Switching targets for a while I think?

I have been pretty much devoting my fishing efforts to faltheads in the last few weeks(when fishing time was avail), my overall success has been pretty good, but the fishing is becoming spotty, along with my fishing time.

Does anyone else slow down and chase channels when the flatheads go into spawn mode? I still usually end up with a flathead here and there(sometimes several) on fresh cut baits in the month of july. A thought ran across my head to skip the hair-pulling next few weeks of chasing flats, and refocus my attention on channels which are easier to target… and enjoy the random flathead action as it comes on the channel bait.

Anyone think I’m foolish for switching my focus at the end of pre-spawn? My unpredictable fluxuations in fishing times is definately pushing me towards the easier trips.

Hey, man, it’s all fine as long as you’re not chasing bass.

Last year after struggling with the Flathead bite, and after reading Steve’s post on drifting for Channel Cats I gave it a try. It saved my Cat season big time. 8-11lb Channel Cats on walleye gear was the cure for me
I will be drifting again here soon for Channel Cats Right now though I am still on the Flatheads somewhat, so it has been hard for me to put down the big stuff! Maybe next week one night after work.
With that said, go for it Dave A Cat is a Cat

Bret

In previous years, my success rate has been best for flatheads on cut bait once the spawn has taken toll on the action, we had some really good nighs for flats targeting channels. That time isnt so far away.

I keep the big gear out when targeting summer channels.. a chanel in the teens can put up a heck of a fight… and it doesnt leave you helpless when a flat does inhale your bait fishing structure…

Man.. its hard to picture going out not chasing flatheads directly, however, it was nice last night watching the rod load up with fish regularly when everyone else on the river was having a tough time.

Dave – I’m getting reports of clouds of bait on the St Croix. Some fisherman are picking up channels pulling nightcrawler harnesses for walleyes. I’m going to shift my focus to drifting for channels starting tonight. Once you can find the bait the channels are usually not far away. Last year I picked up the occasional flathead while drifting. I think the time is right to change tactics.

I’m planning on targeting flats this weekend and depending how I do, then it might be time for me to switch my focus for a while.

I have been throwing out cut bait for while now usually in known Flathead areas while others are targeting Flats, my results have been poor so far but seeing some of Daves channel catches resently has givin me hope…

I had high hopes for a while and had big baits on both poles but last week was real slow and I turned to cutbait just to catch something. I ain’t gonna claim they are all twelve pounds though. It would be harder to choose with just one pole.

Just being honest (as always) here, I have never caught a flathead over 8lbs on a cut bait. Not sure if I’m doing something wrong or what but, I sure like having live bait jumping around when fishing for the Flatheads.

Cut baits have produced me some very nice fish at night. 11lbs being my personal best channel cat, but also some pig sheepies which are a hoot to catch
When playing CPR big fish are big fish to me, sheepie or cat

I plan on asking some questions tomorrow night

Bret

Aug 30, 2006 – Big River Flatheads

I know, I know I have watched that video more than you know.

Like I said, get ready for questions

Drifting for Channels Huh. I might need a lesson or two Steve. That sounds like fun.

Steve is the pro for drifting He helped me make some good reports that worked great on pool 8….C-15Rig

I would like to try it on the St.Croix.

I shifted gears earlier this week.. Fished with Cut the last two times out. Last Sun, 4 channels 4-6lbs loving the Frozen cut. Last time out the Big 0….
The Flats have moved into the spawn give them a week or two and you will see an improvment in many areas.