Yes on catfish I always cut the tail fin off, to allow the bleed out. Then fillet top to bottom keep skin on until I flip the fillet then run the knife along the skin between the board. Peeling catfish got old quick, and arms go numb after about 10+. I normally soak the fillets for 30mins to 1hr in the salt brine. I also hear the salt opens the fillet up to absorb, so I take them out and vacuum seal them with squeezed lemons, Fresh Thyme, Garlic or salted butter.
