Flathead catfish prefer live baits, including suckers, chubs, small channel cats, bullheads and sunfish—especially bluegills. (Photo by Jeff Knapp)
The hint of sunrise brightened the eastern horizon as I helped Rod Bates launch his boat. Fifteen minutes later, Bates and I, along with fellow river veteran Dave Neuman, were anchored along the edge of a deep pool. Hooks were baited with lively sunfish and cast out to the depths, where heavy sinkers kept them pegged in position.
Rods were secured in rod holders and our eyes were focused on their tips, eagerly anticipating the first “run” of the morning—when a flathead would crunch down on the bait and swim off with it. We didn’t wait long. Within moments, following a strong hookset and a quick battle, a flathead in the 4-pound range was in the boat. It was...