catfish finally posted

[DTro]

and Wolkie since you are excited to learn more things, another thing I would recommend in the future is to support the fish in some way so all the weight doesn't fall on the gill plates.

Don't worry, we've all been there, I can post a picture of my biggest flat that I did a bad hold on. Live and learn.

[hanson]

Thats a nice photo... BIG SMILE!

It really is tough sometimes to tell the size of a big flathead as the only thing to compare the fish to in the photo is the angler, and we all take on different sizes and shapes too. Its all relative.

If I were to take a quick look at that photo, the fish has the "build" of a mid 20s to mid 30s fish IMO.

However, a bottomed out 50lb scale and a 48" length definitely contradict my observation. Even if the scale was off, a 48" long flathead is going to be well into the 40lb range.

I tell you what though, regardless of how big or how heavy that fish is, you should be proud of it as you caught that sucker on walleye gear! Thats a lot more than most of us can say.

Congrats and thanks for sharing the photo!

[Blue Kayak]

That is an amazing flathead to be caught on 8 pound test line. Congratulations. The In-Fisherman Master Angler only had one flathead larger in 2007. That was just 1/4 inch longer than yours.

I think you could get somewhat of an estimate for the weight if you could find a good scale that can weigh around 40 to 55 pounds. Get pail an start with about 40 pounds and see how it affects the scale you used to weigh this fish. If you can weigh 50 pounds without your scale bottoming out, I'd say there is a good chance your fish was over 50 pounds. No matter what the weight was, it is a great fish.

[Larry FlatCaster]

 Originally Posted By: Blue Kayak

That is an amazing flathead to be caught on 8 pound test line. Congratulations. The In-Fisherman Master Angler only had one flathead larger in 2007. That was just 1/4 inch longer than yours.

I think you could get somewhat of an estimate for the weight if you could find a good scale that can weigh around 40 to 55 pounds. Get pail an start with about 40 pounds and see how it affects the scale you used to weigh this fish. If you can weigh 50 pounds without your scale bottoming out, I'd say there is a good chance your fish was over 50 pounds. No matter what the weight was, it is a great fish.

Jerry,

Good to see you out and about mate....

this could be your year mate. Espcially in the Kayak.

Good tips

[Wiskers]

Every time I see a great post with some awesome pics I just get all quivery and cant wait to get on that darn river... Wont be too long now I hope.. Nice job

[wolkie]

Thanks once again guys for your kind words and wisdom!!! I've learned alot and hopefully will continue to. I really cant wait till ice off. Hope to see some of you out there!!!