Also known as
- Yellow Cat US
- Mudcat US
- Opelousas US
- Shovelhead Catfish US
- Johnnie Cat US
Identification
A large robust freshwater ambush predator with a distinctively flattened broad head and projecting lower jaw. The heavy muscular build delivers raw power and sustained bottom-hugging resistance that wears down even experienced anglers.
- Pale yellow to light brown flanks with a cream belly and cryptic mottling
- Broadly flattened head with a protruding lower jaw
- Long sensory barbels around the mouth for locating prey by touch
- Slightly notched tail, not deeply forked
- Sharp spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins — handle with care
Where it holds
- Rivers
- Lakes
Behaviour
Solitary ambush predator feeding exclusively on live prey — waits motionless in structural cover (logs, undercut banks, woody debris) for prey to cross its path. Territorial, especially during reproduction. Nocturnal — conceals in deep cover by day, moves shallower than 3m at night to hunt. Adults over 25cm are almost exclusively fish-eaters; cut bait rarely produces quality fish. Non-migratory with small home ranges. Feeding peaks 19-30°C (66-86°F).
Diet: Bluegill, Shad, Sunfish, Bullheads, Crayfish
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Live Lining
Hook a live 20-25cm bluegill, shad, or bullhead through the back or lips and fish it tight to woody debris, log jams, and undercut banks. The more commotion the better — flatheads home in on struggling prey. Target 3-6m depth during the day, shift shallower than 3m at night. Circle hooks reduce gut-hooking on committed runs.
Bottom Fishing
Anchor a live or very fresh bait on a heavy slip-sinker rig near deep pools, log jams, and woody debris piles. Use enough weight to hold bottom in current and target pile structure at least 3m deep. Set multiple rods across depths overnight — flatheads leave cover to hunt in low light.
Float Fishing
Slip-float a live bluegill or shad near laydown trees, bridge pilings, and visible structure. Adjust float to suspend bait at the ambush depth — shallower at night, deeper by day. Visual strike indicator is useful when fishing multiple rods after dark.
