How To Catch Flathead Catfish
Summer is here and with it comes the perfect time of year to go fishing. Flathead catfish are some of the most sought after fish in North America, and they make for an exciting catch.
But before you set out to try and reel one in, it’s important to know the best ways to catch them. In this blog post, we will explore the strategies used to successfully reel in flathead catfish.
From bait types to tackle selection and more, read on for a comprehensive guide on how to catch flathead catfish this summer.
Location, Location, Location
The term “location, location, location” is often used when referring to real estate, but it also rings true when trying to catch flathead catfish.
These fish are notoriously difficult to catch, but if you know where to look, you’ll have a much better chance at success. Flathead catfish prefer slow-moving waters with plenty of cover, such as logs, rocks, or submerged vegetation.
They can also be found in deep pools near drop-offs or in dams and levees. When targeting flathead catfish, it’s important to fish where they are most likely to be found. While there is no guarantee that you will catch a flathead catfish in any given spot, knowing where to look will certainly increase your chances. So get out there and start fishing!
The Right Bait
Flathead catfish are known to be opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll eat just about anything. But if you’re looking to up your odds of landing a big one, you’ll want to use the right bait. live bait is always going to be your best bet. Flathead catfish are attracted to struggling prey, so using live bait that is actively wiggling will help to draw their attention.
Minnows, shad, and sunfish are all good choices. Another option is cut bait. This is simply bait that has been caught and then cut into pieces. The scent of the fish will attract flathead catfish from a distance, and the pieces of cut bait will provide them with an easy meal.
If you’re fishing in an area with a lot of flatheads, chicken livers can also be effective. Flatheads have a keen sense of smell, and the strong scent of chicken livers will draw them in from far away.
Just be sure to keep your bait fresh – flatheads can be finicky when it comes to eating old or spoiled food.
The Right Equipment
If you’re serious about catching flathead catfish, you need to have the right equipment. That means a good rod and reel, line, hooks, sinkers, and bait. You don’t need the most expensive gear to catch flatheads, but it’s important to get quality gear that can handle the big fish.
Flatheads can grow to be over 100 pounds, so you need a strong rod and reel combo that can handle that kind of weight. Your line should be strong and thick enough to handle a big fish, too. Mono filament line is a good choice for flathead fishing.
As for hooks, choose ones that are sharp and strong enough to penetrate a big fish’s tough mouth. Sinkers are important because they help keep your bait in the strike zone longer. A good rule of thumb is to use just enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom.
Any more weight than that and you’ll just end up snagging on the bottom.
The Right Technique
There are a few different techniques that can be used when trying to catch flathead catfish. The most common and effective method is to use live bait, such as minnows or shad, and fish it on the bottom.
Another popular technique is to use chicken livers or other stink baits. These baits should be fished on the bottom as well. One thing to keep in mind when fishing for flathead catfish is that they are ambush predators. This means they will often lie in wait for their prey to swim by before attacking.
Because of this, it is important to fish your bait close to cover, such as logs, rocks, or weeds. Flathead catfish are also attracted to areas with strong currents, so fishing near river bends or dams can be productive.
Sources: rivercertified