The Best Baits and Techniques for Catching Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish are a prized catch for anglers due to their impressive size, strength, and challenge to land. To catch these elusive fish, it’s essential to know which baits and techniques work best. Whether you’re targeting them in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, here’s your guide to flathead catfish fishing.
The Best Baits for Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish are predatory fish, and they prefer live bait that mimics the type of prey they naturally hunt. Here are some of the best bait options for flatheads:
1. Live Bait (Bluegill, Shad, and Sunfish)
Live bait is often the most effective option for flathead catfish. They tend to hunt fish like bluegill, shad, and sunfish. These small fish are a natural food source for flatheads, so using them as bait is a great way to entice these powerful predators. Live bluegill, especially when rigged correctly, will get the attention of nearby flatheads, as their movement in the water is irresistible.
2. Cut Bait
While live bait is preferred, cut bait is also effective, especially when it comes to larger flatheads. Cut pieces of shad, bluegill, or even carp will release strong scents in the water, drawing flatheads in. Make sure to cut the bait into medium-sized chunks to allow the scent to spread more effectively. The larger the piece, the more scent it will release, and flatheads won’t be able to resist the opportunity.
3. Live Crawfish
Crawfish are another top bait for flatheads. Flatheads love crawfish because they are a natural part of their diet, and live crawfish will often attract these big fish. You can hook the crawfish through the tail or the horns to keep them lively and moving in the water, making them even more enticing to flatheads.
4. Large Worms and Nightcrawlers
If you’re fishing in areas with softer bottoms, large worms or nightcrawlers are a great bait choice. While not as ideal as live fish, they can still attract flathead catfish, especially when used with a solid rig that keeps them on the bottom. Some anglers prefer to fish worms or nightcrawlers at night when flathead catfish are more active.
5. Live Shrimp
In some regions, shrimp can be a great bait for flathead catfish, especially in brackish or saltwater areas. The scent of shrimp is powerful, and live shrimp, especially when hooked properly to allow for movement, can catch the attention of nearby flatheads.
Techniques for Catching Flathead Catfish
To increase your chances of landing a flathead catfish, the right techniques are crucial. Flatheads can be picky eaters and tend to bite at night, making technique and patience key components in successful fishing.
1. Bottom Fishing with Live Bait
Flatheads are bottom-dwellers, so bottom fishing is the most effective technique for catching them. Using a heavy sinker (1 to 3 ounces depending on current and depth) will keep your bait near the bottom. A Carolina rig or a slip sinker rig will allow your bait to move naturally, enticing flatheads to strike. Using a live baitfish such as bluegill or shad is ideal, as the movement of the fish attracts the flathead.
2. Drift Fishing
Drift fishing involves allowing your boat to drift with the current while dragging your bait behind. This technique works well for flatheads, as it lets you cover more area and present your bait in different spots. Use a slow drift to avoid disturbing the water too much. This is an excellent way to fish larger bodies of water like rivers or reservoirs.
3. Night Fishing
Flathead catfish are nocturnal feeders, and nighttime fishing is often the most productive time to catch them. They are more likely to be feeding in the evening and early morning hours, making it easier to land a big one. As they move to deeper holes at night, make sure to cast near structures or drop-offs where flatheads are known to lurk.
4. Fishing Near Structure
Flatheads love to hide around structures like submerged rocks, logs, or deep holes. Casting near these structures, whether you’re fishing from a boat or the bank, is a good way to target flatheads. Using a bottom rig with live bait like bluegill or sunfish will entice the fish to bite when they feel safe in their hiding spots.
5. Using Large Hooks
When targeting flathead catfish, it’s important to use large hooks. Flatheads have big mouths and strong jaws, so a large hook will ensure a secure hookset. A circle hook is an excellent choice because it increases the chances of the hook catching in the corner of the fish’s mouth, making it easier to land the fish.
Final Thoughts
Catching flathead catfish requires the right combination of bait and technique. Whether you’re using live bait like bluegill, shad, or crawfish, or opting for cut bait, flatheads are drawn to strong scents and movements in the water. Bottom fishing, drift fishing, and night fishing are all excellent techniques for targeting these elusive fish. By fishing near structures and using the appropriate size hooks, you’ll increase your chances of landing the catfish of a lifetime.
Remember, patience is key when flathead fishing. These fish can be elusive, but with the right approach, you’ll be rewarded with a trophy catfish. Happy fishing!