Jun 27 2008
Do Catfish Fight Each Other?
Ken asked, "I seen two catfish locked together at the river! The small one weighed about 30 lbs and the large one weighed about 45 lbs. The smaller one was caught upside down! They were floating in the Alabama river! When I got ready to take their picture, they broke up and took off! They were locked mouth to mouth! I’ve heard they fight! Everybody is looking at me like I’m crazy! Do they fight?"
Ken, all catfish are territorial during spawn and shortly after as the males will protect the eggs and the newly hatched fry. Judging by the size I am going to guess that these were flathead catfish. Flatheads are very territorial as they get older and can grow to enormous sizes. The record catch is 123lbs.
Mark that spot Ken as Flatheads are solitary creatures and one of those two have a hole nearby that they are protecting. Be sure to use live bait, 30lb test line and at least a 4/0 hook. You will also need a good rod and reel as a catfish that size cat bust a cheap rod or reel.
Very few people get to see what you witnessed. You are a very lucky person. Send me a picture when you catch it and I will post it for you.
