I am new to fishing, I am intimidated by fish with spikes and teeth. I
was struck by pointy fin of a cat fish and it hurt for about 5 days. I
caught a nice saugeye, but a friend of mine took it off the hook. I
thought to myself, "I am not taken this thing off". I can see myself
getting my hand ripped open trying to hold and handle these fish. Does
anyone have basic advice on how to handle fish with spikes and teeth?

Thanks

Hold catfish from the belly side (palm of hand on belly) keeping the
side barbs above your thumb on one side and between your index and
middle finger on the other.

Sauger, saugeye, and walleyes not only have sharp teeth they also have
a sharp gill plate. Hold these fish by reaching under and cradling it
in your hand, by grabbing it from the back of the head gently
squeezing the gill plates, or by sliding a finger (careful not to rip
the gill rakers) up under the gill plate near the bottom of the fish.

It's best to go out with experienced fisherfolks who handle these fish
all the time and ask for demonstration.

Jay