The flathead catfish, scientifically known as Pylodictis olivaris, is a large catfish native to North America.
It is also commonly referred to as the “yellow catfish,” “mudcat,” or “shovelhead catfish.” Flathead catfish are highly sought after by anglers due to their size, strength, and challenging nature.
Here are some key characteristics of flathead catfish:
Appearance: There is something distinctive about flathead catfish, including their broad, flat heads and their wide mouths filled with sharp teeth.
Their bodies have a mottled brown or yellowish-brown coloration, which helps them camouflage in their habitat.
Size: Flathead catfish can grow to impressive sizes. They have been known to reach lengths exceeding 4 feet (1.2 meters) and can weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
However, most flathead catfish caught by anglers are typically in the 10-50 pound (4.5-22.7 kilogram) range.
Habitat: Flathead catfish are predominantly found in freshwater systems such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and large impoundments.
They prefer areas with plenty of cover, such as submerged logs, rock piles, and vegetation.
Flathead catfish are known to be particularly fond of deep holes, undercut banks, and areas with structure.
Feeding Habits: Flathead catfish are opportunistic predators and primarily feed on live prey, including fish, crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic organisms.
They are known for their ability to swallow large prey whole due to their expansive mouths.
Behavior: Flathead catfish are generally solitary and nocturnal, becoming more active during the night.
They are known for their strong fighting abilities, making them a challenging and exciting target for anglers.
When targeting flathead catfish, it’s essential to use appropriate tackle, bait, and fishing techniques to increase your chances of success.
They are prized catches that require patience, skill, and knowledge of their behavior and preferred habitats.
Best Flathead catfish rigs
When targeting flathead catfish, several rig setups can be effective. Here are the three best flathead catfish rigs for bank fishing options:
Slip Sinker Rig
- This rig is commonly used when fishing on the bottom of rivers or lakes.
- Start by sliding a slip sinker onto your main fishing line, followed by a plastic bead to protect the knot.
- The main line should be connected to a barrel swivel to prevent it from twisting.
- Attach a leader line (around 18-24 inches) to the other end of the barrel swivel.
- Finally, tie a strong circle hook or Kahle hook to the leader line’s end. You can use a hook size suitable for the bait you’re using and the size of flathead catfish you expect to catch.
- Bait the hook with live baitfish, cut bait, or other preferred flathead catfish baits.
- The slip sinker allows the catfish to pick up the bait without resistance, increasing the chances of a successful bite.
Carolina Rig:
- The Carolina rig works well when you want to present your bait slightly above the bottom.
- Slide a bullet-shaped weight (1-2 ounces) onto your main line, followed by a plastic bead.
- Tie a swivel to the end of the line to act as a stopper.
- Attach a leader line (2-3 feet) to the other end of the swivel.
- Tie your hook to the end of the leader line.
- Bait the hook with the desired bait.
- The Carolina rig allows the bait to move freely and gives the flathead catfish a chance to find it while minimizing the risk of snagging.
Three-Way Rig:
- This rig is useful when fishing in areas with heavy currents or structures.
- Ensure your main line is swivel-equipped.
- To one of the swivel’s eyes, attach a dropper line (around 6-12 inches) with a weight.
- Tie a longer leader line (2-3 feet) with a hook to the second eye of the swivel.
- Bait the hook and cast your rig into the desired location.
- The weight helps keep the rig anchored while the baited hook is positioned slightly above the weight, allowing it to move naturally in the current.
Bobber Rig:
- A bobber rig, also known as a float rig, can effectively target catfish in shallower areas of lakes, particularly near cover or structure.
- Attach a bobber or float to your main line at a desired depth, depending on the water depth and where you believe the catfish are holding.
- Tie a leader line (2-3 feet) to the bottom of the bobber.
- Attach a strong catfish hook to the end of the leader line.
- Bait the hook with live bait, cut bait, or other catfish-friendly bait.
- Cast your rig near areas with potential catfish activity, such as submerged logs, weed beds, or drop-offs.
- The bobber rig suspends the bait at a specific depth, making targeting catfish in shallower areas or near structures easier.
To use secret catfish rigs for lake, adjust the size of your rig components (line strength, hook size, sinker weight) based on the size of the catfish species you’re targeting and the fishing conditions in the lake.
Additionally, consider the specific habits and preferences of the catfish species in your target lake, as they can vary.
Remember to adjust the size of your rig components (line strength, hook size, weight) based on the size of the flathead catfish you’re targeting and the fishing conditions you encounter.
Also, check and comply with any local fishing regulations before heading out.
How to use Flathead catfish rig
When targeting flathead catfish specifically, here is a flathead catfish rig setup that is commonly used:
Main Line: Choose a strong, abrasion-resistant fishing line with a suitable pound test, typically 30-50 pounds or higher.
A braided line is often preferred for its strength and sensitivity.
Leader Line: Attach a leader line to the main line using a strong barrel swivel. The leader line should be around 18-24 inches long and made of a heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon material.
A leader line helps prevent the catfish from breaking the main line with their powerful runs and rough mouths.
Hook: Select a strong and sharp circle hook or a Kahle hook in sizes 5/0 to 8/0, depending on the bait size and the flathead catfish you target.
Weight: Use a slip sinker or an egg sinker as a weight. The weight will depend on the fishing conditions and the current strength.
Weight between 1-4 ounces is typically suitable for most situations. Slide the sinker onto the main line before tying it to the barrel swivel.
Bait: Flathead catfish are primarily carnivorous and attracted to live or fresh-cut bait. Popular baits include live fish, shad or bluegill, or cut baits like skipjack herring, mullet, or chicken liver.
Secure the bait to the hook using appropriate methods, such as threading it through the lips or inserting the hook into the meaty part of the bait.
Assembly Steps:
Slide the slip sinker onto the main line.
- Thread a plastic bead onto the main line after the sinker (optional, but can protect the knot).
- Using a strong knot, attach the main line to the barrel swivel.
- Attach the leader line to the other end of the barrel swivel using a suitable knot.
- Tie the circle hook or Kahle hook to the leader line’s end using a strong knot.
- Bait the hook with your preferred live or cut bait.
This best catfish rig setup allows the bait to move naturally in the water while the weight keeps it anchored near the bottom where flathead catfish often reside.
Using circle hooks helps improve the chances of hooking the fish in the mouth, increasing the chances of a successful catch and release if desired.
Eagle claw catfish rig
The Eagle Claw catfish rig is a popular and effective setup designed for catfish fishing.
Main Line: Select a sturdy fishing line with a breaking strength suitable for the size of catfish you expect to catch. A monofilament or braided line of 20-50 pounds is commonly used.
Terminal Tackle: Start by sliding a sliding sinker (also known as an egg sinker) onto the main line.
Heavier sinkers are used for stronger currents or when you want to cast farther.
Tie a barrel swivel to the main line below the sliding sinker.
The swivel prevents line twists caused by the sinker’s movement and acts as a connection point for the leader line.
Leader Line: Attach a leader line to the other end of the barrel swivel.
The leader line is usually around 12-24 inches long and should be made of a heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon material.
Tie a strong, sharp Eagle Claw catfish hook to the leader line’s end.
Eagle Claw offers various hooks specifically designed for catfish, such as their Circle Sea or Trokar Magnum Circle hooks.
The hook size should be selected based on the size of the bait you’re using and the target catfish species.
Bait: Choose your preferred catfish bait. Common catfish baits include live or cut baitfish, worms, chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared catfish baits.
Attach the bait to the hook securely, ensuring it stays intact during casting and retrieval.
Assembly Steps:
Slide the sliding sinker onto the main line.
- Tie a barrel swivel to the main line below the sinker.
- Attach a leader line to the other end of the barrel swivel.
- Tie an Eagle Claw catfish hook to the end of the leader line.
- Bait the hook with your chosen catfish bait.
When casting, the sliding sinker allows the bait to move freely in the water, while the barrel swivel prevents line twists.
The strong leader line and Eagle Claw catfish hook provide the strength and sharpness necessary to handle powerful catfish.
Remember to adjust the size of your rig components (line strength, hook size, sinker weight) based on the size of the catfish species you’re targeting and the fishing conditions you encounter.
Catfishing rigs for heavy current
When fishing in heavy currents for catfish, it’s important to use rigs to withstand the strong water flow and keep your bait in the strike zone.
Here are two effective catfishing rigs for heavy current:
Three-Way Rig:
- The three-way rig is popular for catfishing in heavy current as it offers stability and keeps the bait close to the bottom.
- Tie a three-way swivel to your main line.
- Attach a shorter dropper line (around 6-12 inches) with a heavy sinker (1-4 ounces) to one of the swivel’s eyes. The weight will depend on the current strength.
- Tie a longer leader line (2-3 feet) with a strong catfish hook to the second eye of the swivel.
- Bait the hook with live bait, cut bait, or other catfish-friendly bait.
- The heavy sinker keeps the rig anchored in the strong current, while the baited hook is positioned slightly above the weight, allowing it to move naturally and stay near the bottom where catfish often feed.
Santee Cooper Rig:
- The Santee Cooper rig is another popular choice for heavy current catfishing, known for its stability and ability to hold the bait in place.
- Start by sliding a slip float onto your main line, followed by a bead and a barrel swivel.
- Attach a leader line (2-3 feet) to the other end of the barrel swivel.
- Tie a strong catfish hook to the end of the leader line.
- Bait the hook with live bait or cut bait.
- Use a heavy sinker (1-4 ounces) tied to a separate line connected to the bottom eye of the barrel swivel. This line should be shorter than the leader line.
- The slip float keeps the bait suspended at the desired depth, while the sinker keeps the rig stable and near the bottom despite the strong current.
Using heavier sinkers is crucial when fishing in heavy currents to ensure your rig stays in position.
Adjust the size of your rig components (line strength, hook size, sinker weight) based on the size of the catfish species you’re targeting and the strength of the current.
Additionally, be mindful of safety when fishing in fast-flowing waters and always wear appropriate gear.
How to catch flathead catfish
To catch flathead catfish, you can employ various techniques and strategies. Here are some flathead catfish tips and tricks to increase your chances of success:
Research and locate suitable fishing spots: Flathead catfish are often found near structures such as submerged logs, rock piles, brush piles, or deep holes. Research the body of water you plan to fish and look for areas with suitable habitats for flathead catfish.
Choose the right tackle: Select a sturdy fishing rod and reel combo capable of handling the size and strength of flathead catfish.
A medium to heavy action rod with a strong and reliable reel is recommended. Use a strong fishing line with a pound test of at least 30-50 pounds to handle the power of these fish.
Select the right bait: Flathead catfish are primarily carnivorous and prefer live bait.
For baitfish such as shad, bluegill, or sunfish. Use live bait that is legal and available in your fishing area.
Rig setup: The slip sinker rig, mentioned earlier, is a popular choice for flathead catfish.
It allows the live bait to move naturally while keeping it near the bottom, where flatheads often feed.
Set up your rig with a suitable hook, leader line, and weight based on the fishing conditions and the size of your target catfish.
Present your bait strategically: Cast your rig near structures or areas where flathead catfish will likely hide or feed.
Flatheads are ambush predators, so be patient and give them time to find and take the bait.
Practice different fishing techniques: Experiment with casting, retrieving, bottom bouncing, or suspending your bait at different depths.
Flatheads may exhibit different feeding behaviors depending on the conditions, so adapt your approach.
Be patient and observant: Flathead catfish can be elusive and require patience. Monitor your rod for any activity, such as nibbles or rod tip movement.
When a flathead bites, they often take the bait and start moving, so be ready to set the hook and engage in a battle with a powerful fish.
Follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release: Familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations and size limits for flathead catfish in your area.
If you catch a flathead catfish within legal limits, handle it carefully and release it back into the water to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
Remember, successful flathead catfish fishing often requires persistence, adapting to the conditions, and learning from your experiences on the water.
Conclusion
when targeting flathead catfish, there are several effective flathead catfish rig setups to consider.
The slip sinker and Carolina rig are popular for presenting live bait to flatheads.
The three-way rig can also be effective in certain situations.
These rigs allow the bait to be presented near the bottom, where flatheads feed.
When setting up these rigs, ensure you have a strong and durable fishing line, appropriate sinker weights to handle the fishing conditions, and use strong hooks such as circle hooks or Kahle hooks.
Bait your hooks with live bait such as shad or bluegill for the best chance of attracting flathead catfish.
Remember to adjust the rig components based on the size of the catfish you’re targeting and the fishing conditions you encounter.
Additionally, follow local fishing regulations and practice responsible fishing practices, including catch-and-release when necessary, to help sustain the flathead catfish population.
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FAQs
where is the best place to catch flathead catfish?
There are a number of submerged structures in waters that are ideal for catching flathead catfish, including logs, rock piles, brush piles, and deep holes.
These structures provide hiding places and ambush points for flathead catfish.
Can you catch flathead catfish during the day?
Yes, flathead catfish can be caught during the day. While they are primarily nocturnal feeders, they can also be active and caught during daylight hours, especially if the fishing conditions are favorable and the water is turbid or stained.
It’s important to note that their feeding behavior may vary depending on the specific body of water and environmental factors.
How much does a flathead catfish eat?
A flathead catfish can consume a significant amount of food relative to its size. A mature flathead catfish can eat around 1-2% of its body weight daily.
This can vary depending on prey availability, water temperature, and the individual catfish’s metabolism.
Flathead catfish are opportunistic predators and can consume a variety of prey, including fish, crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic organisms.
What size hook for flathead catfish?
For flathead catfish, it is recommended to use larger-sized hooks to accommodate their large mouths and strong bites.
A suitable hook size for flathead catfish is typically between 5/0 and 8/0.
Using circle hooks in these sizes is especially popular for flathead catfish fishing as they result in better hook sets and reduce the likelihood of gut-hooking the fish.
However, the specific hook size may vary depending on the bait you are using and the target size of the flathead catfish.