Flathead Catfish?

[PADavid]

Are these monster in your area? I have several friends who target them and have caught fish up to 40 lbs

I have several friends who target them and have caught fish up to 40 lbs

Me too









Just some of the big fish from last summer.

come on those arent even that big, jk. what type of bait do you use for those mosters. Im guess some type of cut bait.

Slim
I use lively baitfish for bait for flathead.




I catch flathead on rod and reel.



Then release them so they can grow up.

[FishingLTJ]

Very nice. I know how to fish for them, but sometimes don't have the patience for them. I have only caught a few in my lifetime. But once you catch one, it's hard NOT to fish for them. You almost need saltwater gear to manage these beasts.

You almost need saltwater gear to manage these beasts.

You can not overpower them. They will rip the hooks out of their flesh fighting. You can wear them down with finesse and patience



I have landed flathead up to 52 pounds on 20# mono.
My preferred line is 36# but keep in mind I am
searching for an 80 pound fish.

[FishingLTJ]

True, true, I wasn't implying to overpower them! I am all for the fish, I was just making an overstatement. Nice fish! Nice gear also!

[richardh]

those are some nice cats bud...i couldnt agree more about them pulling the hooks...i use 65 lb power pro because of the abrasion resistants but ya still have to let them take some drag if they got some size to them...im a fan of big lively bait regardless of what species the bait is...for blues ill use cut skips or bluegill heads...once ya start to target large flats and blues its suprising how many are in the waters you have fished your entire life...keep on fishing for them fourty plus cats and you will hang into one eventually i promise...keep on castin folks