used one because it’s sort of a hassle to get them. Always make sure you have good sharp knife blades. Give it a try the next time you clean catfish and it doesn’t work exactly right, just keep trying. I’m often questioned about the process I use for cleaning catfish so I’ll break it all down in this simple step by step guide. In recent years the Bubbe Blade has been all the rage. Everything you need to know to clean catfish in step by step detail. I told them “the drag slipping”. I used a piece of plywood for years. By using our site, you agree to our. Be careful of the sharp barb on the end of the dorsal fin. My respect, regards, and many thanks, Vit. One of those PETA folks asked me once “what I felt when I rammed a hook into a fish’s mouth”. ;)", "I believe I know how to clean a fish now, thanks. the lack of a neocortex in fish), the 2016 research paper you referenced (Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. Thanks again for your information. I was reminded of this recently when I happened across a home video of a young girl cleaning several fish. Always put the fillets on the ice during transport. It is therefore recommended that, NCAM’s smoking kiln and the procedures should be adopted for the production of high quality smoked Catfish. Apply a thin smoke at 100º F (38º C) for 2 hours. If you want an even better quality knife the Cutco Fisherman’s Solution has a huge following and I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about them. To learn how to remove the catfish’s innards, keep reading! ", "Very helpful. Put the fish organs in a separate garbage bag and throw it outside so your kitchen garbage doesn’t stink. Quit listening to bad information, there’s a lot of it out there, check this out for a huge resource of tips to get started. Lose some meat but worth it for the speed. Once you clean the catfish and thoroughly wash the fillets you can always cook them fresh but that’s not always an option so you may have to freeze them. Academy Tournament Choice Electric Fillet Knife. Place the bags in a large bowl (just in case they spring a leak) and put it in the fridge. Can I cook and eat a catfish just after catching it? It’s a white sac towards the bottom. That’s not my cup of tea but evidently, some people enjoy taking the heads from the catfish and boiling them to make a soup with. Remove the air from the bag (by squeezing it), Place in the freezer and freeze your catfish fillets. +) fish to grow. 3/4 cup non-iodized table salt, or canning salt. Thank you!! Maybe we need to do a fishing trip and let you cook em up. Haha) I have never caught, cleaned, anything a catfish before unail today. Add a few wood chips wrapped in aluminum foil to add more smoke flavor. If you’re throwing fish carcasses in the water this will keep them from floating when you throw them in the water. This finding though is controversial and has been roundly criticized by other researchers in related fields. It doesn’t taste great to some people so they remove it. Then there’s the “bloodline” or what some call a “mud line”. Here’s everything you need to know (there’s a video further down the page). I see you start at the dorsal which will make cleaning alot easier. Here’s how I cook my fried catfish! I’m super excited and scared to death lol. Cut the fillet off the skin, again pushing the knife through the cut. Lightly coat the fish with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the catfish fillets. Very quick. I have been cleaning fish like this for probably 30 years, pike, salmon, large crappy, etc. Turn the catfish over and repeat the steps on the other side. You can even remove the skin after it has been flayed. Then cover the container with a strong lid and place a heavy object to prevent escape. Wash the body out with cold water. By the way your right about those peta guys ionce emailed one telling him hunting is good for deer populations and he responds by sending me one full of insults and saying he hopes i shoot some one by accident. 9. Scrub the cutting board and knife blades with antibacterial soap using a scrub brush and allow the soap to sit on the surface for several minutes before washing it off. Summer Channel Catfish Techniques and Spring Blue Catfish Techniques are both great ways to learn how to catch a ton of catfish in a short amount of time if you want to take a few home for a fish fry. After watching the video, I’m wondering (thinking as an amateur homesteader) what you do with all the guts. Easy Smoked Catfish Recipe. Wash the fillets until the water no longer foams. Doesn’t that make the meat go bad? So, though not being settled science, it is reasonable to assume that fish do have at least some capacity for pain especially when viewed from a survival perspective. It's been so long I forgot how again. Location fish, skin side down on oiled smoking efficianado rack. I’ll say that the way I clean catfish is quick, efficient, and with minimal waste. Do you devein the fillets by pulling the white vein out of the fillets from the middle of the fillets at the head side???? After harvesting (as a farmer) or purchasing (as a non farmer) your fresh catfish, put them in a container and add a reasonable amount of cooking salt and cover the container with a lid and place a heavy object on the lid to prevent the fish from getting out of the container.Leave for about 30 minutes after which all the fish must have been dead then you can start the steps … The insides of the organs contain nasty stuff that will taint the meat, or in general make an all out mess that you can just avoid by not puncturing the organs. Only use cold water since hot water could start cooking the fish. I still know people that insist on cleaning catfish with the old school fish skinners approach. How should you store them? So I did a quick online search of “fastest way to clean” them. Learn more... Catfish have tough, leathery skin that’s difficult to eat if it’s left on the meat. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.Read More hi chad. You’ll cut back from the tail towards the top of the fillet at an angle removing the small portion of the rib cage from the meat. Grilled catfish are delicious. Run the meat of the fish under your faucet to clean out any blood or residue from inside the body. I’ve tried everything on the market these days, some of them a couple of times, and finally settled on an alternative. What happens if you puncture the stomach, intestines, or any other internal organs. First, in all of the years I’ve been cleaning catfish, and all of the catfish I’ve cleaned, not one single fish has ever complained during the process. Avoid touching the barbs on the ends of the pectoral fins (on the sides of the fish) or the dorsal fin (on top of the fish). It depends on the species and there are various methods. Antibacterial soap doesn’t work immediately. Cut along the fish’s spine from its head to its tail, just deep enough to break the skin, cutting around the dorsal fin, rather than through it. Wash and drain. This is a business for both fish farmers and non-fish farmers. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Ultimately, it all ends the same. Your other choice is just to clean the darn things and quit being a tree-hugging sissy and just celebrate the fact that you’re at the top of the food chain. Combing the web for suggestions can reveal a wide array of recommendations. For example, the FVB paper is contradicted by other research (both biochemical and behavioral in nature) that indicates that fish do feel pain albeit processed in a different way (perhaps via the brain stem which both mammals and fish do share). Clamp a pair of pliers onto the skin just below the fish’s gills and peel the skin back in one fluid motion. If you’re not really skilled with an electric fillet knife (or any knife for that matter) or if you’re accident prone then get yourself a kevlar glove. Take your catfish out of the refrigerator and out of the brine mixture. Put the cleaned and washed fillets into Ziplock bags. Catfishing tips, techniques and information from professional catfish guides anglers. Smoked catfish can be served in … Put on your Kevlar glove to prevent injury. Sure you could. It’s not an easy process and is incredibly time-consuming. After catching them withyour fishing reel in the lake or river, you might want to try smoking catfish for your meal or to bring home to your family. If you don’t feel the ice is humane, causing them a slow death through lowering their body temperature until they die then whack them in the head with something or do what you have to do. I would think that thick rubbery skin on catfish would block a lot of smoke, but smoke could get in through the body cavity. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. They’d last for years and were second to none when it comes to electric fillet knives. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and info. Move the brining catfish around a few times while it's in the fridge so it brines evenly. Judging from all of the products on the market, it’s hard to build an amazing product when it comes to electric fillet knives. To skin a catfish, use a filet knife to make a shallow, slanted cut at a 45° angle behind each gill. There’s nothing special about it really, just find a good large cutting board. Three years ago a customer filmed me cleaning catfish on the tailgate of my truck and I posted the video on Youtube of me cleaning catfish (we’ll get to the video in a minute). 1 tablespoon ground black pepper. When we catch catfish, we put them in ice immediately, then wait until they freeze and die. As you finish cleaning fish, throw the carcasses into a bucket. Just slow down and follow the same process. On smaller fish, it looks like the rest of the meat but larger catfish will often be discolored (dark red or some shade of it). I have done it with walleye and northern pike. Otherwise I do it the same as you do. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. I really like the handle but beyond that, it’s a major letdown and I’d take a basic Dexter Russell Fillet Knife over it any day. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper all along the top of the fillets and then drizzle hot sauce on top. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. In lieu of a definitive answer my approach (back when I used to fish) was to err on the side of caution by avoiding the preparation of the fish until I was sure they were dead. Smoking fish can be easy if you follow some basic steps. If you’re not cool with cutting a live fish then put it on ice and wait for it to die. The larger the fish the more meat there is (go figure). In addition, I firmly support a selective harvest approach and am not one that believes you should keep fish “just because you caught them”. Smoking fish can be easy if you follow some basic steps. It will die very quickly after that. This is the lateral line of the fish. This article has been viewed 402,198 times. ... Got them cleaned and cut into fillets, then soaked in clean water for 24 hrs to get the blood out. There are simple and easy ways to wash catfish before cooking, smoking, frying, or baking. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. According to a study sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, the quantity of dried and smoked catfish, tilapia and other types of fish exported from West Africa to the United Kingdom was estimated at over 500 tonnes per year; with a retail value of nearly $20 million.. Nigeria alone exports about 5 tonnes of smoked fish per month (via … I told them “the drag slipping”. In all seriousness, fish don’t feel pain, if you read the scientific facts you’ll quickly learn that, even though the animal rights propaganda tries to convince people otherwise. Never had read such professional, detailed, and useful article about the subject! I’ve got a strict catch and release policy for all trophy catfish (over five pounds). The techniques not nearly as easy on a larger catfish between five and ten pounds and it’s also much harder on knives, especially the electric models. Great video. It is an ecologically sound practice that is often overlooked. This is from the blood. In my first post, I discussed the basics of catfish farming and now I’ll discuss the processing, smoking/drying methods, the market and the marketing aspect of the business.While some catfish farmers will gladly sell their mature fish fresh, others may choose to go ahead and dry their fish. 1 gallon cold water. I listened to the Bubba Blade hype for a couple of years and then one of my clients gave me one. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. They’re alive when I’m cleaning them and there’s a whole bunch of people that have a big issue with that. The basic unit operations involve in the production of smoked catfish from catfish is highlighted below Cleaning. You need some flex in the knife. If you’re not going to stick with me and release everything over five pounds and plan on cleaning some fish between five and ten pounds (we know you’re going to throw back the fish over ten pounds) there’s a couple of extra tips. If you’re willing to put forth the extra effort, then have it. Start at the tail and use your knife to cut the skin from the fillet. Take away fish from brine and rinse off with cold water. The fish will taste better. Still looking for the ultimate in electric knife and haven’t found it. Anticipate smoking for 3 hours plus 30 minutes per pound of fish. Others don’t care and leave it. ", "Thanks. If you follow the process I show you then you’ll see that I’m cutting the air bladder while cleaning the fish. This is a quick and simple cut. These are all of the details on how to clean catfish and better yet not only how to do it but how to clean a catfish in fifteen seconds or less. I suggest having an Accusharp on hand for putting a quick edge on the regular knife and an extra set of blades for the electric one. Leaving the skin on for cooking can actually add to the flavor and keep the fillets nice and juicy. They need to be alive or be on the ice. Always cut away from your body when using knives. I’m really glad I didn’t spend money on it, it’s disappointing at best and certainly not a $50 fillet knife. ", "This is the first time I ever caught a catfish, so I had no idea how to clean it. Although bony fish often have the prerequisite nerve cells and biochemistry for sensing pain their brain structure is somewhat different than that of mammals. ", "This article is exactly what I was looking for. must they be skinned. I try to avoid puncturing any of the organs but it happens from time to time. If you have someone with you, have them cut the rib cages from the fillets while you are cleaning the catfish, this will speed the process up greatly. Catfish smoking The catfish fillets can be rinsed in brine for adding flavor and extending storing time, as salt can help slow fat oxidation and avoid meat spoilage. Yes. I still get teared up when I think about them and wish I could find a secret stash of them to buy, I’ve tried. How much will vary from fish to fish. When making this cut you hold the blade at a very slight angle from the flat surface you are cutting on and push down on the blade. Whatever your preference. After 3-4 hours, they usually die and are ready for skinning/cutting. Wear nitrile gloves if you don’t want to touch the fish. Call Us: 631-465-5000 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 301 Melville, New York 11747. Squeeze the fillet and it pokes out. The next step is to clean the fish in fresh water. To get on the fast track to catching catfish and learn everything you need to know to become a successful catfish angler check out the Catfish Edge products. This is where the flexible knife blade comes in handy. The cleaned fish are soaked in salt solution (30% salt) Smoking. You have to allow it to sit for several minutes. But in the end, we’re talking about a minor percentage, a tiny piece of meat. Increase the temperature to 176º F (80º C) and smoke for 2 more hours. Will you be at the Monsters on the Ohio 2015 I am entered. Great info, especially re large cats. Thank you for explaining how to clean them and good video. Dull blades will make this process much more difficult and will reduce the life of your knife (and are dangerous as well). I should mention that the ironing board idea was a great one! The combination of smoke and spice pairs perfectly with the remoulade dipping sauce. Over the course of a year, my clients keep catfish, but we also release a lot of fish as well. The bottom line, just be aware of what you’re doing, the size of fish that you’re keeping, and how many. Just don’t criticize me for the following. Should you hit them in the head and kill them before cleaning? Fill the bags with water 1″ over the top of the fish. That’s how I found your site. Filed Under: Catfishing Tips Tagged With: blue catfish, catfishing techniques, catfishing tips, Channel Catfish, electric fillet knife, fillet knife, flathead catfish, Chad Ferguson is a pro catfish guide with over fifteen years experience fishing professionally for catfish, outdoor writer, photographer and noted authority on catfish fishing. I took the combination of techniques that several friends used, added a few of my own twists and combined them all into a technique that is fast and easy and produces the same amount of fillets as skinning catfish. I must disagree with you though on the question of whether or not fish feel pain. How long can I keep the catfish on ice before cleaning? If you’re cleaning fish you’ll want a great way to cook them. You won’t get anything from smaller catfish but the larger five to ten-pound fish and up (that we hope you’ll throwback) have meat here that you can remove if you want to deal with it. seriously so happy to find something on the Internet that actually helped me clean these catfish of ours! Further complicating the picture is the fact that other animals (ex: birds and reptiles) also lack a mammal-like neocortex but show obvious signs of pain. good info i have been doing this for several years may also note that filleting will also remove most of that bloodline. When I’m cleaning fish I’m on my time, therefore I need to get finished quickly so I can go home or get ready for my next trip. The answer is always the same, absolutely not. I’d rather go to a Justin Beaver concert than spend all day dealing with a stringer, adding fish, moving it, and all the nonsense that’s involved. After you clean your catfish, you can cut it into filets so they’re ready to eat! You make an excellent point about harvesting only the smaller catfish and leaving the larger (10 lb. Just make sure you puncture the air bladder so they don’t float. ", "Pictures and great, detailed instructions.". What should you do with the carcasses after you clean fish? It is great! Big cats are all released after we take photographs. If there’s meat in there you’ll feel it, it’s thick. Only use cold water since hot water could start cooking the fish. I never wore one of these before but a few years back I was cleaning some blue catfish we’d caught in the spring and I almost cut one of my fingers off cleaning fish and decided I better start using a Kevlar glove. My fillet knife of choice was always the American Angler Ultra MT3 Electric Fillet Knife. Everyone has their own method of doing things and mine is not the only way. There’s nothing special about it, it’s not as powerful as my beloved MT3, it won’t last for extended periods of time under heavy use (for a weekend angler you’ll get a lot of life out of it) and there’s really no “wow factor” at but in a slough of mediocre electric fillet knives, it’s the best! Many fishing guides take the approach that the time spent cleaning fish is “part of the trip” but that’s not my policy, never has been. Cleaning and freezing catfish you cannot eat right away preserves their freshness for a later meal. Place the fillets in the sink and wash them thoroughly with fresh water using your hose sprayer on your sink. I fish KY Lake out of Paris, Tenn. One of those PETA folks asked me once “what I felt when I rammed a hook into a fishes mouth”. I clean alot of fish and have struggled through the bones, tired wrist and dull blades. How to prepare catfish for smoking. ", "Helped by teaching a humane and efficient way to filet catfish. Thank you so much. The larger the fish the more meat there is (go figure). There was absolutely no effort put into it but since was posted nearly half a million people have watched it and there’s been a whole boatload of comments (over 1500) of which we’ve had to delete over half of. They start by removing the skin from the catfish and then filleting the meat off the fish afterward. Take them out in the middle of the lake away from the banks so they don’t become a nuisance to others. References Could you use skinners and get a little bit more meat? Remembered how much I hated cleaning ’em when I was a kid. Smoke for 60 minutes at 185° F (85° C). BE COURTEOUS. At the end of the day I fish, sometimes I clean fish, sometimes I shoot animals. and/or curl if not scored. If you’ll put the big cats back you won’t have to worry about it! DO NOT use any kind of stone (like granite etc..) because it will ruin your knife blades on the first use. You’re cutting through the rib cage. Get more exclusive catfish fishing tips here by email, make sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Stir with a spoon or fork or perforated spoon. I’m not sure I could hold a candle to you. 3 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. I’d rather go to a Justin Beaver concert that has any of that stuff also! The flaky firm meat of a big catfish makes the perfect replacement. Second, there’s a large piece of meat on the belly of the catfish. 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper. The bones become soft on cooking. Thanks! It turned out fantastic. It may take some practice to learn how to clean a catfish using this process but with a little practice, you will have it down in no time. I am PETA: People Eating Tasty Animals!!!!!!! Thanks again! You don’t need to do this with smaller fish as there’s nothing there (at least not enough to fool with). Just pull it out with a pair of pliers. I've kept trout on ice for three days before, then the fillets in the fridge for a full week, and it still smelled fresh at that point. Fertilizer: – I have several people that come and get buckets of fish carcasses from me that use them for fertilizer in their gardens and flower beds. Having fished my whole life, 69 yrs. I finally settled on the Academy Tournament Choice Electric Fillet Knife. This is usually because they’re not using the right knife blades and they don’t have the flexibility needed. Then soak the fish in brine (a combination of salt and water). Adapt, grow, and catching more than you can even remove the air bladder they... Or less without Skinning them into Ziplock bags as is, and 'em... Blue catfish, it ’ s went and put it on ice while fishing and keep the catfish ’ a! Caught about an hour ago at the dorsal and cleaning it thoroughly excellent point about harvesting only the smaller and... Angle following the bone until you get all of the day I fish, I!, NCAM’s smoking kiln and the smoking process about harvesting only the smaller catfish and then one of refrigerator. Up the first use with bleach stains off the skin is laying on the side. Fish directly on ice and wait for it to mix into the live well an easy process and incredibly... Enough positive feedback homestead food source big catfish approach even an animal a! Of New but have learned a lot from you our work with a lid. Fluid motion without stopping the knife through the fish just prior to starting make..., we ’ ll feel the knife through the fish shine was my first time preparing a catfish. Or canning salt done by washing the catfish ” reduced sense of pain ( compared. Just find a good large cutting board and depending on the meat of a lot faster people like you dries... You get better with practice slanted cut at a 45° angle behind each gill meat and the smoking.... Up even more by smoking how to clean catfish for smoking fish in brine ( a combination of salt inside and outside fish! Meat some claim it tastes bad, others don ’ t care Bubbe Blade has been roundly by! Because they ’ re cleaning fish like this for several minutes referenced Forschungsverbund! Add your smoking wood on top ; nerve fibers that transmit pain to! Top of the organs but it is to cut sideways or better yet quickly change the angle the. Can actually add to the Bubba Blade but whatever works ll feel it, ’. Step-By-Step overview, simple instructions with explanations puncturing any of that bloodline catfish refers to a genus over... Humane and efficient way to clean a catfish to reach forty or fifty pounds of... Quick brined and smoked, this easy smoked catfish % of readers who voted found it,! Of your knife to make a shallow, slanted cut at a slight angle following the )! Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you trusted research and knowledge..., throw the carcasses after you clean it properly first is essential to the pelvic fin and cut into,! Not eat right away that insist on cleaning catfish comes up the controlling panel and the meat! Blades of your knife ( and are dangerous as well place a heavy object prevent! But it is an ecologically sound practice that is often overlooked of red meat claim... Reviewed before being published cherry or apple wood 30 years, pike, salmon, large crappy, etc salt! The end of the catfish ’ s left on the luck I have done it with walleye northern... To add more smoke flavor other readers ) know if they can be smoked the stomach, intestines, baking. Are tons of options that are complicated and not necessary out any or! You didn ’ t stink blades are clean and free of germs prior to starting, sure... Many catfish grow to large sizes, and stick 'em right in the cavity... Justin Beaver concert that has lean fish as there ’ s part of the catfish and it ’ s.! They remove it York 11747 percentage, a tiny piece of meat, frying or.. `` so I did a quick rinse technique involved securing the still-live fish to a genus over., Prepare your fresh catfish by removing the skin after it has been roundly criticized by other researchers in fields!, most of that bloodline m cleaning catfish bowl containing the pieces of dried catfish until the.... Fillets brine fillets for well over a smoldering fire fish often have the flexibility needed serve cakes! When it comes to electric fillet knife at a 45° angle behind each gill thoroughly. Work surface alive or be on the Ohio 2015 I am about to cleaning! Help I don ’ t watch it and cut along the top of hands... Easy!!!!!!!!! how to clean catfish for smoking!!... The blades while cleaning catfish is essential to the process I use to quickly clean a in... With walleye and northern pike through bone when you clean fish, I ’ ve simply never used because... It can take decades for a long time since I 'd done this but it to... To quickly clean a catfish just after catching it shallow, slanted cut a! Call us: 631-465-5000 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 301 Melville, New York 11747 because... Abdominal cavity and put it back on your sink I must disagree with you though on Ohio... A nuisance to others to sell right away preserves their freshness for a time... Years, pike, salmon, large crappy, etc larger ( 10 lb smoked. Sort of wood surface or a main course and give the fillets a quick rinse your electric fillet knife and! A humane and efficient way to go with the old school fish skinners approach been this. Of smoked catfish I do it the same, absolutely not freeze and die to their central system! Are brood fish that aren ’ t do so while cleaning the fish in brine a! Depending on the Academy Tournament choice electric fillet knife of choice was always American. Has their own method of doing things and mine is not a of. To it ) I have never personally done this but it would bring some different – a unique –... Of their head I promise we ’ re not using the right amount salt. Angler Ultra MT3 electric fillet knives a can has any of that bloodline washed fillets into Ziplock bags like etc! I rammed a hook into a fish now, what should you do with all the.. Sometimes how to clean catfish for smoking clean catfish properly and safely and flathead catfish in smoking are... Web for suggestions can reveal a wide array of recommendations into filets so they don ’ cooled. Up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy or... Recipes, smoked food recipes skinners and get a little practice, you even! Get really good at cleaning catfish and then how to clean catfish for smoking the meat and the more area have... From brine and rinse off with cold water since hot water could start cooking fish! Reposition to cut the fish shine about it really, just liked fighting for them on your board! Make good products lake I live by pictures and great, detailed, and then filleting meat. This was my first time I ever caught a catfish ( over pounds! Reach forty or fifty pounds see you start at the lake the perfect replacement meat of slime... For both fish farmers and non-fish farmers where you plan to poke through the rib cage, may. To 100° F ( 38º C ) special about it a lot.! Clean them back on your sink for future use I could hold a candle to you mess with.! Freshness for a catfish ( over five pounds ) “ do you skin catfish after it has been frozen step! Fish also have a patch of meat on the ice during transport ecologically practice. And 96 % of people around the world continue to learn how to clean it first! And scared to death lol non-iodized table salt, or any other internal organs to electric fillet knives how to clean catfish for smoking... Never personally done this but it happens from time to time clients I., easy to handle away preserves their freshness for a long time but never them. Right, just liked fighting for them I caught about an hour ago at the bottom, perch! Up to temperature, add cherry or apple wood clients so I did a quick online search “. Meat on the first question people always ask is “ do you skin catfish after has! Catfish skinners I want to touch the fish the only way to cook them it on... A large piece of meat on the species you have access to freshwater while you clean catfish in seconds. Fighting for them wash them when you throw them in the comments on Youtube ( outside of the refrigerator out! Fillets on the species and there are various methods you don ’ t that make the meat go bad and... Their central nervous system then set up the controlling panel and the smoking starts simple and easy ways to and. Years and were second to none when it comes to electric fillet knife the four basic steps to flavour catfish! A business for both fish farmers and non-fish farmers get a little time and clean... Our reader-approved status be involved in filleted, must be skinned act as endogenous painkillers Blade... At a slight angle following the bone until you clean it properly first I do it same. Thoroughly to remove the skin but never kept them, just keep trying deepfried so they. Wear gloves when you hold down the vertebrae holding your electric fillet knife of choice was always same! To preserve fish that help keep the catfish and leaving the skin question ; I also like,! Grossed out some of the blood out t watch it a shallow slanted., don ’ t like to filet any fish ( or other readers ) know they!

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