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Post by Catfishrollo on Feb 28, 2011 22:46:52 GMT -5
I started a thread a few years back on another forum which went well . So, lets get this one fired up! This is basic. If you have a question pertaining to flathead catfish feel free to ask! Others can chime in to give their knowledge. Or if you simply want to give some pointers feel free to add them as well!..... rollo
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Post by Smoothkip on Mar 1, 2011 7:30:12 GMT -5
I wanna hear from some of the Lake experts, Robby, Magis what you guys look for in a lake spot? I know you guys seem to target structure but what depths, in or out of the channel, off points, etc. Let me into you guys world for a minute and break it down for me. I want to start targeting lakes a little more this year and need a starting point. Thanks in advance!
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luckeywade
Catfish Freak
I WILL BE CATCHING HIS GRANDPA THIS YEAR!!!
Posts: 740
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Post by luckeywade on Mar 1, 2011 10:11:32 GMT -5
last year i changed over to mh big cat 76 rod.with 62lb masons line on 7000 abu.an missed alot of hook sets..when useing beef stick 66 rod same line an reel .years before my hook ups were alot better.was there something.in the not so stiff rod .that was making me miss fish?
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Post by Smoothkip on Mar 1, 2011 10:31:44 GMT -5
Im no expert Randy but I think it is a confidence thing. I know a few years ago i lost a monster fish on the river one night and i started second guessing my whole setup, Line, Hook, Knot , etc. I think your just comfortable using your broom sticks and Cable line.
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papaw714
Catfish Freak
"Pass It On Before You're Gone"
Posts: 506
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Post by papaw714 on Mar 1, 2011 13:09:43 GMT -5
Let me know how this saga works out because I've got the big cat with the Abu 7000 and the mason line now!LOL
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Post by katfish on Mar 1, 2011 21:09:44 GMT -5
Kip We can never be sure why the flathead settle where they do but we have some suspicions. We clear spots to fish from shore in areas showing submerged timber or old creek channels used for travelways. It takes months to evaluate the spots but over the years we find spots that produce big flathead. I often clear 3 or 4 spots before finding one that produces big fish. Some produce smaller flathead and others produce no flathead. After spawn, our most productive spots seem to be in 8-10 ft water in bays off the main lake. These places have submerged brush or structural ridges or channels that make hunting easier for the flathead. Most are found close to the spawning areas. In late Fall we have one spot that is in the transition area between summer and winter homes for the flathead. Although it is a large bay it holds flathead from a much larger home range bay and provides lots of flathead.
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Post by Smoothkip on Mar 1, 2011 21:33:23 GMT -5
Thanks Robby, some real good info to start my search! I appreciate it.
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Post by Skyline1506 on Mar 4, 2011 11:18:44 GMT -5
as far as bays and deep coves go I like to look for depth at the mouth changing to a shallower flat in side. preferably with structure near by but if there is no visible structure to fish in the shallower flat, we will sit very close to the ledge horizontally and drop one line off the side of the boat to the bottom of the ledge in the deeper water with a basically vertical presentation(cut/or live). Then I like to toss a big live bait on a float into the flat near the structure. When no structure is around I look for a rocky spot on the bank and throw near that, but typically i just float the bait around on the flat until a fish finds it or it finds the fish. Again though when there is any sort of structure I target that first.
One of the best lake spots we have is at an island where the main channel bends out away from the island on the main shoreline. In the channel the water depth is about 14ft. Out of that towards the island is a flat that is basically on point right at 12ft. All along the island there is fallen timber and bushes, things of that nature and it jumps to a bout 6-8 feet deep with submerged logs and visible cover all along the bank. We sit on the flat and throw float rigs in and at the cover all night and get nice flats and channels frequently.
I guess I would say I look for shallower water with deeper water or a ledge real close. I like when it is a ledge or a real quick change to shallow so that they can lay on the ledge or the deeper water and move into the shallow quickly and easily to feed. Also I like being able to fish both points when possible. I always look for structure but when it is not producing or not available with other suitable conditions we look to bigger and open bays and coves because 99% of the time there are bait fish in them and were there is bait there are predators.
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Post by Skyline1506 on Mar 4, 2011 11:19:52 GMT -5
I hope you can make some sense of that, it doesn't read as well as i wanted it to but speaking and typing are two different things.
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Post by Smoothkip on Mar 4, 2011 15:26:59 GMT -5
Good info Jordan.
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papaw714
Catfish Freak
"Pass It On Before You're Gone"
Posts: 506
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Post by papaw714 on Mar 4, 2011 15:58:47 GMT -5
A huge help, Thanks Robby and Jordan fantastic information.
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fishstick11
Member
Hunting for flattys with friends... Is their anything better
Posts: 177
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Post by fishstick11 on Mar 5, 2011 18:40:21 GMT -5
Guys do you thinks that there is to large of a bait...I'ive tried 3 to 4 pound baits but I've only ever got one bite off that big of a bait.....(bass, carp, channels, drums)
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Post by Catfishrollo on Mar 5, 2011 19:53:38 GMT -5
I don't think so within reason! LOL.. Actually, we have caught big fish on small livebaits, small fish on big baits, and big fish on big baits. Benefits of using big baits are they make more vibration often attracting fish from further away. Flatheads are predators and arent affraid to ambush fish that might be their size. We often use 1 to 3 pound baits as well.. My opinion is that good and lively is key when livebait fishing flatheads! rollo
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Post by katfish on Mar 5, 2011 20:46:06 GMT -5
I don't think you can use to big a bait. I compromise. I use baits big enough to discourage channel cats but small enough to keep several alive in a baitwell at once. If I went bigger I would be forced to use larger weights to hold them in place and then worry the cat could use the weight to throw the hook. As you can see I am not afraid to put out different baits. Lots of bluegill in summer.
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fishstick11
Member
Hunting for flattys with friends... Is their anything better
Posts: 177
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Post by fishstick11 on Mar 5, 2011 21:00:18 GMT -5
thanks guys just wanted to get your opinion
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