02-05-2007, 07:51 PM
[cool][#0000ff]For catfish up to about 10 pounds, I usually just fillet them. If they are bigger, or have a pronounced big belly, then I might open them up and remove the bulk of the innards before slabbing off the fillets. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]To "unzipper" the belly, position the fish either on its back or side. Some "cat men" hang bigguns from a hook to clean them. Use a small sharp blade and cut slowly and carefully up the belly, starting at the "anal vent". Once you get to the gills, reach in with the knife and cut loose the digestive tract at the head and at the bottom. All of the other internal organs are attached and you can remove the whole mess in one or two cuts.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For "average" size cats...under 5 pounds or so...I just let 'er rip with the fillet knife and don't worry about "gut pollution". In case you missed my post (and reposts) about [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=142538;#142538"]FILLETING CATFISH[/url], here is a link for you.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]To "unzipper" the belly, position the fish either on its back or side. Some "cat men" hang bigguns from a hook to clean them. Use a small sharp blade and cut slowly and carefully up the belly, starting at the "anal vent". Once you get to the gills, reach in with the knife and cut loose the digestive tract at the head and at the bottom. All of the other internal organs are attached and you can remove the whole mess in one or two cuts.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]For "average" size cats...under 5 pounds or so...I just let 'er rip with the fillet knife and don't worry about "gut pollution". In case you missed my post (and reposts) about [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=142538;#142538"]FILLETING CATFISH[/url], here is a link for you.[/#0000ff]
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