4 replies to this topic

[littlen]

Something a little different from the norm that I usually post about.

 

My first Flathead.  Caught at Lake Gaston, (VA side). They are tanks. Didn't seem to be as spunky on the line as a Blue or Channel which are also both in the lake.  Caught on live prey, Lepomis.  She was 14lbs, and just over 30".  She was also very delicious.

 

 

[Matt DeLaVega]

Best tasting catfish by a large margin. Good for you.

[Matt DeLaVega]

Also the coolest.   By a large margin.

[littlen]

We had a 5/6lb'er (Blue) as well, but froze it b/c we had more than enough Flathead.  I had a Blue a couple summers back but can't recall the taste enough to compare.  I'll take your word for it, Matt.  I could go without eating a Channel, again.

 

Blues lose their appeal (to me) as they get huge.  Flats still look awesome at 50+lbs.

 

Also forgot to mention the fish above was very gravid.  And also had an empty gut.  Must have come out of her den to catch a quick bite before spawning.

[Matt DeLaVega]

I think the primarily live diet of flatheads makes a big difference in taste. Keep removing them. Here, I prefer not to harvest them. The paylakes have really taken a toll on Ohio river valley flathead populations.