need a big cat fix....can't find them, help me out?

[rbs]

fished 3 nights now and alltho I did have what I think was a big one on, all my spots seem to be coming up empty. I did catch a 8# on Thursday about 7pm but that has been it. Any tips so I don't get the old goose egg for too long?

[DTro]

Keep fishing

[mrklean]

try a different spot, change some things up different baits what ever you were doing before dont do it and try something different

[Borch]

Keep fishing

Yep!

Last time out we hit 11 spots and two produced some action for us. Nothing big other than the one that got away.

Plan on hitting a few times in the next week or so.

[aanderud]

I would have to say that "keep fishing" is the best advice. Better than "try different spots" or "try different tactics", if you ask me. The "different spots" idea is valid, but you never know there may be big fish where you are -- it might be a) bad luck or bad timing or c) bigger bait or d) smaller bait or e) differnet location in your current spot or f) who knows what else. If you're catching flatheads where you're fishing, then you know that you're doing SOMETHING right, so ignore the guy who said "don't do what you are doing".

Big fish are few and far between for even the most experienced anglers (except Softshell Eddie ). If you get a 40 pounder every couple years, you're doing well. Heck, it might take a few years to get a 40 pounder. I've caught only 2 fish over 40 pounds in the last 3+ years, and it's not for lack of trying. (although this year has been pretty weak for hours put in). Other guys probably catch a dozen over 40 pounds per year.

I have to say, while the fight of the 40-50 pounder is fun, right up to the point after you set the hook is all the same no matter the size of the fish -- that would include most of the following aspects of catching a flathead:

• finding the spot, (sometimes just getting there is 1/2 the fun),
• anchoring just right (unless you're with Larry and you're dealing with 100 pound anchors )
• picking out a lively bullhead
• hooking him on and casting him out to 'the spot' (possibly with a snag or two, both underwater and on shore )
• the anticipation of the big flattie as you watch the bullhead work his magic,
• the big thump, possibly followed by clicker,
• the hookset
• *the fight
• *the measurements / pictures / release
• camaraderie and enjoying the outdoors the whole time

Of all those steps, only a couple will vary at all with the size of the fish. The rest of it is just the same no matter if you're getting 5 pounders or 50s. Enjoy time on the river with buddies.

[rbs]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I am getting frustrated, knowingly you all have tons of time on the water compared to me. I guess over the last few years I have been spoiled with decent fish from the start. This year it just seems weird. I have been mainly fishing the underwater sandbars on the inside bend anywhere from 3-6' of water adjacent to deep holes. That is where I normally fish. I also tried behind a rock that I have fished before that has produced. Normal years tho I have not started this early(altho from what I hear I am late). I normally wait till about July. I guess I should have known that there is no "quick" fix to my problem then time on the river.

[ec30_06]

I would have to say that "keep fishing" is the best advice. Better than "try different spots" or "try different tactics", if you ask me. The "different spots" idea is valid, but you never know there may be big fish where you are -- it might be a) bad luck or bad timing or c) bigger bait or d) smaller bait or e) differnet location in your current spot or f) who knows what else. If you're catching flatheads where you're fishing, then you know that you're doing SOMETHING right, so ignore the guy who said "don't do what you are doing".

Big fish are few and far between for even the most experienced anglers (except Softshell Eddie ). If you get a 40 pounder every couple years, you're doing well. Heck, it might take a few years to get a 40 pounder. I've caught only 2 fish over 40 pounds in the last 3+ years, and it's not for lack of trying. (although this year has been pretty weak for hours put in). Other guys probably catch a dozen over 40 pounds per year.

I have to say, while the fight of the 40-50 pounder is fun, right up to the point after you set the hook is all the same no matter the size of the fish -- that would include most of the following aspects of catching a flathead:

• finding the spot, (sometimes just getting there is 1/2 the fun),
• anchoring just right (unless you're with Larry and you're dealing with 100 pound anchors )
• picking out a lively bullhead
• hooking him on and casting him out to 'the spot' (possibly with a snag or two, both underwater and on shore )
• the anticipation of the big flattie as you watch the bullhead work his magic,
• the big thump, possibly followed by clicker,
• the hookset
• *the fight
• *the measurements / pictures / release
• camaraderie and enjoying the outdoors the whole time

Of all those steps, only a couple will vary at all with the size of the fish. The rest of it is just the same no matter if you're getting 5 pounders or 50s. Enjoy time on the river with buddies.

Only 3 over 40# in my boat this year so far, and only 2 were caught by me. the 30's have been coming out to play though.

[rbs]

Well I posted my new PB on the flathead pic post. I guess I just needed to get out more....I am always looking for a better spot type of thing. Tonight the river had gone up almost 2' from yesterday. No bite or runs at all tonight.

[A.W.Wolfram]

It took me 12 years to break 40 pounds.

Not wanting to compare Flats to Muskie…..but I’m going to anyway………Ten thousand casts Muskie fishing = Ten thousand hours Flat Head fishing.

[Scott K]

I just broke the 40 pound mark last year for the first time, and I have been fishing cats for 27 years. Although I have had many at the upper 30 mark.

[Larry FlatCaster]

Well....

I guess I lived up to one of my nick names "Lucky Larry"... Right place at the right time for the last 5 years since I started my first full season back in 2006... I've managed at least one 40+ lber per year...

We shall see if the streak continues in 2010... I've come close with a 38lb already.

[audemp]

Larry, with the amount of time and areas you fish you are going to get a 50 this year!

[Larry FlatCaster]

Larry, with the amount of time and areas you fish you are going to get a 50 this year!

Thanks for the vote of confidence Mate! Have you started your 1 month fishing streak yet... we still have to link up. I have your leatherman from last year when we fished.

[audemp]

IT starts monday! Man im gonna be tired this month at work! OH well!

Yeah man I will call ya and we will link up!. I got a couple new spots I found that look really promising.