Removing a Catfish from the Hook

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There are a few ways to remove a catfish. Stepping on its head could also easily break a catfish's jaws, thereby making them useless as a gamefish as well as handicapping them in their environment.
The simplest way to remove a hook without harming the fish is to carefully slide your hand up its belly from the tail placingthe fingers behind one side fin and the thumb behind the other. Try not to stick yourself with the fins.
Make sure your grip is secure and remove the hook with only the required force by pliers.
Make sure to tell rookie catfisherpersons that the fins are real soft and will not cut through arm