 FLATHEAD CATFISH
Scientific Name: Pylodictis olivaris
Other
Common Names: shovelcat, mudcat, yellow cat
Identification
The
flathead catfish has a broad, flat head, with a lower jaw protruding
beyond the upper jaw. Its back and sides are
brown to yellow, with black-to olive-brown mottling, fading to
a dirty white or yellow belly. Inside the mouth on the upper jaw,
it
has a large tooth plate with backward extensions on each end.
Habitats and Habits
Flathead catfish
are native to the river basins of the Gulf of Mexico, such as the
Mississippi River Basin. Although
native to the New River and several other river basins in North
Carolina, they have been introduced to many river basins that
flow to the Atlantic Ocean, such as the Neuse, Yadkin and Cape
Fear.
They are most common in large rivers and lakes where they often
inhabit deep, slow stretches near submerged logs, brush, rip
rap and underwater piles of debris.
Flatheads feed primarily on live fish. Due to their large size
and appetite, flatheads have been associated with declines
of several native fish species in waters where they have been
introduced.
Biologists are conducting research on the life history characteristics
of introduced flathead catfish to gain a better understanding
of
this species. One
recent study (pdf - opens new window) reported movements
of individual flatheads up to 25 miles over a 12-to 18-month
period.
Due to possible
problems associated with flathead catfish introductions, anglers
should
not move flathead catfish from one waterbody to another.
Fishing Techniques
Live fish, such
as shad, panfish and bullhead catfish, are the preferred baits
for large flathead catfish. Crawfish
are reported to work as well. Flathead catfish are rarely caught
with chicken livers and stinkbaits, although these work well for
most other catfish species.
Good Places to
Fish
Many of the most
popular places to fish for flatheads in North Carolina are outside
of their native range, such
as the Cape Fear River and impoundments of the Yadkin River.
NCARP Minimum
Requirements: 30 pounds or 41 inches
State
Record: 78
pounds from the Cape Fear River, Sept. 17, 2005
World
Record: 123 pounds from Elk City Reservoir
in Independence, Kan., May 14, 1998*
* Anglers
provide information on their potential world-record catches directly
to the International
Game Fish Association, which maintains the world records
for sport fishing.
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