The ONLY CATFISH FILLET Tutorial You'll Ever Need!

[@halfwatt7905]

Most informative part of the video for me was the squeegee. Fricking genius! 👏👏

[@calebwistad]

Haha. Thanks. I have my fillet table set up overlapping my utility sink so I can squeegee the table right into the sink and rinse it down. Pretty slick.

[@actionjacksondan]

Same hear, that’s a pro tip

[@benjaminbrown1179]

Exactly

[@colemant6845]

That was the PEFECT Catfish (Fresh or Salt) way to fillet one. Well Done!

[@calebwistad]

Thanks so much!

[@Internutt2023]

I never knew that you could fillet catfish and get boneless fillets, until, I stayed at and fished at Hendricks Creek Resort, In Kentucky on Dale Hollow lake, where I happened onto the resort owner himself at the fish cleaning station on the dock, and he was happy to demonstrate to me how it was done, which I thank him for! Now if I get some nice blues or channel cats while fishing for bass, or, if I happen onto some good sized catfish, I can make a meal out of them instead of considering them a nuisance fish.

[@calebwistad]

Yep. Really great eating fish.

[@Navyuncle]

For years I have been skinning catfish with catfish " pliers." Never again after watching this video. Thanks for the information. I'm going to show my grandson your method.

[@calebwistad]

Glad to hear you found it helpful!

[@BloominOnion1]

vice grips for me

[@TheArkyCrew]

Your not alone...holy hell my day has been made.

[@robertposenal6981]

The blood line your referring to is called the lateral line. It serves two purposes. It detects movement’s of their surroundings such as forage. The second purpose is that the fatty tissue collects toxins it absorbs from its environment.

[@calebwistad]

Correct. I used its more common name, but that’s exactly what it is. And to your point, the toxin build up is yet another reason to remove it.

[@robertposenal6981]

@@calebwistad I enjoy your tutorial brother👍

[@juxtaposingjunctions9705]

How about that for a sensor

[@chriswf]

Thanks. We were flash boiling the skin off. Using an electric kettle... Just heat it, then pour it over the skins. The skins fall off. But we didn't know we were leaving the stank underneath it :D I guess if we were starving, our method gives us a good bang for the buck. But for flavor, yours seems to be spot on. Thanks again!

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! I think you will like this method.

[@kevinthompson5827]

Thanks for sharing this with me. We have been cat fishing for years and now I’m going to be able to enjoy eating it more. I never knew that and couldn’t understand why my fish tasted so much different than when I ordered it from someone else. So yes now I know.

[@calebwistad]

Good deal!

[@renerusso3332]

TOTALLY WRONG! SKIN A FISH THAT SMALL.

[@Cipher_8]

@@renerusso3332 some people prefer it this way, and prefer boneless filets that don't taste muddy. To each their own. Do it whatever way you like.

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

This is fine.... stop being 1 track minded​@@renerusso3332

[@ricodog3652]

This is what I get for getting stoned and watching fishing videos.

[@calebwistad]

😆

[@davidmeyer7511]

man, don't bogart that joint

[@TexasMade-mn1ff]

Bro wtf me literally right now 😂😂

[@Justin_D345]

Don’t filet the joint 😅

[@Wuchiboa]

Had my line out and was preparing a bowl then accidentally caught a huge catfish. This is were I am now

[@snakebait5118]

Back in the day when I was a kid, I used to nail the catfish head to a tree then skin it. At that time I knew nothing about filleting a fish and didn't learn until I was in my 20's. Thanks for the video! I avoided fishing for catfish being uncertain on how to filet it until now! I'm 73 and willing to fish for them now! Thanks again!

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! Glad I could help! The old nail/tree method isn’t for me either. 😆

[@laramargaret3374]

I ordered two of these based on the reviews. kzbin.infoUgkxqmKabisEv81ul5v7OhvVxxOpt2CJruI- Received them on time and they look good. I really like the handle on these knives as they feel good in my hand. I'm giving them 4 stars on look and feel, but have not had the chance to put them to the test yet. I mostly fish for catfish and can hopefully try them out in the next few days. If they hold an edge throughout a limit of catfish, they'll be worth another star.Update...I used the 9" strong and the 9" fillet on a mess of catfish. I did put a sharpening on these before I started. I want a razor edge to fillet fish but they weren't quite that sharp. The people who gave these knives crappy reviews and said they were sending them back was because they weren't razor sharp. So what, do they not have a knife sharpener?? Good grief! I mean you have to sharpen any knife from time to time.I personally like them and am pleased with them. If you're too lazy to sharpen a knife then hire someone to clean your fish lol.I've never bought a knife in my life that would shave hair right out of the box. Don't be afraid to purchase the knives. They're pretty nice in my opinion.

[@calebwistad]

Yes. You must be using it a lot!

[@krga94c]

Very good method. There is a also a good forward section of belly meat, if you cut away the silver gray belly lining and any fat. Also, if it's big enough, just behind the eyes there's a medallion of meat on the head that's probably the best tasting part of the fish. Give it a try.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! On bigger cats I will typically take the belly. Never tried the head meat though. Thanks for the tip!

[@davisphillips7792]

I’ve tried belly meat a few times and it’s always chewy. Maybe I’m just not getting all the silver off of it.

[@krga94c]

@davisphillips7792 Yes, you definitely want to remove the silver skin from the belly meat.

[@KevW-z7z]

​​@@calebwistad tried it yet? The head meat

[@anastasiahagerstrom2120]

Best information yet on filleting a catfish! The squeegee and the boning / fillet knife the only tools are better than the pliers method. So glad I found your channel.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@jonathanlucas8623]

I know im a year late but you did a great job my great grandfather was a pro fisherman and he would always take the time to clean them right for the family. When youre feeding a family you do it right and you definitely did that. 100 out of 100 for me.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks so much!

[@jakenotfromstatefarm8042]

Really appreciate it. Recently started keeping cats from the river. Never knew how to clean them. (properly) I mainly just use the electric and follow the rib cage and clean up the mud line. Really appreciate the knife style though. Always like learning new ways to do something.

[@calebwistad]

Glad you’ve found it helpful!

[@zachariahlee3393]

Finally a well articulated & video the shows you how too properly fillet Catfish. Well done Sir..

[@calebwistad]

Thank you!

[@mckinzyswapshire988]

Thank you so much for making this video. It is very easy to follow. I caught my first catfish ever yesterday and I had no idea what to do with it. Thanks to your video, I now know how to properly get the fillets off of a catfish.

[@calebwistad]

Glad to hear it was helpful!!

[@danj9094]

Very well done. I especially liked the way that you took the time to get the little bit of extra meat near the head, a lot of people do not do this. I was taught that if you kill an animal you should eat it, that means as much as possible and not waste any of it. My father once made me clean & eat a small bullfrog that I killed when I was a kid. The legs were ridiculously small but it taught me that you don't kill animals unless you are planning to eat them.

[@calebwistad]

Right on! 👍

[@jamesfeverett]

Great video! I'm don't fish a lot and I normally just catch and release, but if I decide to keep some, I will try this method of fileting them. 👍

[@calebwistad]

Right on!

[@joebowman8204]

I do it this way also. Unless I have a bunch of fish to clean. Then I use an electric knife. Good video. Thanks for sharing

[@calebwistad]

Nice!

[@Words-of-encouragement.-.]

Thanks for the video man. Going to go fishing for cats (for the first time) soon, and I'm hoping I'll get a chance to use this technique on at least a few of them.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks. Good luck!

[@BenjiesDIY]

Your title was right I think I will definitely try this next time when I go fishing

[@calebwistad]

Nice! Thanks!

[@TommyMLe]

This was by far the best catfish fillet video I've watched.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@larryjohns7672]

Really good video, informative for anyone who has not ever fillalet before. Only thing you forgot is; and (depending on the size of your fish) is the small fillets on the cheeks . Really good meat here. Keep it up, great job 👍

[@calebwistad]

Yes. On bigger fish keep the cheeks!

[@dariusmeno6194]

Just processed catfish for the first time today and I used this method and loved it!. Will be the only way i use. Thank you for this info!

[@calebwistad]

Perfect!

[@shanedenny5234]

I appreciate your video. Me and my Stepdad and my friend all caught a mess of catfish out of my brother's lake and really wanted to know the best and efficient way to clean them. Your video is what I was looking for. Thanks 👍

[@calebwistad]

Good to hear! Tight lines.

[@WilliamSmith-ty5rt]

Outstanding! I love cat fish and just learned a new way how to filet them. Thank you!

[@calebwistad]

Awesome!

[@joshuabenjamin1382]

Great video as always bud! Looking forward to more in the future

[@calebwistad]

Thanks man!

[@telethon7893]

Awesome video, thank you so much. the river i fish normally is full of bullheads. ive seen other methods like with pliers and stuff, but this is was better/cleaner. You're filets look really good.

[@calebwistad]

Awesome thanks!

[@Usererror401]

Nice! I’ve been wanting to pick up fishing!

[@calebwistad]

It’s the best hobby/sport/addiction in the world! 😂

[@hoodiedee4828]

thank you very much for your time and info. Have a blessed day and don't forget to Enjoy Life. From Bridgeport Connecticut.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks and good luck!

[@riverrat6998]

You have the best fillet videos on KZbin! I am curious tho on how you are sharpening your fillet knife?

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I’m working on a video about that. Stay tuned!

[@gregstabryla9945]

You have a new sub. A lot of answers, especially about bleeding your fish and different ways to filet . Thanks.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@daveg2199]

Great video! What are your thoughts on the yellowish meat up toward the dorsal fin upper back area?

[@calebwistad]

I’ve never had an issue with the flavor of that meat. Some people say it’s bad but I’ve never noticed.

[@kensantiago132]

Well spoken. Thank you.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@cdc9776]

I wish I had seen this video last week, as I just cleaned a few the old-fashioned way using skinning pliers. I wasn't aware until seeing this that cats have that nasty red meat under their skin. Makes perfect sense. I use this method on white bass which makes a huge difference in flavor. Now I can't wait to try it on cats too! And I absolutely love those BUBBA knives. I too have that same 7" and the cordless electric model. Quality stuff. Thanks very much for this share. It proves you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, lol. Take care!

[@calebwistad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickyricardo4972]

Professional at work 💪 good job 👍 the proper way of cleaning catfish 💯

[@calebwistad]

Thank you sir.

[@jonhiitola2418]

Definitely found it helpful! Thank you.

[@calebwistad]

Good to hear!

[@michealayala-olivares5462]

I grew up in the back woods of East Texas, catching cats was my job many summers. I have fileted many catfish and I've never seen it done like this before. I always skinned mine before cutting on it. I had several fish markets that I supplied every summer, most of the year actually. Growing up on Lake Sam Rayburn we did a lot of fishing and a lot of fish fry's for summer family gatherings.

[@calebwistad]

Nice! Yeah, I’ve seen the skinning method but I’ve never really understood the point. Why spend the extra time with another couple tools when it only takes 5 seconds to skin them with the knife? Maybe you know? 😆

[@enigma9789]

@@calebwistad This is the only reason I skinned them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3WcZZ9rfLCdpsk Ive cleaned over 150,000lbs of catfish

[@scottrodgers9101]

Yup old southern man showed my dad in the late 1960s same method Hammer Nail Razor knife Vice grips And a good tree

[@scottdeason2940]

Me too. Lake Palestine mostly.

[@jasonjackson6055]

​@@calebwistadIt is because it is much quicker and easier to skin them with skinners. Yours is the overly complicated way to clean a catfish. If you hang them, you make 6 swift, shallow incisions, pull skin off in 2 or three pulls, and filet them. I can literally do one in 45 seconds or so, and I am slow. There is no need to soak the fish in battery acid, cut the tail, gouge the eyes out, cut the gills, or in any other way needlessly torture the catfish as others have suggested. Also, remove that yellow meat. This is where the undesirable flavor is.

[@jasonallred244]

I do this method. Start at the gill, straight cut down and then down to start of tail. Flip and follow skin and take off . By keeping it attached to the fish on last pass gives you something to hold and not sliding around.

[@calebwistad]

Interesting!

[@rhythmtapper]

Thanks for the video, Caleb. I catch cats regularly but I had not been cutting out the bloodline by the skin. I would, however, cut out the yellow trim. I noticed you didn't do that, so it seems that's perfectly fine to eat?

[@calebwistad]

At least up here where our water is pretty clean it doesn’t seem to affect anything.

[@PaddlingIowa]

The whole time I was thinking this guy is definitely from Wisconsin, then when I subscribed I saw the name. Appreciate you man!

[@calebwistad]

You betcha! 😉

[@idanoe7642]

I did it! I didn't think I could do it, but I did. Thank you!!!!

[@calebwistad]

Good job! 👍

[@kirkhowes5663]

Awesome, Ive done 1000 cat similar to this. My southern friends enjoyed many yankee cats!

[@calebwistad]

Perfect!

[@jkmorgan5307]

Your tutorial made a 1x fileting a less daunting task. Thank you for posting.

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! Glad to hear it.

[@reconfarmer3084]

Great video! What do you use to cut off the spines? I assume electrical side cutters...? What a great idea... and to think of how many times I have been impaled over the years 😱

[@calebwistad]

Yes! They work great.

[@pctrdat]

This is the BEST catfish cleaning video I have seen!!! Just subscribed!

[@calebwistad]

Thanks so much!

[@JesusLopez-zl4ry]

It sux he did it all messed up he didn't even bleed the fish that's why he had to fillet that blood meat

[@janetteg3234]

omgee the squeegy game changer! great video thank you😊

[@calebwistad]

Heck yeah! 👍

[@johnmn42]

Thanks for the tutorial. How do you dispatch the catfish?

[@calebwistad]

Thumped it then bled it out.

[@davidcrossley5252]

Getting back into Fishing thanks great vid.

[@calebwistad]

Good to hear!

[@randalls380]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing it. Do you have one on cooking them?

[@calebwistad]

Looks like you found it!

[@MrTLScott]

Thanks for the info my wife loves catfish and now I will keep more next time..

[@calebwistad]

Awesome!

[@kristopherhenny7912]

First video I’ve watched of yours, automatic subscription!

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! Thanks so much!

[@debh771]

Fantastic and so clear, thank you.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks much!

[@darrellbrown8547]

Great instructions. Thank you.

[@calebwistad]

You bet!

[@kaelsaxe]

This was a great vid and really helped out a lot! 😎👍

[@calebwistad]

Good to hear!

[@showmeprepper817]

Question, what is your preferred method to dispatch a live catfish??

[@calebwistad]

Slicing the gills and bleeding out. They are pretty hard to kill with a blow to the head.

[@NicholasVonBusch]

​@@calebwistadyou ain't hitting them hard enough. Lol but seriously I've always just hit them in the head with my needle nose pliers with no issue.

[@mathewweeks9069]

Your awesome dude and awesome video be safe out there 😎👍🙏🏻

[@calebwistad]

Thanks much!

[@mathewweeks9069]

@calebwistad your welcome

[@Xolosia]

Thank you. I was taught to do it the old way, body and tail and use fork after cooking to debone. Wife asked me if I could stop feeding them like baby birds, so I'm now leaning to harvest in a new way.

[@calebwistad]

Good deal!

[@andrewspinks6731]

Nice job. I do similar but skin them first. Did you save that belley meat for nuggets?

[@calebwistad]

On bigger cats I definitely do.

[@billyrhodes6196]

Very well done, that’s exactly how you do it.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@pane36]

Watching this with a 7 lb cat still on the stringer. 😂 I'll try and fillet it when I get home. Thank you!

[@calebwistad]

Nice!!

[@fxpestoperator5527]

Man this is a GREAT Video Brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😀😀😀

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!! 🙏

[@celesteperkins2980]

My son bought me this knife and I am enjoying it! Now I clean my catfish just like this, even with a weak wrist I now can skin my biggest catfish like a Boss! 😅 thank you sir!!!

[@calebwistad]

Awesome!

[@ghostsniper2099]

Nicely done. A sharp ass knife like that is a beautiful thing.

[@calebwistad]

Yessir. Sharp is key!

[@ronharris6600]

Thank you for the great video.

[@calebwistad]

You bet.

[@Jimmy-Legs]

The squeegee thing is a great idea.

[@calebwistad]

It’s one of the best ideas I’ve ever tried! Been using one for years now. I have my cleaning table set up overlapping my utility sink and I just squeegee slime and guts off right into the sink and wash it down.

[@relatablecontentissues6703]

This is a great tutorial.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@laceyboyd8972]

This is the same method my husband taught me years ago and it's still the way I do them!! #FishingIsASport!! #MyFavoriteSport!! #EatSleepFish&Repeat!! #WhenSleepingDon'tCountSheep,CountFish! #ICatchWhatEverWillBite!! :)

[@calebwistad]

Nice!

[@jorsrob]

Thank you so much for this video! Very inspiring and I am now confident to fillet my first catfish! Thank you so much.

[@calebwistad]

You bet! Glad you found it helpful!

[@rustyfan89]

I love catfish! No matter where you are you can find a place to catch them the thing is, how they taste is very dependent upon where you catch them for some reason where you catch them and how they taste is more reliant on where you catch them than any other fish I know , I’m guessing because they are bottom feeders

[@calebwistad]

Yes, environment definitely plays a big role. Up here in Wisconsin our water is super clean so pretty much all the catfish up here taste very good.

[@breamhook]

Do you put your fish in water with salt until you’re ready to cook them? If not how do you preserve them until you’re ready to cook. Also do you freeze them in water or no? Thanks

[@calebwistad]

This video describes exactly how I take care of my fish from the catch through preserving. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGeUaYSneLyrZ5Ysi=Ox-7B2eVUF-69ajj

[@majic7071]

My guy had the beats at the end too. great video. I caught a cat used this to clean right on the bank

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@kitluedtke]

Appreciate the videos Caleb. Keep up the great work. Have learned a great deal from you on seasonal fishing. Love seeing the kids also fishing with dad.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! That’s great to hear!

[@southerncharm7238]

​@@calebwistad😂🎉

[@Hawaiibohntr]

Can you "Zipper" the blood line out like on a walleye or have to be cut out?

[@jasonmiller9530]

Very thorough and good video, ill prolly still just use electric and do it fast, i dont cut the center out, fillet and cut out rib cage, coat with some andys and drop in oil, works for me, but still a good video for best tasting :)

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! Certainly not the only way to do it but it’s very clean.

[@jasonmiller9530]

@@calebwistad Absolutely, very clean, takes skill and practice to be that good with a knife, i need to work on my knife skills, i will try this :)

[@pavelkostenko1621]

Thanks for the great video! Used your method on my 4 catfishes that were caught today!

[@calebwistad]

Good deal!

[@robertkreiling1746]

Excellent job , very well done !

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@beadiegaming5874]

Best video I found after watching tons, ty!

[@calebwistad]

Good deal!

[@scottcourville1191]

I'm a 66 year old french speaking Cajun from sout Louisiana i been eatin catfish all my life you did pretty good job son ' except you to finicky ! eat it all boy head too !

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I’ll stick to my fish fillets for now. Thanks. 😂

[@johnp.1608]

Maybe you’ve answered this before, but how do you keep your knives sharpened?? I’ve tried a few things, but still have no so sharp knives?!

[@calebwistad]

I’m working on a knife sharpening video soon!

[@ericcurrence8477]

Good video. Can you wash the slime off first?

[@calebwistad]

Yes, you can. I’ve found that a vinegar/water bath really helps to break down the slime and it comes off easier that way.

[@smuvgentleman]

Beautifully done. Most people aren't concerned about blood in meat. This is a great video on cleaning. Thanks I would add soaking all meats in a vinegar or lemon/garlic solution to rid parasites.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! Good tip on the juice.

[@idontlikebeinghandled]

Excellent job, sir. Thank you

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@erbel47]

What about the yellow meat in your fillet, do you suggest to remove it as well?

[@calebwistad]

I’ve never had any issues with taste at all on that little bit of yellow meat.

[@erbel47]

@@calebwistad Do you have any idea why some of the meat turn yellow?

[@tomjones7853]

If i loved to fish as much as you i would sell everthing i own and move to florida where you can catch everything anytime

[@calebwistad]

I love Florida too. I’ve been fishing there for 15 years or so at least once a year. It’s certainly on my radar for a possible part time residence some day. Don’t know if I could give up the cool north completely though….

[@racerxv6valvoline424]

What's with the yellowish meat at the top and does that have any flavor issues. I have never kept a catfish let alone cleaned one. But I would like to start and try it.

[@calebwistad]

Supposedly it’s a fattier section of the meat. In my area it’s never been an issue for flavor although I’ve heard some folks complain about it in other regions.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

Been more the 15 years since i caught a cat, had to have a crash course on it again. Thanks guy

[@calebwistad]

You bet!

[@ChanandlerBong82]

This is a great video brother

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@travisnunya4641]

I just moved here to Florida and caught alot of catfish in charlotte harbor the catfish here are very different from norrh Indiana are the catfish in salt water good to eat

[@calebwistad]

There are two kinds of saltwater cats. Gaftopsail catfish are good to eat, hardheads are not. At least that’s been my experience. You may want to check this video out, I’ve fished that area a ton over the years and have a pretty good guide to fishing from shore there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmenk5ywnaqpm7M

[@fatjoe3391]

On bullheads, assuming they are somewhat similar, we clean them on a 2X4 by pounding a nail through the head. The nail holds the fish and the rest is similar to what you do.

[@calebwistad]

Yes. Very similar.

[@MRBJT51]

I love your videos especially Five Piece Northern filet but not everyone is a surgeon with that knife like you ... These aren't easy cuts for some of us regular folks. I hope you take this as a compliment.

[@calebwistad]

It definitely takes practice and muscle memory to get better at filleting. Gotta catch more fish and keep filleting!

[@kensantiago132]

Nice work. Thanks.

[@calebwistad]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Gumby1978]

This is an excellent technique. I wish I had seen this years ago!

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome,great sharing

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@Mel-g4b7i]

Thank you like that video I learned something that one

[@calebwistad]

You bet!

[@billhamilton5949]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@calebwistad]

You bet!

[@kentfarguson3592]

Great job. I prefer not eating mud. I clean mine the same way. Except on a channel I also take out the yellow. This is why I prefer the blues. They don't have the yellow meat. Most channels I will throw back unless I'm catching for a big fish fry.

[@calebwistad]

Nice. I don’t know what it is about the cats up here but the yellow meat is minimal and doesn’t seem to have a bad flavor.

[@victorcoker2713]

@@calebwistad Down here in the south, that yellow even smells muddy/bad. Cut that stuff off! LOL

[@mudcat72]

Other than being unpleasant to look at, the yellow meat is fine to eat and tastes like the rest of the filet. The yellow staining comes from carotenoids...the same carotenoids that are produced in many of your favorite fruits and veggies.

[@cappystrano1]

Great video, like the old squaw too! 🌴🌴

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I love those ducks! Only been after them twice but had a blast. I did the taxidermy as well. Been doing birds and fish for years.

[@jessiemae6873]

What's the yellow colored meat on the top? I always trim that off. Any knowhow of the yellow would be appreciated.

[@calebwistad]

Up here where I am at least, I haven’t noticed a negative flavor.

[@tlee717]

That flavor is what I love

[@calebwistad]

To each his own!