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Well, I have many opinions on bait selections when it comes to the flathead catfish. But, the only one that matters to me really is that it has to be lively if using livebaits! I have heard the arguments, and those that are sold on one bait over another. Some spend there pay check on buying goldfish, others like shiners. From my findings on flatheads, they don't distinguish much when they are feeding. I have caught many nice flatheads on a variety of baits including smallmouth, green sunfish, red ear bluegills, warmouth, creek chubs, shiners, bullheads, carp, largemouth bass, crappies.. And I usually take a variety of them every trip I go throughout the year. But, I can't honestly ever say that one of them was better than the other when considering the species. However, the ones that are more active seem to be more productive when drawing attention to them. That' how I get my opinions on baits such as the bullheads, green sunfish, and small mouth bass. Trust me a flathead is not going to swim up to any bait if he is in the feeding mood and say, "I don't think I want a bluegill tonight". " I think I will go look for a crappie". lol.. They are looking for a vulnerable prey, thats easy to ambush! When I first started flathead fishing years ago, I use to bring my big flats home, and put them into the holding tank to get good pic.s the next day. Not something I have done for years now, due to learning more about proper CPR, but more than once I would come out in the morning to see a 12-15 in. channel cat that a 30 pound flat had puked up over night from the stresses of captivity. So, when coming to the livebaits, im sure scent has some to do with it, and indeginous baits probably have some influence in some river and lake systems, but... im not sold on one bait as being gold over all other baits! I think if you are considering anything besides how lively your bait is, maybe the size you are offering may be a consideration. Like all other gamefish, they aren't always wanting a big meal ! So shoot your debate and opinions on this one, but its gonna take alot of convincing me different! LOL:big_smile: rollo