How to Skin Catfish or Eels

How's it Done?
Basic preparations of fish and seafood after you've caught it.

Step by step guidelines on preparing fish and seafood

Fishing 'How's It Done'

By Fishing & Food Editor Renee Shelton

How to Skin a Catfish:
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 head firmly and pull the skin from the body with pliers toward the tail. A towel that is wrapped around the head will protect you from the barbs of the catfish.

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Fishing 'How's It Done'
By Fishing & Food Editor Renee Shelton


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 head firmly and pull the skin from the body with pliers toward the tail. A towel that is wrapped around the head will protect you from the barbs of the catfish.