Hello everyone,

 I just wanted to say I think this site is really great. I have been fishing since I was about 4 years old and I still go almost everyday. I have caught my share of bass this summer so I've taken up Catfishing. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to remove a hook from a catfish. I have caught a few big ones this week, but I am not sure where the stingers are. Usually I just stand on the poor thing and remove it. What is a good way to pick it up? :-/

First of all, Welcome to the forums! ;D

On to your question. A catfish only has three "stingers" they are at the end of both side fins (Pectoral I belive) and one on the dorsal fin. The way I take a hook out is grab them from under the belly and put your finger and thumb behind the right and left fin. Get some pliars and pull the hook out. They are really slimey so sometimes you may need a towel. Or if they are big enough you can grab the bottom jaw and hold it while you work the hook out. Hope this helps. ;D

Or you could pick up something like this...

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=25080&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Pass me a stinkbait, I'm going catfishing with Dum_Bass.

Welcome to the forums!!!

I usually grab them by the bottom jaw with a pair of pliers, then remove the hook with my other hand.

Sometimes it takes 2 pairs of pliers, one to hold the fish and one to remove the hook.

The smart_ bass answer would be very carefully!!LOL :