How to Catch a Flathead
Flathead catfish regularly grow to more than 100 pounds. They are stubborn and strong fighters once hooked, requiring the use of stout fishing gear. The key to catching Flatheads is finding good habitat--they like to lie in deep water in cover. Flatheads prefer live bait, preferably a small sunfish. Fishing for flatheads is also a waiting game.
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Things You'll Need
- Spinning or casting rod
- Reel
- 20- to 30-lb. test monofilament
- Hooks--steel 7/0
- Lead weights
- Live bait fish
Instructions
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1
Select the right gear: a 7- or 8-foot rod with a medium to heavy action (either a spinning or casting model will work); a reel to match the rod loaded with 20- or 30-lb. line; and heavy steel hooks in big sizes (7/0 is good). These fish are big and strong and require gear to match.
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2
Find where the fish are lying. Flatheads occupy deep water, whether in rivers or lakes. They seek out cover such as stumps, brush and rocks.
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3
Rig up your line by tying a lead weight to the end of it. The water you are fishing determines the amount of weight on the line. A lake requires less weight than a river; a strong river current requires more. Keeping the bait down in one place is the goal, so use the right amount of weight to accomplish that.
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4
Tie a heavy 1-foot leader on the line two feet up from the weight. Tie the hook on the leader. Use a live fish for bait, such as a small sunfish, shad or goldfish. Hook the fish through the upper body, just in front of the dorsal fin.
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Cast the line out into the water, wait for it to sink to the bottom, prop up the rod and wait. Occasionally reel the line in and check to make sure the bait is still on the hook. Wait for a flathead to notice your bait and swallow it.
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Tips & Warnings
Summer is the best time to fish for flatheads.
Flatheads are nocturnal feeders, so fishing at dusk and at night is most productive.
If you fish an area for some time with no results, move to a new spot.
Take care when handling hooks to avoid hooking yourself.
Some of the best places for flatheads also attract poisonous snakes. Be careful where you sit and put your hands.
