For grizzled anglers and avid sports fishers, flathead catfishing is an exciting sport. For first timers, this endeavor is an overwhelming challenge, what with it being a test of patience. The task calls for your constant attention in checking out the lines, sitting for a couple of hours, and waiting for the signal that the fish has finally taken your bait.

Fishing for this catfish species becomes easier when you know the basic facts and eating habits of this species. Reeling them can be a bit of challenge as they can offer stiff resistance being one of the biggest catfish species that you can find in the world today.

Size and description
The flathead catfish is distinguished from other catfishes by their flat heads, yellow underbelly and mottled brown body. When you are fishing in rivers and lakes, expect flatheads that weigh around 40 to 50 pounds. You will notice a protruding jaw that protrudes its upper jaw, flat eyes and oval shaped body. Its tail fin is a bit notched and straight edged.

Flathead Catfish Basics
Its flat head, yellow underbelly and mottled brown body sets it apart from the rest of the catfishes varities. Flatheads weighing upto 40 to 50 pounds are commonly found in lakes and rivers. They typically have a protruding upper jaw, oval shaped body, flat eyes, and fins with straight edges.

Where to Find the Flathead Catfish
The flatheads, without being easily detectable, are particularly fond of clear and running water. If you’re fishing in lakes and rivers, the best spots to position your baits are in the lone rocks, brush piles, and submerged trees and logs. Since the water current in these areas are strong, you have to be extra careful. It’s best to cast a net in portions with lesser water current. Vast water reservoirs are also the common thriving places of these flatheads.

Often easily attracted to light, they also feed during the day and night through site. They feed off the lake or on river bottoms so it would be vital that you keep baits on those locations for a big catch. Flatheads prefer live baits so it is recommended that you also try small fish baits like minnows, bluegills and shad. Live fish bait can be suspended from the trot line or fished on a pole. Keep the bait in an insulated cooler and add frozen water to maintain temperature.

Gear
Flathead catfishing doesn’t require special or expensive gear, just the conventional rod or fishing pole. However, veteran catfish anglers utilize bank poles and jugs for better fishing, or cast throw-lines. In addition, the species’ wider mouths are best baited by bigger hooks, so a size 7 or 8 would be ideal. Like any fishing secret, the best catfishing techniques are those proven with enough time and trophies. To get the most out of the sport, ask the veteran anglers in fishing forums for tips and tricks on landing the biggest flatheads.

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