5/6/20 - Tyler Barnes Emily Howell

Finding Flatheads During the Spawn on the Neuse River

The Neuse River is home to many trophy flathead catfish. These fish can vary in size. A common size that can be caught in the Neuse can range from 10-25lbs with the chance to land fish over 60lbs! Last year on 5/1/2019 NC Wildlife Resource Commission Biologist, Ben Ricks, shocked a flathead catfish weighing in at 72.7lbs right here in Goldsboro NC. The current NC state record flathead is 78lbs. Here is some helpful information on how you can catch these fish for yourself:

Water Temperature & Locations – Flatheads typically spawn in water temperatures ranging from 66-75 degrees. As of today, the water temperature is hovering around the 66-degree mark. Flatheads are cavity spawners, which, to put it in simpler terms, means they spawn in areas such as log jams, hollow logs, caverns in the banks, and washouts under boulders or logs. I personally have had better luck this time of year fishing in water 8ft or deeper with one of these types of structures nearby.

Bait – Flatheads prefer live prey. Try to stay away from using anything other than live bait such as bream, shad, bass, crappie, perch, and eels. Don’t think you are throwing too big of a bait either. If a flathead can get its prey in its mouth, he will eat it. And often times, even if he can’t, he will sure try. You can catch flatheads on cut bait as well, but I have had my best luck catching larger flatheads on live bait. As always, make sure you follow the laws and regulations when catching baits for catfishing. Some of these baits have size limits and creel limits.

Tackle – The equipment that I use to catch these trophy flatheads consists of; medium/heavy Big Cat Fever rods, Penn Fathom level wind reels (sizes from 20-30). For my main line I use 120lb J-Braid. Before I tie my leader on I run a sinker slider up my main line which is used to clip on my weights. For my leader I use 80lb test monofilament tied to a barrel swivel using a Palomar knot, and at the other end I use a Snell knot to tie on my 10/0 Gamakatsu Big Cat Circle hooks. This rig is called the Fish-Finder Rig. This is a set up that is powerful enough to stop the largest flatheads in their tracks and get them up off the bottom and away from that heavy structure!

Time at a spot – Typically this time of year, if I am targeting flatheads, I try to stay at a spot for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour. Typically, if you throw a live bait near a flathead, he will get it within the first few minutes, but not always! Remember not to get discouraged if you don’t get a bite or catch a fish, after all, that’s why they call it “fishing” and not “catching”! Find some structure, anchor up, throw out your live baits, watch those rods, and get ready!

Catching catfish can be a great way to spend time out on the water with friends and family! If you want to catch some catfish to eat it is always best to keep the catfish 15lbs and under and let the big ones go so the future generations will have big ones to catch one day! Try not to grab the fish by the gills when holding it, taking pictures, or releasing the fish, this is to ensure that the fish stays as healthy as possible. Instead, cradle them or wear a glove so that you can hold them by their mouths and on the bottom of their bellies, this will also give you better pictures. Stop by the shop and get the tackle you need to start catching these monster fish, EZ Bait has everything you need, and the best staff to help you find it. We are here to help and we look forward to seeing you soon!