Why or Why Not. However, before I get into the steps on how you can use these catfish for bait, let’s go over the quick difference between saltwater catfish and freshwater catfish (as there was clearly some confusion when we first came out with our now popular “No Cats On Board” shirts – see those here). 10- to 20-pound test line is preferable when you will be fishing around a structure of any kind. Home Fishing Techniques Can You Eat Saltwater Catfish? I live on a fresh water lake and I fish saltwater more than that, so I tend to have a variety on hand. 10- to 20-pound test line is preferable when you will be fishing around a structure of any kind. You can also get a much larger filet off of them than you can a hardhead. These types of fish are called saltwater fish, and there are hundreds of varieties. Hardhead catfish, LSU says they are good to eat but would you? the trick is 1-5lb. Not all saltwater fish are edible. As far as table fare goes, I personally don’t think that they taste much like a freshwater catfish, but more like a Whiting or Sea Trout. Buy on Amazon. So, your answer is: they are edible but generally not eaten. Tarpon is considered totally non-edible, but if it was edible, you would need a tarpon tag in order to have one in your possession. Channel catfish typically live between 14 and 16 years, but some have been known to live as long as 40 years. Braid vs Mono: Which One is Right For You. Hot water is the safe way to go. Some people say that the Gafftopsail catfish are edible, but I tried one bite and it totally sucked. Anglers often talk about being "finned" by catfish, which can lead to excruciating pain. Different Species of Saltwater Catfish There are many species of fish that make up the saltwater catfish category, but the two most common are the Gafftop Catfish and the Hardhead Catfish. If you're talking about gafftop catfish (large sail like spike on their dorsal fin) the answer is that you can eat them. They do skin them first which requires some work. The dorsal and pectoral fins each are supported by a sharp, slime-covered barbed spine. As a born and raised Southerner, there is one type of fish, in particular, that is near and dear to my heart: Catfish. Editor’s Choice: Catfish Reel. Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments . well in this content we describe catfish food habit and life cycle. Previous. Shimano SE2500FE Sedona Spin... $226.00. Abu Garcia C3-6500 Ambassadeur... $149.95. Live freshwater shrimp can be a great bait option for bass, panfish, catfish, trout, and trout. The infamous saltwater catfish . Since it is the South America’ s largest catfish and a carnivore, it can eat us anytime. saltwater catfish; 0 saltwater catfish. Not entirely.Most catfish species are freshwater. Re: saltwater catfish blue cat/ sail cat--same cat fish.yes ,not too bad to eat. If you want to eat catfish, stick to the freshwater ones. Some catfish species can live in both fresh and salt water. Channel catfish are not native to the Bay watershed. DO NOT rub slime on a catfish wound as this can set you up with a pretty nasty infection. Common question is Do Catfish Eat Other Fish? You can also get a much larger filet off of them than you can a hardhead. Most of the fish we eat comes from the sea. Sailcats, Gaftops or Gafftopsail are the same fish and are pretty good if you can get past the slime. Buy on Amazon. Fly Fishing For Redfish: 5 Tips For Catching Reds on The Fly. Otherwise, just go to a freshwater pond at night and use a nightcrawler. Though some catfish, like Hardhead catfish are saltwater catfish. We cooked some once for the cats and even they wouldnt eat it. Then when someone asks you, "can you eat saltwater catfish," you can answer them truly, whatever your answer may be. Next time you're out fishing and all you seem to catch is a Hardhead or a Sail Catfish, maybe take a few home and fry em' up! Can You Eat Saltwater Catfish? One of the best rigs to use when fishing for saltwater catfish is either a single or double dropper loop.