By Robby Robinson

Flathead catfish are efficient predators. Slowly stalking baitfish or ambushing, they use their stealth to get close enough to their prey to utilize their size and power to quickly engulf a meal.

A knowledge of flathead behavior and a lot of patience is requires to consistently land trophy sized flatheads on a consistent basis.

Catmen must be prepared for brute strength when fighting flatheads. Drags must be properly adjusted or these fighters will demolish even the heaviest tackle.

Fishing at night is usually more productive. Flatheads love underwater structure and seem to prefer submerged timber if it is available.

Although there may be some preferences in different fisheries, flatheads will eat any live fish they find. I feel that baitfish that move around and send out vibrations will attract flatheads foraging at greater distances from your bait.

Placing baits at submerged creek channels can be deadly. Before the spawn flatheads move a lot each night to locate spawning spots and potential mates. Males engage in pecking order fights to dominate choice spawning sites. Creek channels are pathways to and from feeding locations.

Flatheads are a worthy adversary and a game fighting fish. Please release these huge fish after weighing or measuring and snapping photos.

Flathead fishing is not for everyone but for those with patience and determination, the thrill is as good as freshwater fishing gets.

Catchabiggun,
Robby

katfish