Flathead catfish in Florida

Meet the species

Scientific name

Pylodictis olivaris

Overview

Flathead are found in the apalachicola and escambia rivers, where they recently arrived from georgia and alabama. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately-turbid rivers.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 36 inches or 25 lbs

At a glance

Regions: Panhandle
Water: Freshwater
Bait: To catch flatheads & anglers typically fish on the bottom using heavy tackle with live or freshly cut fish.

Florida fishing record

Weight: 69 lb 14 oz
Length: 48.5 in (4.04 ft)
Location: Yellow river, santa rosa
Date: Aug 26, 2020
Angler: Lavon nowling
Type: Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

69.9 lb; 48.5 in; by lavon nowling; on 8/26/2020; at yellow river, santa rosa

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Panhandle

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Flathead are found in the apalachicola and escambia rivers, where they recently arrived from georgia and alabama. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately-turbid rivers.

More locations and access

How to catch

Their solitary lifestyle makes them more difficult to catch than other catfish. They bite best at night while in shallow water looking for food. To catch flatheads, anglers typically fish on the bottom using heavy tackle with live or freshly cut fish. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

To catch flatheads & anglers typically fish on the bottom using heavy tackle with live or freshly cut fish.

Videos

Sources

Myfwc.com (3 pages)

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.