Brave and Stupid I agree SGRIM. Yowsers! Those good ole boys aren't scared of them at all to be reaching down in the Mud and Pulling out a 4 foot dinner like that. But, Just imagine having that Catfish Fin stick you in your side, arm, armpit, or whatever. I've been stuck by much smaller ones, and they hurt like a muther! Their fins are like sharp daggers.
Sorta like Steve Irwin when he got stuck by the Stingray!
I will say though, they would make a good eating for sure! I a like good Catfish fillet dinner.