BigBendFishing.Net

Is there any concern in handling them? I'm not interested in eating them but the last 2 I caught were handled with care because i'm not familiar with them.

They aren't a invasive/non-native like lionfish and migrate into our waters often.

procraftwes wrote:Is there any concern in handling them?

Only if you stick a finger in their mouth.

procraftwes wrote:Is there any concern in handling them? I'm not interested in eating them but the last 2 I caught were handled with care because i'm not familiar with them.

Not at all, they're harmless.

If you think they are harmless check this out!


https://youtu.be/qXi_TGK2AHE

Well, harmless in the sense that you're not going to be envenomated by touching them, as you might by a lionfish. There's a whole lot of fish whose mouths I wouldn't recommended sticking your finger in.

I brought 2 home to clean from this past weekend. I dressed the first one successfully without piercing any entrails. The skin comes off easier than a catfish. The meat is beautiful. I filleted off both sides and they look like a large chicken tender. I have not eaten them yet and I may not. I just had to try the process for myself. The second one I cut down too far through the spine and I didn't feel comfortable with what I saw. I looked this morning for dead fish and/or turtles in my pond but didn't see any.