The dorsal fin will still get you long after the fish is dead.I had a bud step barefoot on one that was dead and dried up.The barbs on the fin broke off in the wound as he pulled it out.It takes a little manual dexterity to get them off the hook and the smaller ones are the worst.Still are much easier to handle than an eel.I would rather throw my rod and reel in the water than touch one of those.Just for the record...the whiskers are harmless,just watch the fins!
Joe