the skinny on "catfish venom" all catfish have a slime layer on the skin as all fish do. The unique thing about the slime on a catfish is that it has an enzime in it that is a strong anti-toxin that helps heal them when they are cut or gouged in a fight or during the spawn when their bodies are subject to injury. this "venom" as you call it is the slime that is on the barbuels (the three fins at the back of the head) of the fish. when you are poked or cut by one of these this slime enters the affected area and stings or turns red. in some instencances there is a bacteria in the slim that can cause severe infection (see my article on hazards of catfishing) which I learned about first hand. as the fish grow older and bigger these barbuels become less sharp and rubbed lessing the chance of cutting or puncture. however there is still a chance of puncture when a 40#er is flopping in the boat. this slime layer is just in ultra potent form just like a skunk has in it's essance. when seperated it don't smell to bad just when in it's natural form it is to strong for the adverage person. this is the same thing with the slime on catfish, when cut by these fish the best way to handle it is to let it bleed a little to wash out all the bacteria and then dress it with a good anti bacteral cream and a water proof dressing. all of which should be in a first-aid kit every angler should have at all times while fishing. a good simple first aid kit can be bought at walmart or k-mart in the sporting goods section for under 10.00 and has all the nessary things needed to keep you healthy in the field. the only thing I would add would be a very sharp pen knife or razor blade and tweezers, both of which will make a bad day better when on the water. also learn how to remove a hook with fishing line and with out. that is where the razor blade comes in.