The flathead catfish is a invasive species to our area, slowly moving into your own backyard. Local anglers have found that these monsters of the waterways (getting up to 5' in size) make a excellent candidate for tournament fishing as well as a delicious supper!
One of our readers is a local tournament fisher as well as a all around amazing angler. She has sent us a photo of her BEAUTIFUL catch!!!
CHECK OUT THAT CATCH!!! We dont have a exact weight because that amazing fish was caught for recreation and not in a tournament. I bet it ate good though! be sure to check out FreshwaterFavorites.com at the link above or to the right of your screen for some delicious ideas on how to prepare these fish for your family to enjoy.
The following is the upcoming flathead tournaments for our area and some info on this species to help you better target thhem in the upcoming events.
Aug 24 & 25 - Gator Classic Flathead Catfish Tournament
Gaskin Park Landing, Wewahitchka, Florida
The following is courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
Appearance: A flat head, tiny eyes, squarish tail and protruding lower jaw distinguish flathead from other. They are yellow-brown, usually mottled above, with a creamy colored belly.
Habitat: Flathead are found in the Apalachicola and Escambia rivers, where they recently arrived from Georgia and Alabama. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately-turbid rivers.
Behavior: Spawning occurs in late spring. One or both parents excavate the nest that is usually made in a natural cavity or near a large submerged object. Females lay a golden-yellow mass of up to 100,000 eggs. The nest is guarded and the eggs are agitated by the male to keep them clean and aerated. They feed on other fish, especially catfish and sunfish.
State Record: 49.39 pounds, and 42.50 inches total length (girth 36.25").
Thank you to the FWC for the useful information on appearance, habitat and behavior to help us better prepare for the fishing trips ahead! And to our local reader for some visual encouragment to get us out there on the water. Good luck and as allways be cautious of all submerged and floating debris on waterways and always comply with FWCs current regulations and guidelines at.http://myfwc.com/fishing/
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