Even a small flathead can pull like mad, so Randall uses saltwater fishing gear and a minimum of 50-pound-test line. "A lot of big fish die because people go after them with 20-pound-test," he asserts. "They bust the line, then swim off with a big old weight and hook in them, and they end up tangled up where they can't swim."

A big strong flippin' stick or deep- sea rod is ideal; you need to make sure your reel is in good shape. A really large flathead can straighten even a massive saltwater hook, so don't be afraid to use stuff that may look too big. When Randall first targeted catfish, he used lighter gear, but he has gradually gone heavier and heavier as he's grown more experienced.

RIGGING UP FOR BIG CATS
Flatheads like lively baits. Randall uses a 2-ounce egg sinker, a sliding bobber, and a three-way swivel. The swivel is tied to the main line. Attach the big sinker to one arm with about two feet of line, and tie two big hooks to the other arm with a leader. Put a big bobber above the whole works to keep the line straight and avoid tangles. This system allows the bait to swim freely and attract flatheads.

A rig like this can be difficult to throw, so lob the rig out carefully with a sideways sling. You don't want to snap it out too quickly, or your bait might fly off the hook. With a two-rod stamp for each angler's license, you can get quite a few setups out and still be comfortable in the boat. Clayton and Critter are old pros at slinging the big rigs out, telling each other, "Fore!" as they send their baits sailing toward cover.

They rig the two hooks by slipping a large treble hook onto the leader that is attached to the three-way sinker. Then they tie an enormous bait hook to the end of the leader with a strong knot. The baitfish is hooked in the back so it can swim around. When a big fish takes the bait, hopefully he will hook himself on both hooks. Then if he somehow manages to shake the bait hook, the treble hook will slide along the line and keep him on long enough for you to boat him.

"You have to have your drag set really tight and you've got to really slam the hook to them once they start to take out line," Randall advises. "Keep your bait near the cover, but not right in it, because (the catfish) will head right for the heavy stuff the instant you set the hook." You have to have the power to turn them and keep them out in open water. Once you let a big fish get back into the cover, it's pretty much over with. It'll get the line all tangled up in branches and then it can pull the hooks straight or break your line.

Fighting a really big flathead is hard work. You have to pump the rod and reel the slack as hard and as fast as you can. You don't play a big flathead down, you have to overpower him, Randall says.