1st Flat of the year that ive witnessed, not huge but its a start. it was caught yesterday by my cousin rite before the storm on a big chunk of cut bait.
Cute lil guy 24″ eh
April 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm
#1059307
2012 Flathead Catfish Photos
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April 25, 2012 at 1:24 pm #1062324
I’m not here to argue with you guys on the fact that flathead’s are dormant in the winter time because i do believe that is pretty much the case. BUT…. I have caught them jigging a sonar and it was hooked inside the mouth (no i wasn’t trying to snag cats i was jigging it for walleye and i mean jigging not ripping it 5′ off the bottom as hard as i could) Anyway my question is this was this a complete fluke or do they have a “reaction strike” like many other fish do?
April 25, 2012 at 2:18 pm #1062343No need to argue.
At 50 to 55 degrees it is very possible to have a flat nail a bait. This is about the temp they start moving (and eating) toward their spawning/summer areas.
However, I believe when the flats are laying on the bottom of the river, facing up stream with their mouths open, it’s much easier for a angler to drift down stream and vertical jig a blade or jig right in the gapping mouth. Feel the resistance and set the hook right in the top of the mouth.
There isn’t a need to rip the jig which many people get the impression we’re talking about when the word “snagging” is talked about.
Now is there “one off’s” where they do bite? Very much a possibility. I just believe that it’s more likely to snag one in the mouth than it would be for the fish to turn or move to grab the bait.
If someone could capture a flat taking a bait in less than 50 degree water regularly…I will eat my words. Until then, my videos say otherwise.
Here’s two videos of wintering flats. One with a dead shad smeared around is schoze and the other with a live sucker dropped in front of him.
The top video is of a channel cat nabbing Sudden Impact Fiber Bait in the winter. Channels do eat frequently in the cold water.
PS In-Fisherman did a very nice piece on wintering flatheads that’s airing again Thursday, Saturday and Sunday…I believe.
April 25, 2012 at 2:21 pm #1062345Here’s a wintering flat just waiting for a blade bait.
April 25, 2012 at 2:36 pm #1062352That does make sense. It also makes sense as to why my PB channel cat came in a similar manner but instead of just on the lips it had the blade half way down it’s throat
April 25, 2012 at 3:16 pm #1062379Brian thinks he’s the only one that catches flatheads. The rest of us snag them.
He even tells me that when I am out fishing in his boat. “Sorry Mike, that doesn’t count. It was snagged”.
Guess what the new catch phrase is going to be this year in the boat Brian?
April 25, 2012 at 4:04 pm #1062407It’s The Peoples Flathead?
April 25, 2012 at 4:13 pm #1062408“Put an AIS sticker on it before you release it”?
April 25, 2012 at 4:18 pm #1062409Okay – just to get this back to pics of flatheads, here’s a 51 pounder from April 24.
April 25, 2012 at 6:29 pm #1062451That’s what I’m talking about! Nice fish Flat
April 26, 2012 at 2:41 am #1062626Quote:
1st Flat of the year that ive witnessed, not huge but its a start. it was caught yesterday by my cousin rite before the storm on a big chunk of cut bait.
Cute lil guy 24″ eh
HEY I KNOW THAT SPOT!!
April 26, 2012 at 12:12 pm #1062696My nephew Dave with the first flat of the year in the boat. Not a giant, but a giant to him as a personal best. We’ll get him something really big this year.
We’ve caught all our fish in the same general area this spring ever since we stated back in March. This spot is pretty much barren and flat for the most part.
I suspect we’ll be able to catch channels here all year.
He’s got a great camera too. It’s a slr digital.
May 6, 2012 at 12:34 pm #1066025I was out yesterday before to downpour and had an absolutely great day on the water. 9 channel cats and 4 flatheads. The photos are of the 2 largest fish. All caught on cut sucker, 1/0 circle hook and 15lb mono.
May 6, 2012 at 6:33 pm #1066077ice fish. I am a little disappointed I didn’t get out this week. Actually, a lot disappointed. This weather was perfect catting weather. I know they had to be active.
The upcoming week probably won’t be bad either with the rivers rising, but with opener coming up, I don’t know if I will be able to tap that.
May 13, 2012 at 10:15 pm #10679151st flat of the year. 14.5lbs. Caught on the Minnesota River in about 4-5 feet of water on a bullhead:
May 14, 2012 at 1:49 pm #1067996Quote:
ice fish. I am a little disappointed I didn’t get out this week. Actually, a lot disappointed. This weather was perfect catting weather. I know they had to be active.
The upcoming week probably won’t be bad either with the rivers rising, but with opener coming up, I don’t know if I will be able to tap that.
Don’t feel too bad the soonest i’ll be able to even think about giving flathead fishing a shot this year will be the first weekend in june
May 19, 2012 at 4:56 am #1069308The Croix finally put out tonight!
Sorry for the psyco killer look, forgot my headlamp so I was pretty blind when I got to shore o.O
May 19, 2012 at 5:09 am #1069310Ah ha, in the kayak?! let me know when you get out, I wouldn’t mind joining you!
May 19, 2012 at 7:55 pm #1069362LOL! Thanks Ryan. Your crew is always a hoot to fish with…I only told 5 or 6 stories twice…right??
May 19, 2012 at 7:58 pm #1069363I’m envious, looked like it was fun! Next time… catching loads of channels was fun too!
May 19, 2012 at 11:38 pm #1069385RyanK catching a pig! Personal best on that one?
May 24, 2012 at 2:19 pm #1041294Quote:
Hey BK, “I think this one is about the same size as the first one”.
That should go in the quotes thread.
June 1, 2012 at 1:55 am #1072753That’s my spot. I recognize the Christmas lights.
June 1, 2012 at 2:48 am #1072768Great way to show off that spot over a small flathead. pictures taken as far as 180 degrees to the right and it wouldn’t be noticeable.
June 1, 2012 at 2:58 am #1072773Quote:
Great way to show off that spot over a small flathead. pictures taken as far as 180 degrees to the right and it wouldn’t be noticeable.
If you can get within 50 yards of that spot based on that picture, you a better Sherpa than I.June 1, 2012 at 3:59 am #1072780It was a bit of a reach on the reference, but sherpas seem to know where to go when guiding people up mountains.
June 1, 2012 at 4:44 pm #1072882I apparently fish different nights than you cause i have fished the heck outta that spot, haha cool down, i am just saying. No pics here except for my avatar, ill remain anonymous. I am not trying to prove that i can catch fish. im just able to pick out most spots in pictures, i tend to spend alot of time on the river and recognize most of it when pics pop up on the web. Have fun, good luck.
June 1, 2012 at 6:36 pm #1072921
Quote:
I am not trying to prove that i can catch fish.
I don’t think most people are trying to prove anything by posting a picture of a fish they caught. Simply sharing.
I’m not ripping on you B, I guess we all have our opinions and perceptions.
June 1, 2012 at 9:18 pm #1072969Quote:
Quote:
I am not trying to prove that i can catch fish.
I don’t think most people are trying to prove anything by posting a picture of a fish they caught. Simply sharing.
I’m not ripping on you B, I guess we all have our opinions and perceptions.
Loose lips sink ships, and pics on the internet get unwanted people showing up…
But i do appreciate others posting pics. i now have the above mentioned one printed, and will find it the next night i’m out on P2.
Thanks Ryan!
June 1, 2012 at 11:07 pm #1072985thats what i was getting at, loose lips sink ships.
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