Eddie I thought for sure based on weight it was a flathead. Coupled with the fact it took a live gill. Lot of channel hits that night but miss almost all of them on the bigger whole live baits. Not this one! Didn't feel the usual flathead head shakes bringing this girl in but still thought based on the weight it was a flathead. When I saw it come up it took a few seconds but realized it was a trophy size channel! Couldn't believe the girth and muscle on the fish, they're so strong being in the river their entire life. The flathead I got right after was a cookie cutter but probably a 27 / 28 inch fish around 7.5 lbs. The channel made it look like a baby! Wonder how old she is. Definitely deserved her freedom so a few pictures and off she went. Would loved to have landed the other flathead and had three catfish in the picture! Crazy 10 minute span of fishing! Most channel hits on live bait are stop and go, stop and go. This girl hit and was off to the races. Surprised when she came to the surface, beautiful fish. Swam away like a champ for someone else to enjoy.