My Flathead Fishing Adventure

[dustylee2323]

The weather in Iowa started to warm alittle in the last couple of days,so I thought that I might try to catch me a flathead or two after the sun went down.I went down to the Slew,caught some bluegill and headed for a spot that I hoped the flatties would be.It was around 10pm when I got there.I set up my rods,hooking my live bluegills behind the dorsal fin,to keep them well alive.Usually,I have to fish all night,but last night was differnt.About a half an hour after casting my rods out,the clicker on my reel started to make that slow click,click,click sound.Being patient,I sat and waited for the right moment before I set the hook.(I wanted to be sure that the flathead swallowed my bait). As the fish finally started to run,I gave the rod a good yank,hooking the fish.Now in the past,fighting big flatheads was a all out war,but this one started coming right for the bank!I had to reel as fast I could just to keep up.When he got within 15 ft. from the bank is when he started to put up quite a fight.Up current,down current,you name it,he was doing it! For about 10 minutes I fought him,finally he gave in and I pulled him toward the bank.After getting him on land,I used my digital scale to weigh him.By the looks of him,I was guessing 25-30lbs.My scale weighed him at 38.lbs.12oz! What a great catch! After weighing him,I released him back,hopefully so someone else can catch him and have the fun and memories that I now have.

[FishingLTJ]

Wow, nice flattie! Now you need to invest in a digital camera and post some photo's of the next beast you get! Very nice catch!@

[katfish]

Great job!!

People who have never experienced the power of a
big flathead are missing out.