Speed Kills... Daytime Flatheads

Patience is a virtue, at least that’s what they say. I’m not sure who “they” are. Apparently no one who’s tried to consistently catch daytime flatheads. If you can pull that feat off, you know patience is the last thing you want. 

THE IDEA BEHIND IT

The more I target flatheads during the day, the more I realize getting comfortable is the worst thing I can do. I used to have a fairly loose rule of 15-20 minutes per spot. That still plays out, especially if I’m fishing with a buddy and I get to running my mouth a little too much. Hey, it happens. When I’m by myself, no bait sits in the same spot for more than 10 minutes at a time. Period. When the bite happens, often it happens right away.

If there is one thing I’ve learned about these critters, it’s that the idea of them setting up shop in the deepest, most cover-laden spot isn’t always how it shakes out. Almost any nook or cranny can hold a fish, even a big fish. Moving doesn’t always mean moving the boat, rather recasting or bouncing a bait into a different part of the cover. 

LOCATION

I’m a fan of fishing wood structure, especially in small streams. However, slab concrete can be excellent, especially in June and July. Drop offs produce fish too. The steeper, the better. Try them all, just don’t give any spot too much time. Covering water is the most important.

BAIT

Location is more important than bait, but not by much. Big lively baits, whatever is natural to the waterway, seem to be the best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with cutbait. If you are a person who is skeptical of using cutbait for flatheads, it is possible you are using pieces too small. Hand-size chunks of bait are often necessary to get the attention of a big fish. If you can cast it, a flathead will eat it. I would rather use small live bait and giant cutbait, than the other way around.

TACKLE

Location is more important than bait, but not by much. Big lively baits, whatever is natural to the waterway, seem to be the best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with cutbait. If you are a person who is skeptical of using cutbait for flatheads, it is possible you are using pieces too small. Hand-size chunks of bait are often necessary to get the attention of a big fish. If you can cast it, a flathead will eat it. I would rather use small live bait and giant cutbait, than the other way around.

For more tips & content from Spencer Bauer visit

River Certified, watch videos on Youtube