Flatheads After Work

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Article Archives/Flatheads After Work

Flatheads After Work
by Robby Robinson - Katchaser Trophy Catfishing
USSFN: 1/12/03 - It had been a long week at work for me and Friday August 10 was no exception. The day dragged on due to my anticipation to go fishing after work. My boat and tackle were already prepared and I had called my bait dealer to insure a supply of active baits would be available for my adventure.
I asked several friends and other fishermen to join me but none were able to go flathead fishing. My partner Don told me that a trip after work on Friday put to much stress on us due to the small amount of time to get to our fishing area and get set up. He also declined my invitation.

At 2:30 PM I clocked out at my job and quickly made my way home. I picked up some spare clothes and threw them into my boat and hitched the trailer. A 2 hour drive put me in the parking lot of my bait store. I was somewhat disappointed at the size of goldfish Larry had available for me. The 3 inch goldfish were the largest available. I decided to be happy with them because by Aug 10 of some years there were usually no goldfish to be found at any bait shops. I quickly paid Larry and put the bait in my aerated livewell and continued my trip. It was another hours drive to the lake and I was anxious to be on the water.

When I arrived at the lake I launched my small aluminum boat. I tied it to the launch ramp and walked around to the docks and got the Catfish Queen. The Catfish Queen is a 21 ft pontoon boat I have modified for flathead fishing. All rails and hardware were removed in the front to make room to fight big flatheads.
I motored the pontoon to the ramp and tied the small boat to the stern. I felt much better finally getting out on the lake. There were few fishing boats on the lake but as would be expected jet skis and pleasure boats were out in force.

I brought the Catfish Queen to a selected spot and tied it to the bank. I brought the small boat around and started getting my rods and reels in order. I carefully checked the drags on my reels to assure they were set correctly and working smoothly. I made sure the reel seats held the reels securely on the rods. Next I checked the dacron line for frays that would indicated weak spots. I cut off a foot or two of line near the hooks because the line seemed frayed from the energetic goldfish. I carefully retied the knots and resharpened the 5/0 kahle hooks to a razor point.

I knew this spot had several christmas trees placed nearby by fisherman hoping to create crappie hotspots. I turned on the fishfinder and used the small boat to pinpoint their location. I dropped marker bouys on the inside edges of the trees. This would allow me to set my baits as close as possible to the trees without actually getting the baits into them where the goldfish would tangle in the branches as they swam around. I also knew that flatheads hunted these underwater trees in search of live fish.

Next I returned to bank and put my reels in freespool with the clickers to the on position. I baited the hooks and carried the baits in buckets out to a position near the trees. As I was setting my baits out I noticed another group unloading their boat on the opposite shore. From their equipment and the time of day I assumed they were catfishing.

I went back to shore and tied the small boat where it would not interfere with fighting a big cat. It was tied to be launched quickly. I plan to get into the boat if I ever have a fish taking line hard enough to potentially spool a reel. My hope is that I can keep line on the spool and wear down a big fish as he pulls the boat.

I got my big net and extended the handle and placed it within easy reach of my rods. This was not due to confidence as much as normal preparation that must be done when I fish alone.

The Catfish Queen has a full enclosure to allow me to fish in all weather conditions. My next step was to zip in the enclosure to the bimini top. Although it didn’t look like rain, I find it better to be ready for rain than to try to install the enclosure in the rain when it is dark.

With everything set I relaxed and drank an icy cold beverage. I watched as the catmen across the bay set out lines and arranged their poles. As darkness fell the pleasure boaters made their way in and the natural sounds of the lake and woods replaced the growl of their motors.

I double checked my reels to make sure they were in freespool with the clickers on and that their were no loops on the reel and no line wrapped around an eye. I always worry that a big cat might claim one of my outfits and I hate the thought of a trophy cat suffering as it drags a rod and reel behind it around the lake.

As darkness fell the lake was quiet except for the occasional animal or laughter from the other group of catfishermen. I listened intently in the darkness as I thought how lucky I am to be able to enjoy the out of doors. I was also happy that I had been able to get set up to fish before darkness fell.

About 2 hours after darkness fell I heard the clicker of a reel sound off. I anxiously picked up the rod and slipped the clicker to the off position. I gently rested my thumb on the spool to detect movement. Trophy cats are so few and far between that I want to be sure they have baits securely in their mouth before setting the hook. After what seemed an eternity, but was probably no more than 10 minutes, the fish moved again. I lowered the rod tip and pointed the rod at the fish. I engaged the lever drag and when the fish tightened the line I swung back hard and fast. I was happy to detect solid weight as the rod bowed.

The fish and I played tug of war with the line for 20 minutes. Sometimes I would reel in line and sometimes it would pull it back out. The drag functioned perfectly and I began gaining line on the flathead. As it runs became shorter and it grew tired it swung to the left. To tired to pull line straight away it hoped to avoid going in the direction I pulled it. When the fish was about 20 feet out I could here the splash each time it surged its big tail. I leaned the landing net on my side and kept the rod tip high. Through experience I have found that many big catfish are lost when the give a desperate effort just before being landed. I anticipated a final lunge and was prepared to lower the rod tip and assist my drag system if the big cat made another run.

In the darkness I saw the big head break the mirrored surface of the lake and slipped the landing net under it. I carried the cat up the bank by the hoop of the net and removed the hook. I got a rope and tied the flathead to the little boat. I hooked another goldfish and cast it as far as I dared towards the underwater brush. I grabbed another cold drink and relaxed on the pontoon lounge.

The stillness returned and I heard the trill of racoons as they made their rounds feeding along the lakeshore. Owls hooted at each other across the hills and far away I could hear the challenge bark of coyotes. Several hours later I heard the clicker of a reel. I made my way behind the rod and sat intently. After a few minutes the reel clicked 2 or 3 more times and I picked up the rod. I disengaged the clicker and put my thumb gently on the spool. After a few minutes the spool started spinning as this cat decided to move. I lowered the rod tip and flipped the lever forward to engage the drag. The line soon tightened and I whipped the rod back and set the hook.

I felt the weight of a good fish and saw a deep bow in the E-glass rod. The fish did not move fast but steadily pulled line from the reel. It swam straight away for 40 yards before stopping. As I increased pressure with the rod I could feel the cat swinging it's head from side to side. We exchanged line for 20 minutes before I started gaining line. When I had the fish 40 feet out it swung left then back right. Again I kept the rod tip high as I worked the fish near. Each time I tried to maneuver the net and hold the rod with the other hand the fish would make another strong surge and force me to hold the rod with both hands. With each attempt I was hoping the fish would weaken and allow me to net it. Finally I was able to get the big head into the landing net and grab the hoop and pull the fish up the bank.

I removed the Kahle hook from the catfish and slipped a rope in it. I tied it to the small boat as far as possible from the other cat. I did not want the 2 fish to tangle up or injure each other. I baited the rod and gently lobbed the goldfish out into the darkness. As I once again resumed my position on the pontoon boat I was happy. One trophy cat for each 3 nights fishing is normally considered good fishing and I had two roped up to be weighed. Since I was alone I might have to do without photos of these fish.

No more bites during the night so at dawn I reeled up the rods and stowed them away. I unzipped the enclosure on the pontoon and noticed the other catmen on the opposite bank stowing their boat and picking up equipment. I decided to untie the pontoon and motor across to see if they were willing to take pictures for me. The 4 guys had been indeed flathead fishing and although they had no fish they were willing to come over and give me a hand. They climbed aboard the Catfish Queen and we returned to my spot. After some quick instructions about how to run my camera, I got out my weigh sling and scales. They seemed impressed when I retrieved the first cat and it pulled the scales to 45 pounds. I carried it to the lake and quickly released it. I had decided that I was to tired from working the day before and being up all night and wanted to get pictures of the bigger fish.

Robby Robinson with the 66 pound Flathead
I pulled the other cat from under the little boat and they catmen all stared as I got it into the weigh sling. I struggled a bit to hook the sling to the scales and was delighted to see it come to rest at 66 pounds. I heard the camera click as I rinsed the cat of to take pictures. I was glad I had released the other cat since this fish fought me every minute as we tried to get pictures. I got him back into the water several times to keep him wet and let him gulp water. I finally got him to hold still for a picture before releasing him to grow spawn and fight again.

Click here to watch the video of this flathead's release so you will know that a big fish is available and he will help produce more flatheads for you and your children to enjoy.

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		Article Archives/Flatheads After Work
		Flatheads After Work by Robby Robinson - Katchaser Trophy Catfishing USSFN: 1/12/03 - It had been a long week at work for me and Friday August 10 was no exception. The day dragged on due to my anticipation to go fishing after work. My boat and tackle were already prepared and I had called my bait dealer to insure a supply of active baits would be available for my adventure. I asked several friends and other fishermen to join me but none were able to go flathead fishing. My partner Don told me that a trip after work on Friday put to much stress on us due to the small amount of time to get to our fishing area and get set up. He also declined my invitation. At 2:30 PM I clocked out at my job and quickly made my way home. I picked up some spare clothes and threw them into my boat and hitched the trailer. A 2 hour drive put me in the parking lot of my bait store. I was somewhat disappointed at the size of goldfish Larry had available for me. The 3 inch goldfish were the largest available. I decided to be happy with them because by Aug 10 of some years there were usually no goldfish to be found at any bait shops. I quickly paid Larry and put the bait in my aerated livewell and continued my trip. It was another hours drive to the lake and I was anxious to be on the water. When I arrived at the lake I launched my small aluminum boat. I tied it to the launch ramp and walked around to the docks and got the Catfish Queen. The Catfish Queen is a 21 ft pontoon boat I have modified for flathead fishing. All rails and hardware were removed in the front to make room to fight big flatheads. I motored the pontoon to the ramp and tied the small boat to the stern. I felt much better finally getting out on the lake. There were few fishing boats on the lake but as would be expected jet skis and pleasure boats were out in force. I brought the Catfish Queen to a selected spot and tied it to the bank. I brought the small boat around and started getting my rods and reels in order. I carefully checked the drags on my reels to assure they were set correctly and working smoothly. I made sure the reel seats held the reels securely on the rods. Next I checked the dacron line for frays that would indicated weak spots. I cut off a foot or two of line near the hooks because the line seemed frayed from the energetic goldfish. I carefully retied the knots and resharpened the 5/0 kahle hooks to a razor point. I knew this spot had several christmas trees placed nearby by fisherman hoping to create crappie hotspots. I turned on the fishfinder and used the small boat to pinpoint their location. I dropped marker bouys on the inside edges of the trees. This would allow me to set my baits as close as possible to the trees without actually getting the baits into them where the goldfish would tangle in the branches as they swam around. I also knew that flatheads hunted these underwater trees in search of live fish. Next I returned to bank and put my reels in freespool with the clickers to the on position. I baited the hooks and carried the baits in buckets out to a position near the trees. As I was setting my baits out I noticed another group unloading their boat on the opposite shore. From their equipment and the time of day I assumed they were catfishing. I went back to shore and tied the small boat where it would not interfere with fighting a big cat. It was tied to be launched quickly. I plan to get into the boat if I ever have a fish taking line hard enough to potentially spool a reel. My hope is that I can keep line on the spool and wear down a big fish as he pulls the boat. I got my big net and extended the handle and placed it within easy reach of my rods. This was not due to confidence as much as normal preparation that must be done when I fish alone. The Catfish Queen has a full enclosure to allow me to fish in all weather conditions. My next step was to zip in the enclosure to the bimini top. Although it didn’t look like rain, I find it better to be ready for rain than to try to install the enclosure in the rain when it is dark. With everything set I relaxed and drank an icy cold beverage. I watched as the catmen across the bay set out lines and arranged their poles. As darkness fell the pleasure boaters made their way in and the natural sounds of the lake and woods replaced the growl of their motors. I double checked my reels to make sure they were in freespool with the clickers on and that their were no loops on the reel and no line wrapped around an eye. I always worry that a big cat might claim one of my outfits and I hate the thought of a trophy cat suffering as it drags a rod and reel behind it around the lake. As darkness fell the lake was quiet except for the occasional animal or laughter from the other group of catfishermen. I listened intently in the darkness as I thought how lucky I am to be able to enjoy the out of doors. I was also happy that I had been able to get set up to fish before darkness fell. About 2 hours after darkness fell I heard the clicker of a reel sound off. I anxiously picked up the rod and slipped the clicker to the off position. I gently rested my thumb on the spool to detect movement. Trophy cats are so few and far between that I want to be sure they have baits securely in their mouth before setting the hook. After what seemed an eternity, but was probably no more than 10 minutes, the fish moved again. I lowered the rod tip and pointed the rod at the fish. I engaged the lever drag and when the fish tightened the line I swung back hard and fast. I was happy to detect solid weight as the rod bowed. The fish and I played tug of war with the line for 20 minutes. Sometimes I would reel in line and sometimes it would pull it back out. The drag functioned perfectly and I began gaining line on the flathead. As it runs became shorter and it grew tired it swung to the left. To tired to pull line straight away it hoped to avoid going in the direction I pulled it. When the fish was about 20 feet out I could here the splash each time it surged its big tail. I leaned the landing net on my side and kept the rod tip high. Through experience I have found that many big catfish are lost when the give a desperate effort just before being landed. I anticipated a final lunge and was prepared to lower the rod tip and assist my drag system if the big cat made another run. In the darkness I saw the big head break the mirrored surface of the lake and slipped the landing net under it. I carried the cat up the bank by the hoop of the net and removed the hook. I got a rope and tied the flathead to the little boat. I hooked another goldfish and cast it as far as I dared towards the underwater brush. I grabbed another cold drink and relaxed on the pontoon lounge. The stillness returned and I heard the trill of racoons as they made their rounds feeding along the lakeshore. Owls hooted at each other across the hills and far away I could hear the challenge bark of coyotes. Several hours later I heard the clicker of a reel. I made my way behind the rod and sat intently. After a few minutes the reel clicked 2 or 3 more times and I picked up the rod. I disengaged the clicker and put my thumb gently on the spool. After a few minutes the spool started spinning as this cat decided to move. I lowered the rod tip and flipped the lever forward to engage the drag. The line soon tightened and I whipped the rod back and set the hook. I felt the weight of a good fish and saw a deep bow in the E-glass rod. The fish did not move fast but steadily pulled line from the reel. It swam straight away for 40 yards before stopping. As I increased pressure with the rod I could feel the cat swinging it's head from side to side. We exchanged line for 20 minutes before I started gaining line. When I had the fish 40 feet out it swung left then back right. Again I kept the rod tip high as I worked the fish near. Each time I tried to maneuver the net and hold the rod with the other hand the fish would make another strong surge and force me to hold the rod with both hands. With each attempt I was hoping the fish would weaken and allow me to net it. Finally I was able to get the big head into the landing net and grab the hoop and pull the fish up the bank. I removed the Kahle hook from the catfish and slipped a rope in it. I tied it to the small boat as far as possible from the other cat. I did not want the 2 fish to tangle up or injure each other. I baited the rod and gently lobbed the goldfish out into the darkness. As I once again resumed my position on the pontoon boat I was happy. One trophy cat for each 3 nights fishing is normally considered good fishing and I had two roped up to be weighed. Since I was alone I might have to do without photos of these fish. No more bites during the night so at dawn I reeled up the rods and stowed them away. I unzipped the enclosure on the pontoon and noticed the other catmen on the opposite bank stowing their boat and picking up equipment. I decided to untie the pontoon and motor across to see if they were willing to take pictures for me. The 4 guys had been indeed flathead fishing and although they had no fish they were willing to come over and give me a hand. They climbed aboard the Catfish Queen and we returned to my spot. After some quick instructions about how to run my camera, I got out my weigh sling and scales. They seemed impressed when I retrieved the first cat and it pulled the scales to 45 pounds. I carried it to the lake and quickly released it. I had decided that I was to tired from working the day before and being up all night and wanted to get pictures of the bigger fish. I pulled the other cat from under the little boat and they catmen all stared as I got it into the weigh sling. I struggled a bit to hook the sling to the scales and was delighted to see it come to rest at 66 pounds. I heard the camera click as I rinsed the cat of to take pictures. I was glad I had released the other cat since this fish fought me every minute as we tried to get pictures. I got him back into the water several times to keep him wet and let him gulp water. I finally got him to hold still for a picture before releasing him to grow spawn and fight again. Click here to watch the video of this flathead's release so you will know that a big fish is available and he will help produce more flatheads for you and your children to enjoy.