CATFISH
Both species deserve better. Let's look at catfish first. There aren't many freshwater fish that can top 100 pounds, but flathead catfish can. Note: If you check in Fine Fishing, you can read about the story of the once world-record catfish.
But catfish don't have to be huge to be worth the catching. Like bullheads, a species with which they are often confused, cats in the 10- to 16-inch range are delicious, and a lot of fun to catch. Far as that goes, I've caught channel cats, a riverine species, on plugs, spinners, streamer flies and spoons. They fight well too.
Broadly speaking, you can divide catfishing into still and moving water methods. Stillwater works best if you find a little current in a slough, lake inlet, etc. Simple rigs with a bell-sinker on the end and a couple of Size 4 or 2 hooks baited with a choice of nightcrawlers, "recently deceased" minnows or, if your personal hygene permits, any of a number of kinds of stink baits do the job.
This is nice sit-down bank fishing. The British who do it often bring chairs, umbrellas and a batch of other gear along to ease the day. However, I won't become planted in a single spot too long because if catfish are there they normally let you know with in a short time. Then too, in stillwater you can move to find fish.
In moving water, big deep holes, inlet streams and slackwaters along bayous and sloughs can produce. I'm always looking for evidence of catfisher's past — and I'm careful to pick up evidence of my presence when I find a good hole. Cruising the bank of a river or slough in a vehicle, or boating along looking for anglers can help you find decent spots. This is not brain surgery so basic tackle and techniques work.
Then, of course, there's cleaning catfish that, if kept in a wet sack, will probably make it all the way home. I kill my cats by inserting a knife in behind the head to sever the spine. If you're squeamish, you might want to do this at the bank as cats can wiggle for a bit.
