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That's a good Channel Cat.
I googled "proper way to hold a catfish" and came up with some youtube videos, but youtube (and most internet sites for that matter) are blocked here at work.
See if this works.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnE0Kvc5I14
You definitely don't want to stick your fingers in their mouth. The most painful bite I ever received from a fish was when I stuck my fingers in the mouth of a Yellow Bullhead to unhook it. OUCH! They don't have big teeth, but their jaws have this surprising crushing power.
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