A modern composition (1985) by the band Volo Bogtrotter's member Steve Rosen who wrote the tune on a fishing vacation in Florida. It seems he received advice from an old black man on how to clean catfish, notoriously difficult because of their tough skin -- 'nail its head to a tree and pull the skin off with pliers'. The tune has become quite popular among old-time fiddlers, especially in the Mid-West. Interestingly, in the southern tip of Indiana, pan-fried catfish are known as 'fiddlers'. The reel has become a staple of the old-time fiddle repertory. It is in our Monday night jam list.