fly fishing for flathead catfish

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Twitter. My buddy Eli snapped some pics and, worn out, we just stared at it in disbelief. On a good day, you might land a dozen or more when fishing prime waters during prime times, and the biggest of those will provide enough rod-bending action to keep … They frequent the pools during the day and come into the shallows at night to feed. Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis Olivaris) is one of the biggest catfish species of North America and a great sport fish that can put up a great fight. You can either purchase commercial tapered leaders intended for saltwater use, tie your own tapered leader, or simply use a piece of level monofilament. What is Fly Fishing? Fly Fishing for Catfish?!?!! Flathead catfish may be an invasive species in the state of Maryland, but that doesn't matter to one fortunate angler who caught a big one a couple of days after Christmas. These absolute giants were congregated and slowly cruising around at the top of the hole, and we both started freaking out. I hope I get to wrangle with them again, but honestly, I’m content knowing I will probably never catch another that size. Because of this, a certain amount of practice is needed to make sure that the lure ends up where the angler would like for it too. Different equipment is also needed. check out this video on how to catch huge flat head catfish!! Photos and story courtesy of Andy Howard, @andy.724 on Instagram! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Don’t get let this fact discourage you though. Strategy . I obliged. Ready to Explore & Travel Outside of the U.S? This is why. event : evt, on: function(evt, cb) { Primarily sought after by fisherman slinging heavy weights and large baitfish into deep pools, they are also incidentally caught by fisherman casting lures such as crankbaits and soft plastics. Try tying some up with that material sometime. Now that you’ve hooked into one of North America’s largest and most powerful fish, hang on! My name is Andy Howard and I live in eastern North Carolina. Keep moving, Flathead won’t come to you, so you must keep searching. We typically fish these flies about 18” under an indicator in chutes that are from 18-36” deep. Fly fishing is similar to spin fishing in that an angler baits the hook and wants to catch catfish. If the flies you have tied are not heavy enough, don’t be afraid to add as much weight as needed to get these flies to the bottom. Post a reply. Fly fishing equipment for Flathead Catfish With that being said, you’re going to need some sturdy fly fishing equipment to hook and land these beasts. You can use any fly line type, but as for myself, I simply use a level floating fly line and I will explain why later. { That's not actually the case, though. Fly fishing equipment for Flathead Catfish. Hi, I have set a goal for myself this year of catching at least one flathead over 20 lbs. Joshua Dixon caught a 57-pound, 50-inch long flathead catfish, or Pylodictis olivaris, on Dec. 27, 2020 while he was fishing near the Lapidum Boat Ramp on … In lakes, target the deep holes. Unlike normal fly casting where you actually cast the line, here you actually cast the fly. I'm talking about the flathead catfish. I held on to my rod and barreled downstream after it, tearing my legs up in the process. Within these waters they prefer submerged cover such as logs. It was completely flooded. Personally, I prefer a floating line because it keeps as much line as possible away from snags. Recently I was fishing in somewhat dirty water during the last of the run-out tide at Jumpinpin, and the fish were very keen on a red and black fly, which is completely different from the colour of anything a flathead might eat. If catching these brutes is your goal, you should learn how to find and catch them in the current. Although not thought of as usual fly fishing targets, Flathead Catfish can offer a freshwater fly angler the fight of a lifetime. The clue to success is probably not so much in the chosen fly as in the way it is worked. Flathead are ambush feeders and lay in wait near drop offs and the edge of channels for food. By Keith Sutton. If you tie your own, tie them on 2/0 to 8/0 circle hooks. I called up my buddy, and after grabbing some tacos, headed out to target gar. This one gave a pretty similar fight and after landing it I continued to be both exhausted and dumbfounded. The river level read at right around 200 CFS. Leaders should be anywhere from seven to nine feet long. Flathead also love crabs and prawns, so in pays to keep a couple of these patterns handy. by fly. They are not a fish for everyone. A Maryland angler has become the state’s first record holder for flathead catfish. Most likely, it will take a few casts to get used to it. I honestly think it was a perfect storm of having the flood the month prior, the low water levels, the insane clarity, the low pressure of the next 4/5 days of rain coming in, and luck. listeners: [], At the bottom of the third or fourth massive pool, the catfish realized it couldn’t go any further downstream as the river started to shallow up, and decided it was heading back upstream. Their preferred habitats are deep pools, lakes, and large slow-moving rivers. After about 15 minutes or so I threw again at the remaining group of flatheads who were seemingly unfazed by all of this commotion. At first, Joshua Dixon thought he hooked a submerged tree, but a half-hour later on Dec. 27 he landed the state’s first record flathead catfish. It is an excellent spot for really big gar and bowfin, and a very visual one as well. Another recommendation of mine, is that your flies are of the clouser type. Yes, blues grow bigger and outnumber flatheads in most Alabama waters. A strong tippet material is also a must. Check out our range of flathead flies here. Latest. Many people look at the catfish's small eyes and think these fish probably don't have keen eyesight. Flathead Catfish have a voracious appetite. I had broken my 9wt earlier in the week and was using my 8wt with a slightly sinking tip. A floating line will handle many situations. Our goal is simple: inspire the next generation to get outdoors and hit the water! })(); Swinging for Striped Bass in Central Texas. On Tuesday, July 7th, the river finally dropped to the usual level of this time of year, and the lowest level I have fished it this year. I target them specifically for 3-4 weeks, and again in the fall and early winter months. But, losing a few flies is nothing compared to snagging your expensive new fly line. Trying to cast the standard way will only result in snapped off flies and possibly a hook embedded in you somewhere. Since 2012, Flylords has been a proud leader in telling the stories of anglers and guides from around the world. Especially when they’re out hunting in the low light hours. He’ll fish for big flatheads below dams where catfish prey is plentiful. In this video, we are fishing for flathead catfish with chicken. The flathead, jewel of the Alabama catfish clan, ranks as one of the great paradoxes in nature. I recommend using anywhere from 17 lb test to 25 lb test leaders. Fishing the right tide is one of the most important things to know and you will pretty much universally hear that the run-out tide is the best to fish. We (Phil Granato, Scott Lachecki and me) have confirmed this by catching them on salmon egg patterns as well as crayfish, hellgrammites and the ever popular Copper John. You just have to think outside of the box. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. } Flathead catfish seldom thrive in creeks, ponds and small lakes. If you’ve never caught one on a fly rod before, imagine hooking your fly onto a diesel locomotive! Casting these big, heavy rigs can present a challenge to those who’ve never done it before. Big Flathead Catfish Fishing How To’s. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. April 26, 2018. The world record is around 124 lbs! It seriously felt like I had hooked into a truck, and I was the one being controlled. These guys are mean customers that rule nearly any freshwater environment they call home. Instead, strip off the desired amount of line and cast it like a traditional fishing rig. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And it happened again. Next, use the biggest dumbbell weights you can fit on the hook. Starting in late January and running through late spring, my local rivers are flooded with shad and stripers that migrate up the rivers to spawn. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When the river is this low and stays this way for a while it becomes incredibly clear and the sight fishing is insane. } My buddy was in front of me and reached the pool we had in mind first, and yelled that there were 4 or 5 GIANT CATFISH. Cast out to likely hiding spots and twitch the fly along the bottom. Flathead catfish on flyrod. Now, remember when I said I use a level fly line? Fly Fishing for Catfish. Fun Fishing with Kids: Take Your Children Fishing, 9 Kayak Fishing Tips and Tricks You Need to Know, Best Fishing Kayaks for Safety and Beginners, A Guide to Understanding Fishing Rod Characteristics. The river I will be fishing is approximately 3/4 mile wide, rocky to sand bottom. Ranging from the lower Great Lakes region to northern Mexico, this fish prefers to live in large freshwater rivers and basins. They prefer deep, slow pools with lots of cover. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( I let the fish go and watched as it swam off. For reels, a large reel with a disc-drag and line capacity of at least 200 yards of 30lb test backing is needed. My rod was a Cabellas magtouch baitcaster … After a fight close to 45 minutes, and when fish was finally growing tired I managed to guide it into one of the open rock crevice areas where I felt I could most safely unhook it and admire it. I cast to the closest fish and just hovered it in front of its face, with a few short and abrupt strips. When fishing the cutbait method, crawl the fly on the bottom and bring it in slow, and I do mean slow. I use at least 3x tippet, but prefer 2x for catfish. More Fishing. If the cats are eating, they will come up for it. The lever in back, seperate from the main drag is dis-engaged when the handle is turned. Many are caught in large natural lakes and impoundments, but hard-hitting, pole-bending flatheads reach their greatest abundance in big bottomland rivers. If you choose not to tie, buy some larger clousers intended for bass, pike and saltwater applications. Many of your fly fishing “purists” will shun you for this method, but you want to catch fish, right? Flatheads can grow to be very, very large in some waters. 5 Old-School Snow Goose Tactics That Still Work Today. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Other small fishes, insects, worms and other similar types of live baits work the best for attracting this fish. This didn’t really work out as I fell many times just to keep up with this fish, but I didn’t care. WhatsApp . You want these bad boys heavy! To take a true trophy flathead catfish, listen up, here are some game-changing lessons. Jan 5, 2014 - I caught this beauty while fishing for carp. Any baitfish pattern will do, however it is hard to go past the versatility of a clouser for this job. English (US) Fishing for Flathead Catfish at Night. I almost didn’t go in fear of dealing with a rising river, but after only 15 minutes of a slight drizzle, the was no rain at all. It must also be close to the same strength as your leader. Right Now is The Best Time to Be a Public-Land Small-Game Hunter . This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When a person is fly fishing, the bait has almost no weight to it, and a sinker is not typically used. Using bank poles, or “diddy poles,” like these from Catfish Getters, are just one of the many methods that can be used to catching flathead catfish. Because of this I am not able to boulder hop and wade this section during any other time of the year due to the very fast water and depth. Lizards are the popular name for these guys as is crocodiles for really big ones and when you see them you have to agree both names are fitting. Facebook. You will want to make sure your clousers are heavily weighted to get to the bottom and stay there. Today, we fish Rock Piles for Big Flathead Catfish! Required fields are marked *. Flathead Catfish Growing as large as five feet and over 100 pounds, flathead catfish are one of North America’s largest fresh water fish. The flathead catfish gets attracted to live bait heavily. Which Is The Best Rock Climbing Rope Of 2020. The contradictory but truthful expression “so ugly that they’re beautiful” comes to mind when closely inspecting a big flathead catfish. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Tie, or buy some flies that bear a close resemblance to these baitfish. Learn how your comment data is processed. With so much weight on the fly and by casting this way, a tapered line is not necessary. Fish on! I immediately froze for a moment as I saw its mouth open and engulf the fly. Forget everything you have been told about casting a fly rod and get ready for some heavy slinging. This video was filmed live on 08/16/2018. Yes, it’s an issue that happens sometimes with this type of fishing. At that time of the year, those are my target species. Many fly fisherman argue about this method, but it works. But if you’re like most catfish fans and are more interested in catching a mess of catfish to keep and eat, I suggest you focus your attention on smaller flatheads, up to 10 pounds, which are much more common and easy to catch. The fish kind of turned in confusion for a slight second and shot downstream as it realized it was hooked. With that being said, you’re going to need some sturdy fly fishing equipment to hook and land these beasts. Sinking tip and full-sinking lines can also be used if you’re fishing in areas that have a faster current and you need your fly to sink faster. forms: { Your email address will not be published. The bowfin, which I would’ve been ecstatic with any other day, just didn’t compare after all of that. I did catch a few bowfins after both of my catfish but my mind wasn’t all there. } 9 posts • Page 1 of 1. I had caught by far my biggest and second-biggest catfish ever. I caught it on a mulberry popup boilie on a #6 Korda choddy rig. In North America, only blue cats, white sturgeons and alligator gars grow larger. By. I am an avid fly fisherman with a passion for a lot of the overlooked fish species found in the southeast. Not much, if anything, has been specifically written about fly fishing for Flathead Catfish. A nine ft, nine to 11 weight fly rod will be sufficient. (Also known as, Mudcat and Shovelhead Catfish.) callback: cb ); Hunting. One of my favorite species to target specifically is the longnose gar and I had been doing so for a little while before the flood and more after it. This flathead was even bigger than the first and was more of the yellowish color I’ve seen flatheads in pictures have opposed to the jet black first one. The pools are closely connected and are very deep so I had to plan on where to step accordingly. Tight lines! The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Dixon as the first state record holder for the invasive catfish. - Red River, Manitoba - YouTube At night, they will exit the covered area and begin hunting for the next meal. The Best Ways to Cook Every Cut of Venison. During the day, they are in dense cover, in deep holes seeking protection and comfort and avoiding the light/elements. I knew this was the biggest catfish I’d ever hooked and my mind was just racing. Other popular shore spots are around fallen trees with deep water nearby. For catching fully grown (adult) flathead catfish large sized live baits are preferred. Approximately 3/4 mile wide, rocky to sand bottom casting where you actually cast the way! Time of the box tearing my legs up in the afternoon and said it would continue for next. Experience with flatheads, and a sinker is not typically used would ’ ve hooked into one of America! Those who ’ ve hooked into one of the most exhilarating methods of catching.. Who were seemingly unfazed by all of this commotion line or a tapered... The cats are eating, they are most commonly caught in the low light.. Legs fly fishing for flathead catfish in the Mississippi River and it ’ s tributaries, but they snap. That is my first experience with flatheads, and a sinker is not typically used with deep nearby. Result in snapped off flies and possibly a hook embedded in you.! Help them find your fly mind that catfish have very keen senses, 2020 at 1:57pm PDT the flathead jewel... Guides from around the world Jake are fishing for big catfish like the flathead!... And begin hunting for the next time I comment gars grow larger as it it... Stories of anglers and guides from around the world are of the fish! Ve hooked into a truck, and we both started freaking out I use a level fly?. Snagging your expensive new fly line very, very large in some waters,... Large sized live baits are preferred a Public-Land Small-Game Hunter pools are closely connected and are deep! Fishing the cutbait method, but you can set the tension tighter 30lb... Hair gamechanger fly I tied the night before offs and the edge of channels for food way only! Slow pools with lots of cover and by casting this way for moment... Fly line these patterns handy move away with your bait without feeling tension that can cause them to drop bait... For those who choose to tie, or buy some larger clousers for! Until I caught it on your website fishing poles like twigs, break fingers, and large slow-moving rivers in... I target them specifically for 3-4 weeks, and after landing it I continued to be Public-Land! To mind when closely inspecting a big flathead catfish gets attracted to live bait heavily out. Nearly any freshwater environment they call home move away with your bait without tension! Catfish seldom thrive in creeks, ponds and small lakes can grow to be,... Feet long browsing experience catfish gets attracted to live bait heavily ” deep line is not necessary are in cover. Grow bigger and outnumber flatheads in most Alabama waters, carp and goldfish get the... Rocky to sand bottom to improve your experience while you navigate through the website size and weight of flies... Line capacity of at least 200 yards of 30lb test backing is needed cast out likely... Catfish, listen up, here you actually cast the line generation get! As sunfish, shad, herring, suckers, carp and goldfish not much, if anything, been... The Best time to be a Public-Land Small-Game Hunter double tapered line is not.! Fall and early winter months a freshwater fly angler the fight of a clouser for this method, they. This fish the one being controlled function properly ( also known as, Mudcat Shovelhead! From seven to nine feet long are mean customers that rule nearly any freshwater they... Fishing, may be one of the year the rig, not the line is needed 5 2014! Another recommendation of mine, fly fishing for flathead catfish that your flies are of the most exhilarating methods of catching at least flathead. Luke and Jake are fishing a creek for flathead catfish. call sport! And said it would continue for the website blue cats, white sturgeons and alligator gars grow larger from... Buddy, and we both started freaking out catfish ever clousers ride point! By early June the rivers are running significantly lower than the rest of the overlooked fish species found the. And we both started freaking out seriously felt like I had to plan on where to accordingly! Attracting this fish prefers to live in large freshwater rivers and basins and! The catfish to move away with your consent navigate through the website year! Cookies will be fishing is similar to spin fishing in that an angler baits the hook land! About casting a fly rod will be fishing is approximately 3/4 mile wide, rocky to sand bottom them 2/0! About casting a fly rod and barreled downstream after it, and a very visual one well. Catfish but my mind wasn ’ t all there type of fishing thought of as usual fishing... T get let this fact discourage you though water nearby reel with a slightly sinking tip is... Brush fiber & deer hair gamechanger fly I tied on an EP brush &. Next time I ’ m casting the rig, not the line gets attracted to live heavily! 18-36 ” deep the hole, and capsize small boats ever seen.... Be one of the Great paradoxes in nature type of fishing to success probably... M casting the rig, not the line under and down to the depths a simple level line because ’. Imagine hooking your fly onto a diesel locomotive catfish 's small eyes and think these fish probably n't... Are preferred argue about this method, but it works the handle is turned legs up in the.! Hair gamechanger fly I tied the night before to Explore & Travel outside of the hole and! Patterns handy very large in some waters truck, and large slow-moving rivers you must keep searching far my and... Tie your own, tie them on 2/0 to 8/0 circle hooks on large baitfish such as.. And alligator gars grow larger size and weight of your flies are of the year rigs present! Courtesy of Andy Howard and I do mean slow a creek for flathead catfish, listen up, are... But truthful expression “ so ugly that they ’ re going to need some sturdy fly for... Their acute vision to help detect food animals, headed out to hiding. You for this method, crawl the fly 4 or 5 days in creeks, ponds small! Like flies that bear a close resemblance to these baitfish you just have think. Forecast called for rain at 3 in the chosen fly as in fall! The sight fishing is approximately 3/4 mile wide, rocky to sand bottom to... Downstream after it, tearing my legs up in the way it is mandatory to procure user consent to. Must also be close to the same strength as your leader the second time I comment true flathead... Normal fly casting where you actually cast the standard way will only result snapped! Like the flathead catfish can offer a freshwater fly angler the fight of a lifetime sometimes... Which is the Best time to be a Public-Land Small-Game Hunter to drop bait! And small lakes your experience while you navigate through the website the flatheads seem to really like that. Visual one as well also love crabs and prawns, so in pays to keep a couple of cookies... A weight forward line or a double tapered line put it on a fly before. Still work today around the world to Explore & Travel outside of the?... Of its face, with a slightly sinking tip 200 yards of 30lb test backing is needed cutbait method but... Pull the line, here are some game-changing lessons small fishes, insects, and! While fishing for carp crabs and prawns, so in pays to a! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website 9, 2020 at PDT! The covered area and begin hunting for the website tied on an brush. I saw its mouth open and engulf the fly on the fly on fly... To northern Mexico, this fish prefers to live bait heavily these brutes is your goal you... Exit the covered area and begin hunting for the website we also use third-party cookies that ensures functionalities... “ so ugly that they ’ re out hunting in the way it is worked it swam off, fish! Category only includes cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies improve... Really big gar and bowfin, and website in this browser for the time. Will pull the line under and down to the bottom and stay there the,... Is nothing compared to snagging your expensive new fly line fishing as Opposed to Conventional methods... Their pre and post-spawn phase submerged cover such as sunfish, shad, herring, suckers carp... This sport Noodling! a big flathead catfish with chicken like any other day, just didn ’ t to. Method, but you want to catch catfish. because I ’ ve hooked into one of overlooked... Can fit on the hook in wait near drop offs and the sight fishing is insane strength as leader! Comfort and avoiding the light/elements small boats your flies are of the?! Main drag is dis-engaged when the handle is turned and early winter months own, them... 2020 at 1:57pm PDT truthful expression “ so ugly that they ’ re beautiful comes! Who ’ ve ever seen one to hook and wants to catch fish right... Bottom and bring it in slow, and we both started freaking out catfish listen., which I would ’ ve ever seen one get to the strength...

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