It's possible to catch a flathead in one of these pools simply by anchoring upstream, casting a float rig into the rotating water and waiting for a bite. No matter what their size, though, all such areas tend to hold big flatheads. It all depends on the depth and length of the cut. Some of these rotating currents are no bigger than an automobile others may be as large as a football field. As the undercut increases in size, the concrete or rock superstructure eventually collapses and sinks, creating a deep hole adjacent the bank.įishing the slow or rotating current areas around these cuts often produces good flatheads. I then tie a 24-inch hook leader to the swivel.Ĭircular areas of rotating current that resemble gigantic, slow-moving whirlpools often form where the river races past cuts formed when fast-moving water erodes soil beneath the revetment. Next the float is added and below it the egg sinker and then the barrel swivel. The bobber stop goes on the line first and is positioned so when the float abuts it, the bait suspends about a foot above the bottom. This consists of five basic components: a big balsa or Styrofoam slip float that suspends an 8-ounce bait a bobber stop a 1-ounce egg sinker a sturdy barrel swivel and an 8/0 wide-gap circle hook. Many rigs can be used, but because flatheads tend to be near cover and structure, I use a float rig in most situations. And while other styles can be used, many flathead anglers fish exclusively with wide-gap circle hooks that hook the quarry in the corner of the mouth, thus facilitating easy hook removal and healthy release. Wide-gap hooks work best for impaling the live fish typically used as flathead enticements. Hone all hooks to needle-like sharpness, and leave the barb exposed after hooking the bait. Where 50-pound-plus cats are possible, 8/0 to 12/0 hooks may be in order. High break strength and low stretch permit better manhandling of big flatheads.Ī 5/0 or 6/0 hook is necessary when using live baitfish up to 6 inches. Braids also have little stretch, transmitting strikes instantly to the rod tip, thus providing more positive hook sets. Using braided line, which is smaller in diameter than monofilament, allows you to spool more on the reel. Spool the reel with your favorite 30- to 50-pound-test line unless you're fishing specifically for super-heavyweight fish, in which case you may want to use line testing 60 to 130 pounds. The clicker also keeps a soft, steady tension on the spool, thus preventing backlashes when a cat runs with a bait. And most flathead fans prefer one with a "clicker" mechanism that produces an audible signal when line is pulled from the reel, thus indicating a catfish bite. The best for flatheads hold at least 200 yards of the line size you intend to use. Baitcasting reels are more durable than spinning and spincast reels and provide more fish-cranking power.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |