Kat-a-Log

[katfish]

I often see the question what is your favorite channel/flathead/blue cat bait posted on catfish sites.

Then I see dozens of different answers ranging from the absurd to very reasonable.


The one thing I don't see is this:
What do you think the catfish's favorite bait is?
Sometimes I think people try to impress others with
how big their bait is or how stinky or gross. Other
times they report catching cats on baits that are
more convenient for them to use.

I often use bluegill for flatheads because of convenience
and fail to experiment with other baits.

I think the bottom line should be which bait will catch
the most and the biggest catfish at this time in these waters?
It should be fairly obvious that certain baits in certain waters at
certain times will all catch the opportunistic channel cat.
But many people do not consider that the cats must feed and will
change bait of choice merely because that food source is
abundant at the time. (channel cat-bluecat)

For instance, If I told you the ultimate best channel cat bait
for trophy fish over 20 pounds was goldeye, I would in fact
be telling you the truth. Goldeye are a northern relative of
our mooneye found in rivers. I would be telling you the truth
because trophy fish in the Red River rely heavily on the
goldeye during summer. (In spring they prefer sucker and
in late summer they target frogs at Selkirk Manitoba)
This would also cause you a problem since goldeye
are not found in Ohio. This is an example of catfish preferring
different baits in different waterways.

I am looking at researching a theory I have about
flathead. I was wondering if flathead don't find
spawning fish a bit distracted or in unfamiliar
water and change prey to take advantage.

Have any of you noticed a distinct preference
for spawning fish by flathead?

In other words I am always attempting to look at life
through the catfish's point of view to make better
decisions on how to fish.
The extremely difficult part is considering all the options and changes that affect them.
_________________
Catchabiggun,
Robby

[SeanStone]

My favorite has bait has been goldfish, and it's not because of convienence. I have to drive several miles out of the way to obtain them, and they arent cheap. I have also wondered if spawning bluegills made easy targets for flatheads. There is no doubt that the flatheads cruise the shallows in search of a beding gill. I have wondered if they take advantage of the carp spawn that occurs in early spring. Carp spawn in shallow water and deposit their eggs near structure such as logs. It wouldnt be hard for a flat to cruise up and crush a carp or two. I will definately have to start taking notes on what baits the flatheads start taking througout the year to see if there are any evident trends.
_________________
Sean Stone

[ducky]

durrin spawn realy the only thing i use is goldfish due to water temps, but for flathead in april to may BIG LIVE shad is my best bait, then, mid may to june green sunfish is my best bait.
_________________
Brock