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Fishing big cats is just as much an "artform" as bass or walleye fishing. It takes knowledge, know-how, understanding,
and most importantly PATIENCE!
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| We gonna get us a biggun'! |
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This is a rundown of the 3 most sought after catfish species in the U.S.
The Channel Cat (Ictalurus punctatus):
Channel cats are the most commonly caught species of catfish in the U.S. with the exception of the Bullhead species.
They are commonly mistaken for blue cats because of the powerful resemblance between the two. Juvenile channel cats will
often times have black spots running the length of the body on both sides of the gill plate. This will fade as they age and
they will become a more slate blue color. Channels have a deeply forked tail and the anal fin will contain 24-29 rays with
the bottom edge of the fin being rounded.
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The Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis olivaris):
The Flathead Catfish is North America's second largest catfish, exceeded in size only by the Blue. Just like the name
the Flathead has a broad flattened head, with a wide gaping mouth. Unlike the Blue and Channel Cat the Flathead's bottom
jaw protrudes slightly out in front of its upper jaw. Flatheads range in color with most having a light brown skin with dark
brown to black mottling. The belly ranges from pale yellow to a creamy white. There are instances however where Flatheads
can be a aqua blue, to an almost mustard yellow color. There is no fork in the Flathead's tail and its anal fin is short,
sporting 14-17 rays.
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The Blue Cat(Ictalurus furcatus):
Blue Cats are the largest North American catfish species. As the name suggests these fish are bluish to grayish
in color, although some can appear silvery as well. Unlike Channel Cats, Blues even at a young age display no spotting. Blues
are somethat "stockier" than Channle Cats in that their heads usually appear to smaller compared to the
rest of their body proportions. Their profile from their dorsal fin forward is straight and steeply sloped, giving the body
a distinctive wedge-shaped appearance. They, like Channel Cats, have a deeply forked tail. However their anal fins are considerably
longer having 30-36 rays and straighter bottom edge.
The Blue Cat:
Blue Cats are big river fish, thriving in the strong current of mainstream rivers. They, much like the Flathead are also
very popular stocking fish in paylakes.
Blues are often "opportunistic" feeders, meaning they will eat whatever food is available. Although fish are their primary
food source, they will also bite insect larva, nightcrawlers, cut fish bait, and like the Channel Cat, rotting baits such
as rotting baitfish, or prepared dip or stink baits.Blues prefer faster, clearer water than the above species and usually
found over clean sand, gravel or rubble bottom. Blues prefer water temperatures in the 77-82 degree range but are also
very aggressive feeders in winter months unlike the Channel or Flathead. Blues like deep water with cover. They will often
times travel in groups in search of schools of baitfish. Find a big school of baitfish in a deep river hole and you'll likely
find Blue Cat. The Blue Cats native rivers are the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi.
| Natural Range For Blue Catfish |
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Food and Habitat for each species:
Channel Cat: Channels can be found in nearly any nearby river or lake fed by river, and are very
popular stocking fish for paylakes, farmponds and lakes maintained by the state. Channels are not very selective in their
food habits taking live fish, such as small bluegill or shad or even dead and rotting ones. Cut portions of these fish work
very well also. They can also be caught on larval aquatic insects, nightcrawlers, waxworms, and even chicken liver. Prepared
dip baits and stink baits bought at your local baitshop work as well.
Channels like other cats like cover and deep holes in rivers or lakes. Log and brush piles, tree stumps, undercut banks
and deep holes in river bends and at the end of a riffle in a river are just some of the places Channels reside.
| Natural Channel Cat Range |
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Food and Habitat for each species:
Flathead Catfish:
Flatheads can be found in most large river systems in the U.S. particularly in the south.They are also very popular stocking
fish at paylakes. Flatheads will more readilly hit a live batifish than any other kind of catfish bait. Bluegill, shad,
suckers, small carp, and herring are the most popular baits for Flats. Yellowbelly bullheads are an exceptional bait as well
and stay alive on the hook longer than the rest.Flatheads dont care for current much, prefering slackwater areas along rivers
to rest and feed. Flatheads hold tight to any underwater cover available throughout the day, only to leave come nightfall
into shallower water in search of food. . Of all the species the Flathead is the most nocturnal.  | |
| Natural Range For Flatheads |
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What Are Good Catfish Waters?
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Equipment: Rods, Reels, and Tackle
Catfish are not only known for growing big, they are known for fighting big as well. When you
hook a trophy cat, he is sure to let you know in a big way that he dont much care for it!! Thats why having the proper equipment
is essential.
Reels:
Baitcasting or Spinning reels made for big river or saltwater will work as well as any made to
handle 20-25lb. test fishing line. Baitcasters rank among the most popular for catfisherman, namely the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur
6500 to 7000 series. These are super tough reels capable of handling big line and a big fight. Most models come equipped with
a baitclicker device that allows your reel to sit in a freespool mode while keeping the line under slight and constant tension.
When a fish begins to take line out the clicker will go off notifying you of the strike. The bigger spinning reels for saltwater
fishing have these options to. Examples being the Shimano Baitrunner 3500-4500 series, the Silstar Baitfeeder, and the Mitchell
Fullrunner with an audible electronic alarm. (these work well but can get very annoying) You can take your chances on smaller
reels but a 30lb Flathead vs. a Zebco 33......well my money is on the Flathead!
Rods:
The last thing you want in a long drawn out fight with a monster cat is to see your rod totally
bite it midway through the ordeal. Medium Heavy to Heavy action rods work best when hunting large cats. These rods are made
for the long haul and to withstand alot of abuse. Personally I believe the graphite rods to be much more durable than the
fiberglass rods and thats what I stick with.
Some examples of good rods are the Ugly Stick by Shakespear, The Berkely Big Game and E-Cat rods,
the Cabelas Whuppin' Sticks and Salt Strikers, and the Eagle Claw Water Eagle Rods. Be sure to check the line rating on the
rod as well as the weight rating before buying.
Line and Tackle:
My buddy Charlie thinks its funny to run 10lb test when he paylakes big cats, me I just shake
my head "no thanx!". Now the good thing for Charlie is that he has the fish fighting experience to land very large fish on
very light line. Me on the other hand, I couldnt fathom the thought of hooking possibly my best fish ever and losing
it to a line not rated for that size fish. Thats why I always use 20lb test or better when hunting big cats. Every catfisherman
has his/her favorite line. Mine is the Excalibur line by Silver Thread. It has great knot strength and sinks quicker than
any other mono or copolymer line Ive ever seen. My end advice....when going after big cats, use a big line. As for tackle,
a 1/2 to 4oz. sinker is normally suitable depending on what body of water your fishing and how strong the current is. I normally
use a barrel sinker or bank sinker in the 1oz. range in a slip sinker rig up. For hooks a 1/0 to10/0 octopus, kahle, or circle
hook is the most common for big cats. Remember you buy cheap hooks you get cheap quality. My all time favorite brand is Gamakatsu.
Bring the right tackle with you and its one less worry you have when going after your "fish of a lifetime"!!
"Straight lines and bent poles, a way of life"
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