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Catching flatheads — the venerable king of the catfish

The thrill of battle on his face, Ian Tertuliani holds a Scioto River flathead from Ohio. A blue catfish can grow larger, but many anglers consider the flathead king. (Photo by John Tertuliani)

Common folklore says you can only catch flathead catfish on live bait. True, flatheads love live bait, but many are caught on cut bait and artificial lures.
Another tale is you must fish at night. Good advice, too, flatheads start hunting prey at night, as do the other catfish species. During the day, though, if you bop one in the head with a tasty offering, chances are in your favor, you are going to get bit. A predator is a predator, after all.

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