FLATHEAD CATFISH (Pylodictus olivaris) OTHER NAMES: Apaloosa Catfish, Mudcat, Yellow Cat, Granny Cat

RANGE: Escamba, Apalachicola and Ochlockanee Rivers of the Panhandle. May be spreading.

HABITAT: Sticks to deep holes and undercuts during the day; forages widely at night.

DESCRIPTION: Overall brown with shadings of gold or yellow. White tip on upper lobe of tail, head is wide and flat; tail is square.

SIZE: The largest Florida catfish, it can grow to 100 pounds, but the usual maximum is around 50. Catches commonly cover all size ranges from a couple of pounds to 20 or more. World record 91 pounds, 4 ounces; Florida record 43.50 pounds. FOOD VALUE: Very good.

GAME QUALITIES: Not spectacular, but has the size and strength to give an angler a rough workout.

TACKLE AND BAITS: Poles and light tackle are fine for potluck fishing, but if targeting the big ones, use heavy spinning or baitcasting tackle with lines up to 20-pound test, or even light saltwater gear. Best baits for trophy-size Flatheads are live or fresh-dead Bream, Shad and other fairly small fish. Like all Catfish, Flatheads of average size go for a great variety of baits that includes not only insects, worms and aquatic life, but also homemade offerings such as cheese, liver and various smelly concoctions.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing.