Chasing Flatheads (8/8/16)

[JDTuna]

Since Monday was my only free night of the week, I decided to spend a little time chasing some flatties. My friend Darrell decided to join me. We got set up after dark, and began the wait for flathead cats. It wasn't long before my drag began to sing my favorite song. I.picked up the rod and came tight to the violent headshakes and stubborn fight of a nice flathead. It wasn't a huge fish, but was a nice one definitely in the double digits, probably around 14lbs. I grabbed the fish by the lower jaw and removed my hook, and noticed some line tangled around the fish's head and gills. The fish had recently taken another bait and broken off above the swivel. The hook was too deep to see so I didn't want to mess with it. I clipped the leader as close as I could to the hook and let her swim.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/20160809_073459_zpswrkb8vmm.jpg

I had high hopes for the night but it wasn't meant to be. My friend had one run off and that was it. Couldn't stay very late due to work the next day. Still managed one nice fish.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Wow! Somebody got snapped off recently. Very interesting! Good looking Flathead dude! I can't get enough of them! Love the river this time of year! :D

[nate01]

Nicely done. I love going home with more gear than I came with. I've gotta say, I'm definitely surprised by the number of flatheads you guys are catching. Definitely can't deny there is a fishery developing for these giants in our rivers. I'm also surprised that fishing big live baits at night hasn't produced any river stripers as by-catch. Any thoughts as to why?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nicely done. I love going home with more gear than I came with. I've gotta say, I'm definitely surprised by the number of flatheads you guys are catching. Definitely can't deny there is a fishery developing for these giants in our rivers. I'm also surprised that fishing big live baits at night hasn't produced any river stripers as by-catch. Any thoughts as to why?

Flatheads own the river! There's more out they're than the state even knows! We'll never get rid of them and it makes me pretty happy to have another gamefish present in the river! As for Stripers, they're around! Certain baits catch certain species!

[icebadger]

atta-boy jd you are the man,nice kitty bro.thanks for untangling it nice work:)so far i think you should be voted nj fishing.com's "ANGLER OF THE YEAR". you are gittin-er-done.:cool:

[Esox Luciano]

I love going home with more gear than I came with.

??? Well, I second that for sure anyway!! Especially if the skunk's taking place. I've got an arsenal of gear donated to me by the river...literally! Out of around the 20 pole/reel combos I've acquired, I've only purchased 1 reel. I hate...but also gotta love the careless/lazy angler. So thanks to you out there, I probably caught some trophies using your gear, HAHAHA!!!

I digress, where were we? JD...you sure it's not the catfish that are chasing you down bro! :p:p You been putting a steady smack down on any fish you're after dude! Definitely gotta give props when props are due. I'm with icebadger on this one...Vote for JD!!!

[bunker dunker]

jd your on fire!!!!!! hope the catching stays with ya

[dakota560]

Justin another beautiful flat head sir.....you are on a roll! If I were you I'd be buying lottery tickets in bulk these days! You sure that wasn't 30 lb fluorocarbon with braid attached, looks like it could have been one of the three that broke me off the other night! It's great to see people who put in the time and effort have their efforts pay big dividends and no one has had bigger dividends recently than you my friend. Very deserving catch....great job again and thanks for posting your results. I'm sure there were other monsters within striking distance that night!

[Chrisper4694]

Where's the one that can fit our heads in its mouth!?

[dakota560]

Where's the one that can fit our heads in its mouth!?

They're there and just a matter of time before you see that pic. Will happen sometime this season is my prediction.

[Chrisper4694]

i don't want to see the pic buddy! I want to be in the pic! or i'll settle for taking the pic live of one of you guys! :D

[dakota560]

We're going to get one where you hold the head, Justin can hold the belly and I'll hold the tail! We'll need a fourth for the picture! Would be great to see you or Justin land it and I'll net it for you guys! How's that sound? We're around some big girls, just a matter of getting the bite and getting her in. We'll do it!