Flathead catfish are on the prowl in the upper James and many other rivers and lakes in Virginia, and they’re hungry. Unlike blue or channel catfish, flatheads are as advertised with very wide, flat heads and a lower jaw the extends past the upper jaw. They also grow big. The Virginia state record stands at 68 pounds.
Unlike other catfish species, flatheads want fresh bait. They are very aggressive and will eat any fish or other live creature they can squeeze in their large mouths. Flatheads often swat at bass lures as they pass by. The flatties are solitary and hang in deep water during the day before paroling the shallows in the evenings. A live sucker or bluegill is a favorite bait.
