In need of flathead advice

[Struck24]

So I've decided to try and get on some of these monster flatheads you guys are catching. But I do have some questions that I would really appreciate any insight on. I drove a good portion of old mine road today and found some potential spots. Or atleast I think. The one spot in mind is a flat of fairly slow moving water, about 60-80 yards down river of a rapid section. Water seems anywhere from 6-15ft deep. Mainly rock bottom. And some algae/weeds around. The only problem is I'm fishing right down from a small island, so my questions are:

Are these flatheads consistent as far as which direction they run when they take bait? (Upstream or down) my fear is they will run upstream and be on the other side of the island.

Is the popular bait used whole bluegills?

And are circle hooks the way to go?

Once again any advice or help is much appreciated, thank you in advance!

All very good questions. I'll share with you what I know or think I know. Summer time flat heads are different than winter and or spring. Seems in the summer flat heads will patrol shallower runs with current and most important with good bait supply. Winter I believe you'll find them in deeper holes and less active. When spring arrives and water temperatures reach around 50 degrees, they become more active and start feeding in preparation for their spawn. When the water hits 60 - 65 degrees, they'll spawn. Very difficult to hook up during the spawn. Post spawn they will fall into their summer patterns. Shallow water is from what I've experienced where they'll feed at night but find runs in proximity to deeper pools with good structure such as fallen trees. log jams, boulders, rocks, bridge abutments etc.. Something they can call home when their night time feeding is over. Concentrations of good structure with good current and bait is important. Flatheads prefer areas with current and will follow the softer seams with lesser current when feeding. I believe stronger current is important as it is well oxygenated and holds bait fish but the softer seams in my opinion provide the ambush points. These fish are big with big appetites and like many big fish they have to eat but want to exert as little energy as possible. For that reason, dark nights are a preference over well lit nights. Gives flatheads an advantage. Also have read that flatheads eyes are very light sensitive and darker is better. Cloudy nights or nights with lower moon illumination are well documented as producing on average better results. Live bait is a must although cut bait will catch fish, just not nearly as much as live bait. I would guess bluegills are at the top of that list but I've used and caught on yellow perch, sunnies and rock bass. Carp, suckers, river chub, eels, bullhead catfish all account for fish but I would guess gills are the most popular and maybe for that reason most productive. You want something that gives off as much movement as possible since flat head sense vibrations through their lateral lines when they feed. The livelier the bait the better your results will be.

As far a circle hooks versus J hooks, real good question, Up until recently I used circles with good luck but have had a recent run of missed hits with circle hooks. In some cases big runs that I didn't hook up. Many times flat heads will grab the bait and turn right back towards you so in those cases circles will not work. In many cases they will run with a bait for a long period of time as well before swallowing it and committing. Again if you engage too soon a circle will miss the mark. Just recently I've switched to J hooks but it might come down to the area you're fishing and or your preference. I'd fish two rods, one with circles and one with J hooks and make your own decision. Regardless of which way you go, you need a hook with a wide gap, size 8/0 to 10/0 in my humble opinion. As far a fish running, some run upstream, some run downstream. A big fish will take a serious amount of drag so use something that has a little back bone and make sure you tie good knots. Weight wise I usually go with 2 - 4 oz. no roll sinkers and sometimes more if current dictates. Personally I use 40 lb power pro to an 80 lb swivel to ~ 2 ft of 30 lb fluorocarbon leader and as I said earlier a size 8/0 to 10/0 hook. A bead between the slide sinker and swivel to help from fraying the knot.

I leave the reel in free spool with the clicker on. I use a light stick on the rod tip as well to provide visibility of a hit before the audible sound of drag coming off the reel occurs. I've found that getting to the rod and releasing the clicker provides a better shot at the fish not feeling any tension and dropping the bait.

Hope that helps, get out there and give it a shot. Once you experience the strength of one of these fish you'll be hooked! Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Matt A.]

i spike the rod or hold it with biggg circles and miss very few fish. this is with a normal fighting drag setting. most misses seems to be small fish.

[Struck24]

Thank you for all the info. Hoping to get out tomorrow night. This spot sounds good with the exception of that island it can run on the other side of. And my plan was to go out in the afternoon and grab some sunnies. Much anticipation in landing one of these things

Check your pm's.

[Struck24]

Well I went out last night for 4-5 hours. Not one single run. Before going out I was able to get about 10 sunnies. Ranging in size from small to large. Tried hooking them different ways, and even tried cut bait to draw some fish in. Although unsuccessful at landing a flathead, it was good to finally get out and relax by the river. I guess I'll have to start finding spots farther south until I can find a flathead. Once again thank you for the advice and info!

[Delawareriver]

What area did you try?

[Struck24]

A little north of the gap

[Delawareriver]

Originally Posted by Struck24

A little north of the gap

Gotcha yeah not saying they arnt there but for more consistent action I would definitely go south. While bowfishing we see the majority south of Belvidere with the best population from Lambertville up to Phillipsburg