Stung by a catfish, cured by his bellie

[Needemp]

It's true. I have always heard that if you get stung by a catfish fin that you can rub it on his belly and heal it. Years ago I got stung by a good size cat taking him off of a trot line. My hand instantly hurt and my hand was barely usable for a day and a half due to the pain.

A few days ago I caught one on a crankbait and as I reached for him while he was on the boat, he moved and I got stung again. I instantly felt the same pain I felt the first time. But this time, I rubbed my hand on his belly, and the sting went away. It was awesome. Anyone else experience this?

[Dan:]

now all you have to worry about is infection!   ;D  

I'll make sure to try that if I get stung.

[done]

All the locals here will swear that it works.

[DawsonH]

It does work. Tried it myself.

[S I G M A]

That is just weird...

[Needemp]

That is just weird...

Yeah, but not as weird as your avatar picture, lol

[KYntucky Warmouth]

yeah, it works...a little gross but works very well.

[done]

A couple years ago, I got one that went through my finger right to the bone. I tried it and it worked a little but I can tell ya, having one of those things stuck into a bone, don't matter what you rub into it, it is gonna keep hurting.  

[basswitch]

Been doing this since I was a kid, my mom taught me. Works on bullheads too.

[frogtog]

When mine got me I went to the ER and it cost about $800. to get it cut out.... worst pain I have ever had paying that bill. ;D

[Sharkbite]

I never new a cat fish can sting.  So what stings you the wiskers?  How do people noodle then if they sting you?

[CanalStalkin]

I never new a cat fish can sting. So what stings you the wiskers? How do people noodle then if they sting you?

the whiskers dont sting, the spine on the fin is what nails ya. And it sucks. I will have to keep this in mind next time.

[Sharkbite]

wOW I didnt know that

[BassShephard]

That is odd never actually heard any one talk about rubbing the belly to stop the pain.  Been lucky enough not to get hit by one but I have had bass fins stick in my finger down to the bone very painful, my whole finger swell up and was unable to use it for the entire day.

[TommyBass]

I never new a cat fish can sting. So what stings you the wiskers? How do people noodle then if they sting you?

The two side pectoral fins and top dorsal fin all three have large spikes. They are all on the front leading edge of the fin, its feels hard just like bone. If you look closely on the tips of the fins the bone comes to a point. Sometimes it dosn't look too sharp, just pointy and round, but don't let it fool you. Just pick them up right and they won't hurt ya. Its usually those stupid small, slick, flippy ones that get you the most.

Noodling is done by letting the catfish grab your hand with its mouth.  Im sure those crazy people get stung sometimes anyhow though.

Personally have never tried that belly juice approach. Makes sense though since there is a type of poisen within those fins that can inject into you causing pain and irritation. Usually most animals are immune to the effects of their own poisen (genally how antidotes are made). Maybe the catfish's skin contains this incase of an accidental discharge into its own side from it or a fellow catfishy friend.

[BigJohnny]

I always get it when I'm trying to dig out a buried hook of the small bulls, I really haven't gotten it that bad though. If I ever do I'll be sure to give this a try.