Channel Catfish courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife
Catfish and eels are slippery and require this special skinning technique. With eels, continue as below, except: after making an incision completely around the top just behind the fins closest head, grasp head with one hand firmly and with the other firmly start to pull the skin either with pliers or grab hold with a towel.
- Make an incision completely around the catfish, starting with the top of the head to the operculum.
- Using a towel wrapped around the head, or using a thick, heavy glove, hold the head firmly and pull the skin from the body with pliers toward the tail. Continue until the fish is skinned.
- A towel that is wrapped around the head will protect you from the barbs of the catfish.