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CATFISH:
HOW
TO FILET AND SKIN |
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While attempting to filet Catfish or any other fish, it is
important to get the process started correctly. A good sharp
limber filet nice does the best for me.
Place the knife just behind the gill and cut down to the bone
with a slight curve motion toward the tail. This will
establish the knife along the
bone. | |
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Once established along the bone, hold the knife at a slight angle
(be careful not to cut through the bone) and move the knife along
the bone to the tail. Do not cut the filet completely off the
fish. Stop just before cutting the filet
off. | |
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Flip the filet over. Again with the same smooth curve
motion cut into the filet while picking up slightly with the left
hand and slide the knife along, still at a slight angle to cut the
filet from the skin. | |
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Do not rush the process, just let the knife do it's
job. | |
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Take the filet, and with a good sharp knife cut the rib cage from
the filet. Again use a slight curving motion to save as much
of the filet as possible.
Let's Eat!!! | |
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SKIN YOUR
CATFISH |
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With a sharp knife cut along the gil from below the fin to the
top of the fish (use caution not to cut all the way through the meat
of the fish, cutting the skin is all that you are trying to
do. Do this on both sides of the
fish. | |
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Cut along the edge of the fin on both sides. Cutting just
past the fin is enough. The purpose of this is so the skin
will pull away easier. If you do not make this cut the skin
will attempt to pull over the fin which makes it harder on
you. | |
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With your fish skinners pinch the skin at the top just beside the
top fin and pull the skin toward the tail. If it breaks just
reach and pinch some more. | |
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It should skin easier if you pull down toward the tail in a
straight motion. If you pull out and down it works but it's
just not as smooth. | |
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Once you have the fish skinned, with your skinners you can pull
the bottom fin from the fish if you want. Some do and some
don't. | |
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With your knife make cuts in the fish about 1 to 1 1/2"
apart. This will make the fish fry quick and be easier to pull
from the bone to eat. Again some do this and some don't
Let's eat!!! | |
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