The Mississippi River has been home to many heavily sought after bounty, including the catfish. Of particular interest is one of the river’s largest catfish varieties, the Mississippi Flathead, or Bighead. Mississippi Flatheads are the largest type of catfish species that can be found in the Mississippi River. Each year, fishermen from all walks of life attempt to reel in the biggest of these monsters, hoping to snag a world-record catch. But just how large can these catfish get?
According to records collected by The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the largest known Mississippi Flathead weighs in at an astonishing 123.3 pounds, making it a contender for the world record. This giant, which was caught in the Mississippi River in 1949, was a whopping 55.5 inches in length. In comparison, the average adult Mississippi Flathead can range from 1.2 to 4.7 feet in length. This gives us a glimpse into the sheer scale of this extraordinary catch.
Organisations like the Million Dollar Catfish Challenge are actively engaging the public in an effort to raise awareness around the fish, not just in traditional fishing circles, but all across the country. Such initiatives have resulted in an increase of interest in large fish all across the United States, especially bass and catfish species like the Mississippi Flathead. With the right tackle and effort, some lucky angler could soon have the chance to embark on their own record-breaking journey.
The most common method for catching Mississippi Flatheads is with the use of bait. Live bait such as crayfish and worms, as well as cut bait from other fish, can be used when targeting large Mississippi Flatheads. Although, at times, casting a jig into the river can be highly effective for the larger sized catfish. Depending on the season and the area of the river, cut bait and crawfish can be fished on a jig head or a simple bottom rig. It is also important to know where to look for them.
Although the river can offer a wide range of habitats for the catfish to hide, there are certain areas that will attract a bigger variety. Big catfish can often be found in big deep holes and near structure. Such places can be logs, rocks, or man-made cover such as ponds and boats. Additionally, current areas such as called ‘rollers’, where the current is moving more quickly, are highly attractive to catfish, both big and small.
This is due to the fact that the faster water offers more protection from predators and larger food items that they can gorge themselves on. When focusing on bigger fish, anglers should look for areas with more cover and structure that is deeper and more challenging for predators. It often pays to scout out areas in the river that are difficult to access, as these can provide great results for dedicated fishermen.
Types Of Fishing Lures Used
At times, the use of menhaden (a type of fish bait) can be effective for anglers targeting larger catfish. Although this bait can be used on a jig head, some anglers prefer to use them on a simple bottom rig. Additionally, throwing some artificial lures can also be beneficial. In this case, a jig head works best. Jig heads come in a wide range of sizes, from as small as one-eighth ounce up to one-half ounce.
The type of lure used plays an important part in catching a large catfish. Depending on the size and structure the area offers, anglers can select a lure that best suits the situation. For example, in areas with a lot of cover, a smaller and lighter lure can be effective. On the other hand, if casting into a deep hole, it is better to choose a lure with more weight, as this will allow it to reach the larger catfish.
Additionally, brightly coloured lures can be employed in low-light conditions, such as during evening and night, as they attract more attention from the fish. The chosen lure can also depend on the type and size of fish the angler is trying to target. In the case of targeting the large Mississippi Flathead, anglers should opt for lures that are heavier than usual.
Fishing Techniques To Employ
Once the tackle and lure is decided, the next step is to select the perfect fishing technique. When targeting large catfish, it is important to move slowly and carefully. Just as important is having the patience to wait for the fish to take the bait. When fishing the Mississippi River, anglers can employ a technique called ‘drifting’.
This technique involves casting a lure and then slowly drifting down the river with the current. When done correctly, this technique can be exceptionally effective. Additionally, when fishing in areas with a lot of cover, anglers can use a technique called ‘dragging’, which involves slowly dragging the bottom of the river in hopes of enticing the catfish to take the bait. The use of baitcasting rods and reels can be beneficial when employing the ‘dragging’ method.
Another popular technique for targeting larger catfish is called ‘jigging’. This traditional technique involves manually manipulating the jigged bait, lifting it up and down in a jerking motion. The idea is to mimic the movements of the baitfish in order to attract the larger predator species. This technique can be very effective in areas with a lot of cover, as it allows anglers to slowly drift on the river while jigging the bait.
Additional Tackles To Use
Apart from the use of lures, anglers can use other tools and techniques to help increase their chances of catching larger catfish. For example, the use of a landing net can help to secure a large catfish, as it eliminates the need to reel it in all the way. Additionally, the use of a fish locator can be beneficial, as it will allow the angler to determine exactly where the fish are. Understanding the depth of the water and the type of structure will help the angler better understand the environment and target the right types of spots.
Finally, corrosion-resistant leaders and hooks are often a wise choice when targeting larger catfish. The sharper, longer hooks will ensure that the bait stays on the hook longer, while the corrosion-resistant leader helps protect the line from being broken. This helps to increase the chances of success when targeting large catfish.
Weather Conditions To Consider
It is important to be aware of the weather conditions in the area before heading out on the river. The weather can play an important role in influencing the water temperature, wind direction, and other factors. For example, cloudy weather helps to keep the river and its inhabitants cooler, making it more comfortable for the catfish and easier for them to move around and feed. On the other hand, warm days can see the catfish becoming sluggish and less likely to take bait.
Windy conditions can also affect the fishing conditions, as it can push baitfish and food items away from the area. It can also make it difficult for angler to cast and move on the river. Anglers should therefore consider the weather conditions before heading out on the water in order to best prepare for the job at hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Mississippi River can offer some tremendous fishing opportunities. With the right equipment and techniques, anglers have a good chance of making a record-breaking catch. All that is needed is some skill, knowledge, and dedication. The river has the potential to give even novice anglers the chance of catching a giant, so with some determination and luck, a new world record might not be far away.
