Fisherman in need of an answer?

To go slightly further with this question, since its well communicated that there are 3 different fins to watch for that can sting ya, I have another bit of info. When you handle a catfish, I have found that its best to place your thumb behind the pect fin on one side and your middle finger behind the one on the opposite side. Its possible to lay the dorcel fin down on the fish's topside and hold it down with the palm of your hand through the process. Depending on the size of the fish, you may be able to place the web of you hand behing the dorcel fin also. The other thing is that when you are finished fishing, discard about 3 feet of the line measuring from the hook. The slime from a catfish is acidic and will weaken your line causing you problems on your next trip. This slime will almost always be on your line after a catch. Good luck!