My First Channel Cat

I was fishing for Trout with nightcrawlers in the Clarion River today in the area between Heath Station and Belltown and caught my first Channel Catfish.  It was 28 inches.  I didn't have a scale to weight it.   We got a few pictures and I let it go.  I didn't even know how to hold it the correct way.  I'm lucky I didn't get barbed.
 

 
 

Nice! They are a really fun fish to catch on light tackle. I would say that fish would go about 12lbs, but looking at the belly probably more than that. Any more pics?

When handling cats try to grip them hard behind the pectoral fins after the fish flares them out. If its a big cat make sure you got a strong hold of the bottom lip and you can hold it open and lift it up. I've done this with cats up to 36lbs, just make sure you do it right or they will clamp down on your hand/fingers. Not a fun experience with the bigger cats. They don't have teeth exactly, but the inside of thier mouth is like sandpaper only worse. It will tear your hands up if your not careful.

Nice catch!

Nice ! Those are both PIGS in my book !!

nice fish man you tied my personal best channel cat on your first try!

i got 2 small ones about 5 6 inches tongiht fit in palm of hand must be this year but still fun

You threw back some good eating! We take the fillets from big cats (steelhead too), marinate in soy sauce (plastic bag or glass bowl), grill (in a fish basket) with butter, lemon, salt, pepper, ?garlic or any other spices you think may be good - good eating!
 
Re: handling - grip under belly - they'll extend barbs on side - make good position to grip sliding your hand below barbs. If you get spiked with barb, utilize slime from cat to neutralize sting!