Live bait for Flathead Catfish | Field & Stream

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Live bait for Flathead Catfish

Uploaded on August 01, 2009

Today I went fishing for flathead catfish using sunfish as bait. I had a lot of bites and I was only fishing for 3 hours. Although, I couldn't get anything to stay on. I would get it to the boat and it would either spit the hook or break the line. Does anyone have any ideas for the size of hooks I think that could be the problem. I already use a 4/0 steel hook on 40 lb. spiderwire. Although I still had a ton of fun.

ps. I'll try to post some pics.

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from dwaynez wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

If you are hooking into cats that large I would recommend a 6/0 Eagle Claw Circle Hook, That is all I use for larger catfish, The line you are using should not be a problem, depending on the cover in the area, if there is a lot of heavy cover then step up your line to a 60-80lb Braid if you prefer braided line.

The bait you are using is what I would recommend, sun-perch or bream are the go to bait for big flatties.

Good Luck

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from christoph3857 wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

I use worms off the bottom, but I've never fished for huge cats before lol

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from flathead catfish wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

i in the minnesota river for flatheads and i use bullheads under 7 inches but,i use a 10/0 octopus hook,90lb line,330pound swivle,and 5 oz wieght.

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from fpage wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Definitely a circle hook, also try goldfish or skipjack for bait if its available in your area

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from dwaynez wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

If you are hooking into cats that large I would recommend a 6/0 Eagle Claw Circle Hook, That is all I use for larger catfish, The line you are using should not be a problem, depending on the cover in the area, if there is a lot of heavy cover then step up your line to a 60-80lb Braid if you prefer braided line.

The bait you are using is what I would recommend, sun-perch or bream are the go to bait for big flatties.

Good Luck

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from christoph3857 wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

I use worms off the bottom, but I've never fished for huge cats before lol

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from flathead catfish wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

i in the minnesota river for flatheads and i use bullheads under 7 inches but,i use a 10/0 octopus hook,90lb line,330pound swivle,and 5 oz wieght.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from fpage wrote 2 years 42 weeks ago

Definitely a circle hook, also try goldfish or skipjack for bait if its available in your area

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

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