Is eatng local catfish a good idea? Recipes anyone?

[Paula]

So, we've taken up fishing (well, I haven't but my sweetheart has). Do restaurants around SoWal serve good recipes for catfish. Anyone have any good recipes for catfish? We've had whitefish, pompano, and redfish so far in the past year - all great. Would like to find really good catfish recipes and advice. Thanks.

[Dawn]

I've always had it fried. Check out Stinky's and try the catfish Meniure.

[Franny]

I agree, fried is the best and the fresher the better and only fresh water cats.

[Amy28]

If you are talking about saltwater catfish, I'd tell you to throw them all back. They are not recommended for eating, or even removing from your hook without pliers or gloves. Those "whiskers" will pierce your skin, and for some, is a fate worse than a wasp sting. Just go to Stinkys for the freshwater catfish, and keep enjoying the reds and pompano!

[bluecat]

Fyi, if you get stuck by a fin or whisker ,turn fish on its belly , rub wounded part of hand on the white belly of the catfish, that takes the pain away and doesn't leave it sore.

[Paula]

Thanks everyone so far. I read up on saltwater catfish a bit myself on the internet and those "whiskers" sound pretty nasty. We'll be there in April (after the busy spring break weeks...) and I hope the fishing is good!

[Bobby J]

Paula,

I have never eaten the local saltwater catfish but I have eaten sail catfish. They are larger and edible. I have only eaten them fried. Then again, anything fried is pretty good!