I've always found that if you're catching channel cats, then that's a good sign that bass are nearby and feeding.  It seems like whenever I catch a channel cat, I can usually hook a few bass by just moving over a few feet and casting the same thing again.  

On 5/17/2022 at 11:46 AM, Captain Phil said:

I've caught a number of large catfish when flipping heavy cover here in Florida.  They are always a surprise and put up a great fight.  I tried cooking and eating one once.  It was awful.   Ended up throwing away the fish, the pan and the cooking oil.  Those small catfish you get in a restaurant are farm raised. 

Yes.  From the right clear water lake, catfish can be alright.  But they're bottom feeders, and their meat gets pretty nasty in the wild, especially if the water is stained.  I like catfish, but I don't cook the ones I catch.  If I want catfish, I'll buy some at the grocery store.  

Powerful when foul hooked.