08-06-2009, 12:27 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Once those cats get beyond 20 inches and several pounds you no longer have to worry about sharp spines...because they wear down and get dull. But, you should "neutralize" them on any fish you plan to keep. The spines can trash a wire basket and they make it tough to fillet the fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]While a good heavy set of long nose pliers WILL cut off the spines, heavy sidecutters do a neater job and leave fewer sharp bony edges to slice you at the wrong moment. Cats are incredibly strong and can twist and turn in your hands...cutting you on sharp edges left behind on broken spines. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, I sometimes use two pair of pliers for hook removal...one pair to prop the mouth open and the second pair to go in after a visible hook. If the hook is "gone", I just cut it off and retrieve it when filleting...or forget it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]While a good heavy set of long nose pliers WILL cut off the spines, heavy sidecutters do a neater job and leave fewer sharp bony edges to slice you at the wrong moment. Cats are incredibly strong and can twist and turn in your hands...cutting you on sharp edges left behind on broken spines. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Also, I sometimes use two pair of pliers for hook removal...one pair to prop the mouth open and the second pair to go in after a visible hook. If the hook is "gone", I just cut it off and retrieve it when filleting...or forget it.[/#0000ff]
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