03-19-2014, 03:46 AM
Cats have very strong mouths, though no teeth, they do have a raspy interior, and some catfisherman would attest (I have a photo somewhere) was it BLK? of someones thumb after an encounter. So lipping them like a bass, if their sizable, not a good plan. They WILL clamp down - hard.
The whiskers (barbels) are no problem, soft and sensitive, but the three spines can do some real damage. You think "cat scratch fever" was about furry kittens - think again. (don't think it's really catfish either, but . . . )
I believe they contain toxins that are likely to promote infection, they have a serrated surface that would make them go in, but then not want to come out, or painfully so. I've had little footlong kittens scrape my thumb on release, and it festered for days. Even baby mudcats were like bee-stings to the touch.
The real danger comes from a puncture wound (ask CVS). They are likely to flop around, so watch your feet and legs.
Cats are pretty tough, and can withstand some handling and time out of the water - more than say a wimpy finless freddie. Typically a catfish stressed will hold it's spines out rigid - makes them MUCH tougher to swallow. But I've also had cats decide to clamp those spines down - and HARD!
But commonly you can get a good grip behind the upper spine, and hold behind the two side spines, or get a grip from underneath. I often wear gloves when handling cats, maybe because I'm a wimp, maybe I don't like being slimed, maybe I've had enough scrapes it's worth the extra protection. They have a strong skull/bone pattern that extends behind the spines enough you can get a good hold without squeezing their belly.
Of course a two hand hold is best - if you have both hands free. Not always the case for selfies.
If you're planning to release a cat - I would avoid (as with any fish) sticking fingers in the gills. If you're keeping them - that can be a safe way to get a secure hold. But be ready - they might sit docile, and very suddenly go into a flopping rage.
If I'm stringing them up, I'll usually go from below the gill, out through the mouth - they slide down the string better, and can face forwards to keep breathing for quite some time (or slamming against the bottom of my boat). Putting them on ice is another way to secure your catch. But don't be surprised if you have to weight the cooler lid!
Bottom Grasp
[inline MoreBig4.jpg]
Top hold
[inline "100_0557 - 400.jpg"]
Two hand hold (selfie with a tripod!)
[inline "28in Powerhouse.jpg"]
Inverse Kitty - there's no rules!
[inline "Upsidedown Kitty.jpg"]
The whiskers (barbels) are no problem, soft and sensitive, but the three spines can do some real damage. You think "cat scratch fever" was about furry kittens - think again. (don't think it's really catfish either, but . . . )
I believe they contain toxins that are likely to promote infection, they have a serrated surface that would make them go in, but then not want to come out, or painfully so. I've had little footlong kittens scrape my thumb on release, and it festered for days. Even baby mudcats were like bee-stings to the touch.
The real danger comes from a puncture wound (ask CVS). They are likely to flop around, so watch your feet and legs.
Cats are pretty tough, and can withstand some handling and time out of the water - more than say a wimpy finless freddie. Typically a catfish stressed will hold it's spines out rigid - makes them MUCH tougher to swallow. But I've also had cats decide to clamp those spines down - and HARD!
But commonly you can get a good grip behind the upper spine, and hold behind the two side spines, or get a grip from underneath. I often wear gloves when handling cats, maybe because I'm a wimp, maybe I don't like being slimed, maybe I've had enough scrapes it's worth the extra protection. They have a strong skull/bone pattern that extends behind the spines enough you can get a good hold without squeezing their belly.
Of course a two hand hold is best - if you have both hands free. Not always the case for selfies.
If you're planning to release a cat - I would avoid (as with any fish) sticking fingers in the gills. If you're keeping them - that can be a safe way to get a secure hold. But be ready - they might sit docile, and very suddenly go into a flopping rage.
If I'm stringing them up, I'll usually go from below the gill, out through the mouth - they slide down the string better, and can face forwards to keep breathing for quite some time (or slamming against the bottom of my boat). Putting them on ice is another way to secure your catch. But don't be surprised if you have to weight the cooler lid!
Bottom Grasp
[inline MoreBig4.jpg]
Top hold
[inline "100_0557 - 400.jpg"]
Two hand hold (selfie with a tripod!)
[inline "28in Powerhouse.jpg"]
Inverse Kitty - there's no rules!
[inline "Upsidedown Kitty.jpg"]