Suspending LIVE Bluegill for Catfish (Plus Bonus Fish)

It took a while, but I finally found the year's first flathead catfish. Maybe the use of live bait helped, or maybe I finally just got on the right spot. Regardless of reason, I was sure excited when I felt the characteristic 'thump' of a flathead catfish bite. I hit the river trifecta, landing both species of catfish - channel and flathead - plus a big bonus carp on a light tackle rod baited with a fat nightcrawler. Catfishing is always a favorite, but it is especially enjoyable when fishing live baits on a short, suspended line. The anticipation is thrilling, and when you feel the bait getting active be alert. It's likely that a catfish is on the prowl and soon to attack. You can truly get a sense for a catfish's predatory nature when fishing live baits. As always, I had an exceptionally fun time chasing catfish on this trip. I hope you enjoy!
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[@FishingKC15]

Every Flatty is a good flatty! Nice vid brother.

[@fishstandard]

Thank you!

[@catfishkyle6734]

Enjoyed it!

[@fishstandard]

Thank you!

[@user-se6kn1et8f]

I’ve been watching your videos for over 2 years and I’ve noticed the water is lower than last year when you were catching all of those flatties. Do you think the water level had something to do with it, I’m from OK and fish the Arkansas river north of Kaw at the Kansas line and I always do better when the rivers up and flowing good, but other people swear that when the waters low the fish are easier to find and are normally starving. It’s only a matter of time before you find the flatties again brother.

[@fishstandard]

Thank you for the continued support! I’m not sure what has caused the limited flathead bite this year. We have been in a drought cycle for over three years now, and the water level is certainly lower than it was last year (lowest I have ever seen). Last year I felt the awesome flathead bite was due to lowered water levels that had the fished pushed into deeper pockets where they were easier to find. For some reason, this year as the water levels have further declined the fish are no longer where they were. Any reason I can give for the changing bite is really just speculation. I have landed a few flatties recently, though none of extraordinary size. Look for those videos coming up soon!

[@user-se6kn1et8f]

@@fishstandardheck yeah brother, as a fellow yak catfeesherman stay safe on the water. I’ve yet so roll mine, but when I saw you take your spill with that MONSTER Flatty I knew anything is possible. If you ever wanna do a video somewhere else I can take ya on the Arkansas river right at the Kansas/OK state line. I do really well with channels, blues and flatties. I also am able to fish with two rods but I just use rope with a rebar stake and bury into the banks rather than the brush clips. I’m not a fan of getting a big fish on the line, and realizing I’m snagged. It’s much easier than fry to release my anchor point to go try and get the fish out of the logs. Keep grinding brother, you’re a solid fisherman

[@Broken.Native]

Gg