Fishing for Flathead Catfish
Identification, habitat, techniques, and tackle—then find a captain who targets them.
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are unmistakable once you know the cues: a very broad, flattened head with a square muzzle, a large mouth with a lower jaw that can extend past the upper, and a
Flatheads favor warm, slow-moving waters: large rivers, deep pools, oxbows, and reservoirs with plenty of current breaks. They concentrate where structure provides ambush points—logjams, submerged
Live bait is the top producer for flatheads—whole live shad, bluegill, carp, or large minnows draw the best strikes. Cut bait and large stinkbaits also work, especially on big fish that key on scent;
Use stout, reliable gear. A 6.5–7.5 ft medium-heavy to heavy rod paired with a strong spinning or baitcasting reel and a smooth drag will handle most flatheads. Line choices range from 30–65 lb braid
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Captains Who Target Flathead Catfish
No captains in our directory currently list flathead catfish as a species they target. Browse all captains to find someone who might target it, or check back later as our network grows.