How to Fillet a Catfish - Easy and Simple Catfish Filleting

[Jac0bM1ll3Y1]

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!! I fucking hate those slimy bastards I get all excited thinking its a Chain Pickerel but then it turns out to be one of those damn catfish!

[mancavene]

Excellent video......Thanks for posting it!

[thundermistlures]

@mancavene Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking time to write to us! Until next time good luck and good fishing.

[smokingducks]

Thanks for the help guys, you made it so easy even my girlfriend managed to do it. She's very proud. Everyone here in England says fillet the same as you (I say it the other way), and everyone here always, always leaves the skin on fish. Seems crazy not to now. Thanks again!

[thundermistlures]

@smokingducks Great to hear from you in England and glad you enjoyed the video! Tell you girlfriend we say "congratulations" on a job well done :)

Thanks for taking time to write and we hope you have a great year in 2012!

[maxkilla93]

thats a big ass catfish haa

[giantchihuahuas]

The absolutely most perfect video. Exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@giantchihuahuas Glad it has helped you & good fishing!

[TheNatedog77]

I fish a lot what bait were u using to catch that catfish and u r saying fillet wrong

[thundermistlures]

@TheNatedog77 We were using cut sucker - most cut bait will work, as long as it is fresh...that is the key. Cut sunfish is a great bait as are such fish as smelts. Keep it fresh and you will do well.

Regarding fillets, there are actually 2 different ways of pronouncing it and you are right - Ivo uses the alternate method here, which most people do not use.

Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water!

[MrSheissen1]

Haha catfish have a lot of flavor in the skin. Along with PCBs, mercury, and dioxin. The skin tastes somewhat like the bottom of a canal. Do yourself a favor and dont listen to these hoohaws.

[thundermistlures]

@MrSheissen1 Thanks for commenting & expressing your opinion. Good fishing to you!

[joeasmythe]

my isp is slo slow, the viseo stops and starts frequently, hard to watch.

[thundermistlures]

@joeasmythe That's annoying.... but at least you can still watch it. Good fishing!

[joeasmythe]

@thundermistlures ... You are very helpful, lets go catch some big ones. Happy Holidays.

[thundermistlures]

@joeasmythe Happy Holidays to you as well and we hope 2012 is a great year for you!

[grandaddynative]

why use wood if theres no nail through the head? I always tap a nail strait through

[thundermistlures]

@grandaddynative We have placed the fish on a wooden cutting board but never used a nail. During filletting, we turn the fish on each side. Perhaps with a nail through the top of the head, it may be harder to turn the fish which would make it harder to fillet. Thanks for writing & good fishing to you!

[gladmama]

Thanks for the vedio, did you say it's a channel cat. pls inform me of the scientific name of this cat fish.

Thanks

[thundermistlures]

@gladmama These are channel catfish (ictalurus punctatus). Thanks!

[ironbear2000]

@RoughNeckRage To us?? Who's "US" if u already know so much about fish then why the hell are you watching these kinds of videos??!! Since you're such an expert why dont you try making ANY kind of video post?--I see you have NONE posted!! And btw, for future reference, if I want any lip out of you I'll tell you to drop your panties BITCH!!!

[ironbear2000]

Can you make a video on how to humanely kill a cat fish?! I've read multiple multiple websites, and have seen nothing that I haven't already tried.... Perhaps the rest of the world would benefit from your video also!! Please and Thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@ironbear2000 Thank for writing in. Not sure if we can do this video or not, but if we do, we'll be sure to post it.

Until next time good luck and good fishing!

[joeasmythe]

@thundermistlures Can a fish this size be baked? If so, do I just have to slit open the belly and remove the entrails? Thank you/

[thundermistlures]

@joeasmythe Sure, this size can be baked whole but it's probably best to fillet it. The fillets can be baked and will be evenly cooked. Thanks for your inquiry & good fishing!

[joeasmythe]

@thundermistlures Thanks, but why scrape the skin if I am going to filet it? The skin gets discarded, right

[thundermistlures]

@joeasmythe We scrape the skin with the intention of leaving the skin on the fillets to be eaten. Thanks!

[RoughNeckRage]

@ironbear2000 its a fucking fish humanely? really go hug a tree and leave the fish to us you fuck tard

[joel5673ify]

That is a big catfish.Here in singapore we have similiar fish but there gray allover.Their called patin.Gtea help btw.I like to season the fillets with curry powder and tumaric and fry them.The taste is heavenly

[thundermistlures]

@joel5673ify We'll have to try that....sounds great! Thanks & good fishing!

[fkagiantfish]

1. thank you very much. i have been having trouble getting the skin off and this helps alot.

2. i like the joke. :]

[thundermistlures]

@fkagiantfish Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for tuning in.

[CockedProductions]

is the fish dead before you fillet it?

[thundermistlures]

@CockedProductions Yes, it most certaily is. Thanks!

[CockedProductions]

@thundermistlures ok ithought i saw it moving :O i was like you guys are mean

[greatwhite1222]

@CockedProductions lol the reason its moving is cause its so fat it jiggles for a while after touching it...=p

[thundermistlures]

@MrPokemonfan231 Depending on how it's cooked, it can be somewhat chicken-like. Thanks!

[southsidestan]

fantastic job !well done  loved it

[thundermistlures]

@southsidestan Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking time to write to us!  Good lcuk on the water.

[TheDs365247]

nice!!Way easier than using a skinner!!

[thundermistlures]

@TheDs365247 Glad you enjoyed our video and thanks for writing in!

[MrMetalinyourhead]

I feel like an idiot after watching this video. I am defiantly using this technique next time. No stinky guts. Simple and easy.

[thundermistlures]

@MrMetalinyourhead Yes, this method is a lot cleaner. Good luck on the water!

[grethomory]

@MrMetalinyourhead me too!!! you're not alone.

[Kilogram24]

I thought he said there's flavor in the skin?

[thundermistlures]

@Kilogram24 There is flavor in the skin, but some people prefer to remove it - either way, you can't go wrong :) Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water!

[thundermistlures]

@JSWAGx75 Your welcome! Good fishing!

[camilocop1]

nice method

[thundermistlures]

@camilocop1 Thanks & good fishing!

[AirForce576]

Hi. I would like to say you make great videos man! You guys are great. Very informitive unlike many other vids. thank you

[thundermistlures]

@AirForce576 We appreciate your compliment! Good fishing!

[thundermistlures]

@MrPokemonfan231 Yes, catfish are good eating - especially the younger ones. Thanks!

[lonestarlet]

Thanks for the lesson...Can't wait to fish this coming weekend down at the Ozark.

[thundermistlures]

@lonestarlet Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you have a great trip to the Ozark!

[sdebassige]

What is the difference between a catfish and a lawyer?

One is a bottom-dwelling, scum-sucking scavenger and the other is a fish!

[thundermistlures]

@sdebassige Old one but a good one! Thanks & good fishing!

[SuperSpikedup]

Your mistakes are funny, But I have a question how many ways are there to do a catfish? and some parts tast like mud and thoes are considered the bad parts?

[thundermistlures]

@SuperSpikedup Catfish can be prepared by frying, baking & grilling on the bbq. For better tasting fish, drain the blood from the fish by cutting the gills & placing the fish in water. If you skin the fish, remove the dark muscle meat.

Avoid eating the belly meat. Thanks for your inquiry!

[visualkeirockstar]

Does it taste good? The only catfish I ever tried was at , which wasn't that bad

[thundermistlures]

@visualkeirockstar Usually, the smaller ones taste better. But the flavor also depends on type of water (clear or muddy) & time of year (cold water or warm). Thanks!

[Wheatleyfisher]

wats the best way to fillet a catfish

[thundermistlures]

@Wheatleyfisher The method shown here is one of the easiest and best ways to fillet a catfish.

Thanks for tuning in and good luck on the water.

[timofthedead100]

ummmmm

fill-it?

[thundermistlures]

@timofthedead100 Yes, we also pronounce it like that in our area. Thanks!

[timofthedead100]

@thundermistlures but u said it both ways thats what got me

[thundermistlures]

@timofthedead100 We do say it both ways as well. Thanks again!

[timofthedead100]

@thundermistlures

were did u guys catch these.. im in ga by lake syndy liner and i cant get a cat..all i can get is a lot of carp..

i use bread and corn.

any tips?

[Trecraven1]

@timofthedead100 use shad whole or as cut bait... the heads are best.. also blue gill will work but shad is the best..my experiences after 20 years catfishing in ky is bigger cut bait bigger fish

[thundermistlures]

@timofthedead100 These were caught in the Welland River, in Ontario Canada. For Catfish, try to use a fresh piece of cut bait, such as cut sucker or cut sunfish.  The carp should stay away form this and the catfish will attack it.

We have a few videos using cut bait for catfish, if you get a chance, check them out, as we give plenty of tips.

Good luck on the water and thanks for writing in!

[LHRShadow]

now thats how i learned how to do it lol watched like 3 other videos of a complete cleanings this is what i was looking for lol

[thundermistlures]

@LHRShadow Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking time to write to us!

[LHRShadow]

@thundermistlures no problem just making sure someone is keeping the quick filet method alive my grandfather taught me this, as his grandfather did.

[321checkcheck]

i like channel cat and flat head

[thundermistlures]

@321checkcheck That's great! good fishing!

[DSVetDad]

Very well done...informative and fun to watch!!! Keep up the great work guys!!!

[thundermistlures]

@DSVetDad Thanks very much & good fishing to you!

[vulcan1429]

Soak the fish in salted water for a while..that draws out the dirt taste.

[hackfighter97]

i have never ate catfish and my friends tell me it taste like dirt.. is it any good?

[thundermistlures]

@hackfighter97 Basically, the smaller younger fish are better tasting than the big ones. It's true that the bigger fish do have an earthy taste. Thanks!

[10majfar]

@hackfighter97

The bigger ones aren't that bad. The texture and taste of big, fat, deep-fried catfish steaks are amazing. Siracha sauce goes great with em

[Runner000Kane]

Go i have a qestion i dont ussuly catch cats but i love to catch bass but since our lakes are so fished on and it is hard to catch bass and i have been fishing on rock river in wi and we catch lots of cats can you take home any size or is there a size limit

[thundermistlures]

@Runner000Kane If you're talking about legal size limits, we can't help you there. If you're talking about eating sizes, we prefer in the 2-5 lb range. Thanks & good fishing!

[TheRobert56789]

because I dont think its real

[TheRobert56789]

do you think u can do me a giant favorite? look up navite fishtrap, and test it out and tell me how it works plz

[thundermistlures]

@TheRobert56789 Unfortunately, we are not legally allowed to build fish traps in our area. The principal is simple. The fish enter the baited trap through a funnel-like opening into a holding pen. Once entered, they are not able to get out. The trick here is to build the funnel long and tapering to a narrow opening. It should work well if it is well baited, otherwise the fish will not enter the trap. Thanks!

[Tegulicious]

So Gutting and skinning isn't necessary

[thundermistlures]

@Tegulicious ...you are right - if you fillet the fish, you do not need to cut the fish and if you scrap the skin, you can leave it on.

Thanks for tuning in and good luck on the water.

[socalstrikes]

ewww the intestine popped out at 3:08

[123JoshFisher]

How do you guys kill your catfish? i always have trouble with it!

[thundermistlures]

@123JoshFisher One easy way is to just put them in a cooler with ice

[coolguy125]

@123JoshFisher i just stab em in the head to put em outta there misery.

[goldmaz23]

what would be the best knieve to use

[thundermistlures]

@goldmaz23 There are many filet knives on the market, but get yourself a good brand, good quality, fillet knife. A knife with a thin blade is perfect! Rapala makes some decent knives, and so does American Angler brand.

[tristancooper1997]

@goldmaz23 i have a rapala J.martini one wood handle and a thin blade its a great knive and i have a browning one wood handle still a great knive 15-20 bucks a walmart

[goldmaz23]

@tristancooper1997 thanks



[MrSmian]

Thanks for posting these videos they really help out alot in making things easier from spooling a reel to cleaning a catfish

[thundermistlures]

@MrSmian Glad they helped you! Good fishing!

[darrylhaynes]

thank you so much...great vid.....question????...what do you do with rest of the fish???

[thundermistlures]

@darrylhaynes We discard the belly meat on larger fish as this area holds most of the contaminates. Thanks for your inquiry!

[321checkcheck]

@26 its fucking fAT

[njhunter51]

i find that the 4 to 7 lb cats are the best eating try this take your fillets and put them in a bowl of milk over night then cook them up any way you like them work's good on eels to

[thundermistlures]

@njhunter51 Thanks for sharing with us! We'll try your recommendation. Good fishing1

[321checkcheck]

@njhunter51 hey im gonna try tht with milk so over night and then cook

[666trixie1]

@njhunter51 TMI !!!

[666trixie1]

@njhunter51

[Brentor14]

god look at that beautiful meat you could also cut it into strips and bread it and deep fry it not the mosy healthy but so good haha

[thundermistlures]

@Brentor14 Yes, it's truley good! Good fishing!

[thundermistlures]

@theotherguy621 Yes, same cleaning method. Thanks!

[kellybolin]

why no blood?

[thundermistlures]

@kellybolin The fish lost some blood while in the cooler. As a result, the fillets are fairly white.Thanks!

[sptsman79]

Wow!! This video is retarded...first off, its not a "fill-it"...second, he says to scrape the skin because it has flavor, yet removes the skin from the fillet at the end...so, whats the point in scraping off the slime? And third, iIMO, ts much faster to fillet a larger fish when its hanging than when its laying on a table.

The guy running the knife has filleted a few fish...

[thundermistlures]

@sptsman79 We pronounce fillet differently sometimes. The slime scaping implies one method to cook the fish with the skin left on. The removal of the skin demonstrates another method to dress the fish. We've never filleted a hanging fish. Seems interesting. Thanks for your comments & good fishing to you!

[MrCrash1956]

fill its?

[thundermistlures]

@MrCrash1956 We pronounce it both ways.Thanks!

[SuperPensfan8771]

did you actually eat the catfish if you did was it good never tried channel cats

[thundermistlures]

@SuperPensfan8771 Channel catfish are very tasty and the smaller ones are better - try them on the BBQ - they are also good deep fried or blackened (Louisiana style)

Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water.

[SuperPensfan8771]

@thundermistlures i knew i should of kept my 4 pounder i guess we were so bumed that it was not a walleye that we didnt feel like keeping it i caught it on a walleye lure that only catches catfish

[thundermistlures]

@SuperPensfan8771 At least you caught something that still made it enjoyable. Thanks & good luck on the water!

[survivalskiller]

wow u left so much meat on there ...

[thundermistlures]

@survivalskiller On fish that big we leave on the whole belly as it contains fat which stores contaminents. Thanks & good fishing!

[taz18mythbuster]

Great tutorial. I laughed every time you said fillet like a fillet weld instead of a catfish fillet =)

[thundermistlures]

@taz18mythbuster We actually say it both ways. Thanks for writing in & good fishing!

[98Cumminspower24v]

Catfish will eat almost anything new to their enviroment so keep it mixed up with strong smelling meats (spicy sausage is the bomb!!!!!)

[thundermistlures]

@98Cumminspower24v Thanks for sharing your tips with us! Until next time, good luck and good fishing.

[socalstrikes]

@98Cumminspower24v u dont really evern need 2 fillet them i hav just cooked them just take out the intestines and cook thats it

[150rider6]

What bait do u use for catfish?

[thundermistlures]

@150rider6 There are many baits that you could try. popular ones are chicken liver, fish cut-bait, clam, shrimp, dough balls. Thanks for your inquiry!

[Singliketom]

@thundermistlures Be warned, dough balls smell wretched.(:

[nanauv9]

why with so much info about how to clean and fillet the fish are they worried about the pronunciation of FILLET?

[thundermistlures]

@nanauv9 Thank you for your thoughts & good luck on the water!

[F4Phantom29]

great video

[thundermistlures]

@F4Phantom29 Thanks! Good fishing to you!

[pappashongo]

I thought it was funny  how he pronounced it "fill-it" in the middle of the vid, and "fill-ay" at the start and end...

[thundermistlures]

@pappashongo ....Ivo has a habit of using both versions, and this time, as you noticed, he used both versions in the same video!

Thanks for taking time to write to us and good luck on the water.

[blubricks]

I really wish y'all would stop sayin' "fill-it". It's a "Fill-ay" Both the process and the results... like Chick-fil-a , Fish fil a . Awesome vid, thanks for making it.

[thundermistlures]

@blubricks You're welcome & thanks for writing. Good fishing!

[elcielo1981]

How do you kill your fish. I hate doing it and i have heard that ice water is the most humane, just wondering what you guys do.

[thundermistlures]

@elcielo1981 Putting the fish on ice is a very good way to keep your fish fresh and transport them home. Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water.

[CatfishJim40]

@sokkosrobot Hi just to let you know tap water will kill the fish i have tryed it i got home late and didnt want to clean them untill morning and they were all dead. if you can get rain or spring water they will be ok

[thundermistlures]

@sokkosrobot You can try a couple of things. Try bleeding the fish and also after removing the skin, remove all of the dark muscle meat. These should help. Thanks for your inquiry!

[cidedwards31a]

fillet wastes a lot of meat...i like mine whole except for the head, or in steak and i dont mind the fishy taste that is unique to catfish.

[thundermistlures]

@cidedwards31a We have left the whole belly area knowing that there is more meat that could have been taken but we intentionally left it as this area has the highest concentration of contaminates. Being an older fish, it's best to avoid eating the belly. Thanks for your comment & good fishing to you!

[zeeKxxL]

Also, some time you should put up a way to cut the belly fat off, Iowa rivers have quite a bit of bad stuff in them, theres some good lakes that I can fish from, that are EXTREMELY clean, but it's easier to catch in the river.

[thundermistlures]

@zeeKxxL Thanks for the feedback - we'll keep that in mind next time around, as it is a very good point....thanks for writing in and until next time, good luck and good fsihing!

[THEBASSOVERLOAD]

bet you needed a big frying pan for that fillet

[thundermistlures]

@THEBASSOVERLOAD The fillet was pretty big and quite tasty. Thanks & good fishing to you!

[wisconsinuserone]

love it

[thundermistlures]

@wisconsinuserone Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking time to write to us!

[KrazyOutdoorsGuy]

I'll tell ya this is one of the best best ways I've seen yet on how to clean a catfish!!! Clean cut, Clean Meat, and Very Helpfull Thanks man!!!

[thundermistlures]

@KrazyOutdoorsGuy Glad this has helped you! Good cat fishing!

[MrAwesomevideos88]

Do You Like Rapala? Dont Expect You To Say Yes Since You Work For Anonther Fishing Lure Company lol!

[thundermistlures]

@MrAwesomevideos88 Rapalas are great lures! We use them a lot! Thanks & good fishing!

[zeeKxxL]

@thundermistlures I need to ask, what's your favorite fish to catch, cook, and eat?

[thundermistlures]

@zeeKxxL ....tough question....I guess walleye would be the preferred in fresh water and for salt water, it would be stripers.

Thanks for tuning in and good lcuk on the water.

[thundermistlures]

@zeeKxxL We really don't have a favorite. We enjoy catching & eating many types of fish.We like both fresh water & salt water fish. Thanks!

[zeeKxxL]

@thundermistlures Have you guys smoked large carp? Tastes just like ham, it's amazing!

[thundermistlures]

@zeeKxxL We have never smoked carp but we have eaten it other ways. We'll have to try that sometime. Thanks & good fishing to you!

[charles2863801]

why did you scrape him if you were gonna cut the skin off?

[thundermistlures]

@charles2863801 We demonstrated the scraping, in case you wanted to leave the skin on - but we also showed removing the skin as well.....2 options in one video :)

Thanks for writing in and for tuning in - until next time, good luck and good fishing.

[sideshowhul]

thanks for the demonstration. I dont like to waste meat so I was wondering if the belly meat on my fish would be good meat. please watch my CATTIN ON THE RED video then reply. thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@sideshowhul The belly meat on the catfish is edible, but if there are any contaminants in the water, these contaminants will be found in the belly.

Send me a link to your video, as I would be happy to watch it.

If you liked this video, we have plenty more videos and tip articles on our thundermist fishing tips web site.

Thanks for tuning in and good luck on the water!

[thegreatcb7]

i cant imagine this tasting very good..its a bottom feeder...

[thundermistlures]

@thegreatcb7 Actually, this fish is quite good. The smaller ones are the best around 2-3 lbs. One way to prepare them is to deep fry the fillets in a beer batter. Add some fries and it's great eating. If you get a chance you should try it. You'll be surprised. Thanks!

[Drudy90]

I fish western NY and the catfishing is good but the state is always telling us not to eat them because of the contaminants. If you get all the fat off the fillet is it more or less ok to eat?

[thundermistlures]

@Drudy90 The bulk of the contaiminates can be eliminated simply by removing the entire belly which contains most of the fat. Getting rid of all of the fat is difficult. The best thing you can do is to eat the smaller, younger fish. For channel catfish, eat the ones that are 2 lbs or less. For bullheads, say 8inches or less. These sizes of fish have not been in the water for long therefore the contaminants will be much less. It is still a good idea to remove the belly to be safer. Thanks!

[megamunchit2008]

@thundermistlures Have you guys ever fished with Bob Izumi?

[thundermistlures]

@megamunchit2008 We have not had an opportunity to fish with Bob Izumi, but you never know what the future brings.

Thanks for writing in and good fishing.

[WorkingClass69]

For getting the slime off you can use water with salt and vinegar

[thundermistlures]

@WorkingClass69 Yes, that also works. Thanks for the tip!

[ButtRapinAchmed]

Absolutely love it .... i fish the Colorado river ... A lot here in California and we always get some pretty nice cats average 3-5 lbs. and the are perfect size for eating but I can never filet them myself cause I always screw up on it ... now I have tried it myself and it came out amazing tight lines guys :))))

[thundermistlures]

@ButtRapinAchmed Glad your fillets turned out good - nice job! Sounds like you have some great fishing in the Colorado River & we wish you all the best in 2011.

Thanks for tuning in and until next time, good luck and good fishing!

[ButtRapinAchmed]

@thundermistlures thanks you too man I can tell that you guys put a lot of work into all of your videos keep it up !

[mantooth126]

Is no one amazed by the size of those fillets?

[thundermistlures]

@mantooth126 That was a decent sized channel cat and the fillets were a nice. Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water.

[buttchykid3000]

i know this is the best