“Nail That Catfish to a Tree” was written by Steve Rosen, a banjo player with the old-time band the Volo Bogtrotters, who recorded it around 1990. Rosen wrote the tune on a Florida fishing trip, and its odd title came from an old man’s advice on how to skin a tough-hided catfish.
A lively old-time tune in the modern mold, the piece has a bright, comic spirit to match its name. It is built for clawhammer banjo and string-band playing.
The tune has become a favorite in old-time circles. The version heard here is by the Volo Bogtrotters.