Catfish skin backing

[Pullonmylimb]

Has anyone ever tried catfish skins as a backing?  We usually hook into a bunch of nice flatheads in the spring and summer.  Was reading TBB VI and noticed a mention of fish skins as a backing.  I should have some skins available soon and didn't know how to prepare them.  First off I would probably soak rinse and repeat in buckets of soapy water to degrease/defish oil them, but then I don't know if I should dry them or freeze them or what to apply to the bow.

Not sure how tough the skin would be on a bow whether it would be good for a structural backing or more just a veneer like a snake skin.  Just figured I would try to make some use out of some raw materials and looking to brainstorm some ideas.

[razorsharptokill]

I would think it would work good. I would air dry them like a snake skin.

[Shaun]

I have seen several bows backed with flathead (some call them "yellow catfish") skins. Degrease and keep in freezer till ready to apply. Will help keep splinters from rising on thin ringed osage  - not as protective as rawhide but tougher than snake skins.

[John Scifres]

A search for "fish skins" showed several threads.  I "ttt"d some of them.

[Pat B]

I saw one not long ago on PA. Looked pretty good. No pattern but a nice grayish color.

[Osagetree]

I gotta skin dried but it aint big enough. Stuff looks and feels as tough as leather though!

[eagleone]

another member- kerryb i think has done some flathead backings, im pretty sure his trade bow has flathead on it. search flathead im positive you will come up with something

[Pullonmylimb]

Thanks guys.  Not terribly suprised that it is not a new idea although it would have been cooler if it was.

Anyhow it sounds like it is worth giving it a shot.

River needs to come down and a little warmth will be appreciated before the flatty season starts.