Catfishing is a difficult sport. They certainly put up a strong fight. So perfecting the catching skill is tough for the faint of heart. However, even if you master the art of capturing this fish, you will face another difficulty. They’ve been skinned! Peeling them with a standard knife will take you hours.
Because of this, some people roast them with their skin on. However, if you’ve ever had such a meal, you’re undoubtedly aware of how terrible unskinned catfish tastes. So, what is the answer? Get yourself a good catfish skinner!
However, the variety of alternatives might be perplexing. That is precisely where our knowledge and experience come into play. Allow us to guide you through the process and witness how simple it gets!
How to Choose Catfish Skinners?
Table of Contents
Yes, reading through our reviews will help you choose the best catfish skinning pliers. However, to make the selection process more easier, keep the following criteria in mind:
Type
So, in general, there are two kinds of skinners. The first is manual, and it consists of pliers. These will feature handles as well as jaws. There will be a spring system to maintain the jaws open at all times. You’ll need to utilize the handles to close the jaws and grasp the skin.
Electric peelers, on the other hand, are available. These will feature a sharp-edged wheel that will remove the skin for you. Because they are completely automated, you will not need to do anything other than place the fish.
The manual skinners are ideal for those looking for a low-cost skinner. Get one of the decent ones if you want to appreciate the ease that electric ones provide. Before purchasing an electric vehicle, consider its capabilities, portability, and convenience of usage. Go over the net factors for the manual ones, which are our primary. Additionally, you can check our review on forge for knife making.
Handle
The handle is the most important component of the manual ones. You must first determine whether or not it has an ergonomic design. Working with the skinner for an extended period of time is impossible without suitable ergonomics. You will quickly get exhausted.
Second, determine whether or not the handle has a non-slip grip. It will be hard to work with the tool correctly if it does not have a non-slip design or grip. You’ll struggle to get a good grip on the handle, and it’ll slip about. Besides, you can choose some Flux for Forge Welding.
The Mechanism with Springs
As previously stated, the manual ones will include a spring-loaded mechanism to hold the jaws open. However, many manufacturers employ overly strong springs, which might make it difficult to close the jaws. Check the force necessary to activate the spring before purchasing.
Aside from that, examine the spring’s durability. If it is not made of high-quality materials, it will fail or become overly stiff after only a few usage. That is hardly something you would desire, is it? So, inspect the building materials!
Quality Construction
Another thing to think about is the build quality. We propose using ones made of high-quality stainless steel for this purpose. Those will endure longer and provide excellent operation for a longer length of time.
Jaws
Finally, evaluate the jaws’ design. They must be large enough to adequately grip the fish’s skin. Furthermore, the edges must be sharp enough to dig directly into the flesh. If you use a skinner with small and blunt jaws, you will not be able to remove the skin from your catches.
Top 7 Best Catfish Skinners Reviews in 2022
We selected just seven products worthy of buying after comparing each top-rated catfish skinner. Are you wondering what makes them so valuable? Allow us to explain!
1. Maybrun Commercial Catfish Skinner
In your search for the best catfish skinner pliers, you will come across a plethora of possibilities from various companies. However, only a handful of them have a good construction quality. And Mayburn’s gift is one of them.
So, what makes this product of high quality construction? For starters, it boasts a thickly ribbed handle. This type of design reduces the possibility of your hands sliding while using it. Furthermore, thanks to its heavy-duty construction, the handle will survive for a long period without breaking down.
A strong stainless steel spring is also included. This will offer the appropriate degree of tension and allow you to skin catfish with ease. And, owing to the ergonomic design of this catfish skinner, you’ll be able to deal with a large number of catfish at once.
Another factor that contributes to its inclusion on this list of the finest catfish skinning pliers is its efficiency. It has the ability to grasp a significant amount of skin. Again, this will make working with a large batch of fish simpler. As a result, if you’re looking for a plier that can deliver true commercial-grade performance, this skinner is a terrific choice.
Highlighted features include:
- Because it is a commercial-grade product, it has a correct design.
- It is ergonomically designed.
- The stainless steel spring is strong.
- It has a heavy-ribbed handle that is simple to grasp.
- Long-lasting and simple to use
2. Myron Mixon BBQ Rib Skinner by Ergo Chef
When looking for the quickest catfish skinner, opt for something with ergonomic handles and a non-slip grip. In such scenario, consider Ergo Chef’s product.
Yes, the last unit featured an ergonomic grip as well. This one, on the other hand, takes things a step further by including PVC beneath the first layer. This layer will guarantee that you are comfortable when grasping the handle. It will also increase the handle’s resilience and help it last longer.
A heavy-duty spring is also included with this catfish skinner. It has the correct amount of tension and will open automatically if you do not apply any force to the handle. Working with it for a lengthy amount of time will also be no problem because to the non-slip grip.
Precision-machined jaws are located on the front. It is made of high-grade stainless steel. And, because of its sharpness, it will be readily capable of gripping and tugging the skin straight off the fish. In addition, the PVC core is designed to be seamless. As a result, the whole unit has a great overall outlook.
However, because to the great quality of construction, the jaws will not get dull as readily. Instead, it will keep its sharpness for a long period. As a result, you won’t have to go through the trouble of sharpening them on a regular basis.
Highlighted features include:
- It has an ergonomic handle.
- A PVC underlayer is present in the handle.
- The top has a non-slip grip.
- Heavy-duty and long-lasting
- It includes precision-machined jaws.
3. South Bend MD-SKPL Skinning Pliers
The majority of catfish pliers on the market have either a thin covering on the handle or no handle at all. This is not the case with this South Bend skinner.
To begin with, the unit has a thick covering on the handle. This layer will boost comfort and allow you to operate with the plier for extended periods of time without becoming fatigued. Furthermore, the coating will make the handle non-slip. Again, this will improve your comfort and allow you to operate more efficiently with it.
The plier’s overall structure is robust. It is made from high-quality materials. As a result, it will be able to sustain a huge weight. Essentially, you will be able to use it for a long period without experiencing any structural concerns.
The jaws include a heavy-duty spring, exactly like the pliers we just looked at. That spring performs an outstanding job of keeping the jaw in place. It will also ensure that the jaw self-opens properly for a lengthy period of time without defects.
On that note, the jaws feature jagged edges. As a result, it will be easy to grasp the fish skins without exerting too much effort. Furthermore, the jaws are composed of high-quality steel and will not reveal any structural flaws readily.
Highlighted features include:
- The handle has a thick rubber coating.
- Highly ergonomic and comfortable
- It has suitable self-opening jaws.
- The jaws have pointed tips.
- Long-lasting and durable
4. Ugly Stik Fish Skinner Tool
Most skinners on the market do not allow for easy one-handed use. However, if you are seeking for anything that will allow you to do so, you might consider this Ugly Stik device.
Although the brand name may put you off, the instrument is not at all unsightly. Instead, it has a strong and contemporary appearance. In fact, it appears to be better than most other skinners on the market. So, if you acquire this skinner, you won’t have to deal with anything that appears like it’s from the Middle Ages.
Aside from its appearance, the device’s general functioning is excellent. For the handle, the company used a triggered reverse grip design. This will allow you to operate the tool with one hand without difficulty. Furthermore, because of the ergonomic form of the handle, it will be comfortable to operate with for an extended period of time.
But wait, there’s more! This one has a spring-loaded jaw as well. The spring essentially ensures that the self-opening mechanism operates smoothly. And you won’t have to exert too much pressure to for this to function. The jaws are also rather keen and will appropriately grip the fish’s skin.
In addition, the jaws’ general structure is made of 420 stainless steel. This steel is quite robust and will keep the jaws functioning properly for a long period. A 36-inch lanyard is also included with the bundle. As a result, you can conveniently transport the skinner wherever you go.
Highlighted features include:
- It has a strong and contemporary design.
- The handle features a triggered reverse design that increases comfort. It also has a powerful spring for the jaws.
- Simple to use
- The jaws feature razor-sharp edges.
5. Skinzit Electric Fish Skinner
You don’t like the manual skinners? Do you want anything to skin the fish for you? What you’ve been hunting for all along is most likely this Skinzit catfish skinner.
Because it is electric, it can handle each fish fast. It will only take half the time that a traditional manual skinner would. That implies you’ll be able to handle a huge number of fish in a short period of time. And as a catfish angler, this may undoubtedly help you become more efficient.
However, just because it peels fast does not imply there will be a lot of waste. In fact, it is so effective that none of the flesh will come off the fillets. That is something that a normal fish skinner cannot guarantee. Furthermore, the equipment can effectively remove rib bones.
There will be no need to go through any difficulties when running it. It features huge buttons and is ideal for handling catfish. The device also has a rechargeable battery. That means you may bring it with you to the fishing area and skin the fish right away.
Another feature that distinguishes it is its maintenance procedure. The intake wheel may be simply removed and cleaned. The same holds true for the other moving pieces. As a result, it will be quite simple for you to maintain the gadget and guarantee that it runs well for an extended length of time.
Highlighted features include:
- Fully automated and electric
- Skinning catfish takes only a few minutes.
- Can effectively extract the rib bones Rechargeable and simple to use
- Removes the skin without leaving any waste.
6. Maybrun 03101 Catfish Skinner
Mayburn has provided us with yet another fantastic skinner. Do you want to discover what makes it so special?
First and foremost, it has a distinct design. The handles are equipped with gripping dots to guarantee a secure grasp while operating the tool. You won’t have to worry about anything wearing out because there is no rubber on the handle. The same holds true for the tool’s other components.
What exactly do we mean by that? The overall structure is made of high-quality hardened steel. Because of the material’s durability, you may use it for a lengthy period of time without experiencing rust. The external nickel finish is also long-lasting.
Aside from that, it includes self-opening pinchers. These pinchers contain a suitable spring that helps to smooth out the self-opening action. The tool will also be easy to use thanks to the smooth spring action. In other words, you’ll be able to handle a huge quantity of catfish in no time.
Furthermore, the jaws can correctly grasp the fish’s skin. This will increase your speed when skinning even more. They can also clip off the fins. This means you won’t need to use another special instrument to handle the fish’s fins.
Highlighted features include:
- The handle has grasping dots.
- It has a long-lasting nickel finish.
- It is made of high-quality steel, so it will endure longer.
- The jaw has a good spring to it.
- Can grasp the skin and fins properly, allowing you to be extremely efficient.
7. Eagle Claw Deluxe Skinning Pliers
The problem with most catfish skinners is that they are not suitable for everyone. Some will need sophisticated abilities. We did, however, identify one that is suitable for almost everyone. And the skinner comes straight from Eagle Claw.
First and foremost, consider the size of the jaws. They measure 1-1/2 inches. And that is very much the perfect jaw size. As a result, working with different sizes of catfish will be easier for you. When it comes to pulling the skin off, you will not have any issues.
However, the size of the jaws is not the only factor that makes this skinner suited for everyone. It is designed to be simple to use. The handle has the proper degree of ergonomics, and you will be able to hold onto it without difficulty. It also includes a rubber grip, so you won’t have to worry about your hands slipping.
The unit’s overall construction is excellent. It is made of high-grade stainless steel. Because of the high quality of the cloth, the skinner will endure a long period without displaying indications of wear. Furthermore, the jaws will not lose their sharpness quickly. As a result, you won’t have to bother about resharpening the jaws on a regular basis.
On that note, because the jaws are sharp enough, they will appropriately grip the skin. You won’t have to waste time trying to get them to dig. As a result, it will be feasible to swiftly manage a huge number of catfish.
Highlighted features include:
- The jaws measure 1-1/2 inches in length.
- It is simple to use and has ergonomic grips.
- The grip on the handles is non-slip.
- Long-lasting and durable
How to Skin A Catfish Like A Pro?
Getting a good skinner is only half the battle; the other half is learning how to use it effectively. But don’t worry; using them like an expert is simple. Do you still not believe us? Follow these steps to find out for yourself.
Step 1: Clean the Fish
To begin, you must make slanted incisions behind the gills. Make small slashes on either side that meets the fish’s guts. Then, using the knife, cut along the fish’s spine.
Begin with the ends of the first cut and work your way to the tail. After that, cut open the skin all the way down the middle of the belly. Make sure not to go too far. Finally, cut vertical slits on each side of the tail.
Step 2: Ensure that the Plier has a firm grip.
The fish is now ready to be skinned; use the plier to do it. Make it grip on the skin directly behind the gills.
Step 3: Remove the Skin Immediately
To remove the skin, first scrape a small amount off the gill region using your fingertips. Then, correctly grasp the plier and peel back the skin. If you don’t do it in one continuous motion, the skin will rip and making the operation tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you eat the catfish skin?
Chemical pollutants are commonly found on the skin of catfish. As a result, it is strongly advised to peel the catfish before eating it.
2. How difficult is it to peel a catfish’s skin?
Peeling catfish is not difficult. All you have to do is use the suitable skinner and follow the proper procedure.
3. How long are catfish peelers good for?
That will be determined by the skinner’s construction quality. Its durability will be increased if it is of great grade. And it will be effective for a long time.
4. How much do catfish skinners cost?
Absolutely not! Budget choices are available on the market. In fact, we have a few of low-cost solutions on our list!
5. Are electric peelers superior to hand peelers?
Electric peelers are completely automated. This will help you to complete the peeling operation in a timely manner. However, they are quite pricey and will need some care.
Last Words
With the best catfish skinners, preparing your catch for cooking will be a breeze. And we can guarantee that any skinner on our list will provide you with an excellent user experience because they match all of the important requirements. So, without hesitation, choose one.