Saltwater Catfish
Saltwater catfish are either a fishermen’s greatest joy or worst luck, depending on how they look at the situation. The most common species of saltwater catfish are hardhead catfish and Gafftop catfish, which are more commonly called sail catfish. Most anglers try to avoid these catfish, though.
Saltwater Catfish Are Slimy
Saltwater catfish are known for having a larger amount of slime than their freshwater counterparts. This remains the number one reason that anglers despise them. When they go for the bait, they go all in, meaning that there is a good chance the entire line will be covered in the slime as well. Most anglers hate having to take the time to deal with the additional mess of these fish. Sail catfish, in particular, are known for this.
Toxic Fins
Hardheads, the second most caught saltwater catfish, are known for injuring anglers. Their fin contains a toxin that is not found in all species of catfish. When an angler gets finned, this toxin is then released, resulting in significant swelling and an extreme amount of pain. Some fishermen have had to end their day to go to the hospital because of this.
Saltwater Catfish Are Amazing for Bait
There are some good things about this fish, though. One of the reasons that anglers intentionally seek out these fish is because they make a great choice for bait, especially when seeking larger catfish. These fish will instantly attract the trophy fish that every angler has dreams about.
Taste Delicious
There are some people that do not want to bother cleaning these fish, but there are those that will go with what they caught, even if it is a saltwater catfish. Other people genuinely enjoy the taste of saltwater catfish. It can well worth the trouble to enjoy a delicious dinner of smoked hardhead of some delicious sail catfish in the oven.
Popularity is Increasing
Once upon a time, these fish were instantly thrown back in the water I disgust, but now there are more fishermen that will take what they catch and make some money with it, even if it’s saltwater catfish. Other anglers intentionally go fishing for saltwater catfish, and this is because it is quickly becoming more popular. Those few fishermen that sold what they caught opened up a spot in the market for saltwater species, and it is continuing to grow.
Healthy Feeders
Both of these catfish are known for enjoying a hardy meal. They will happily take any live bait that is dangled in front of them, making them a bit easier to catch than freshwater fish. In fact, their voracious appetite is why some fishermen love them, and equally why others hate them. Fishermen love that they can throw any live bait in the water and walk away with a nice sized harvest. Other fishermen despise the slime on the line and these fish stealing their bait. They are known as bait stealers.
Saltwater catfish are not as popular on the market as freshwater species, but they are quickly gaining popularity in the market and will continue to do so.
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