Catfish Comparison: Flathead vs. Channel Catfish

Flathead vs. Channel Catfish

Both the flathead and channel catfish remain well known by fishermen throughout North America. These fish have the potential to taste delicious, become a trophy fish and they can be sold for a pretty penny. There are a few key differences between these fish that make them distinctly different although they are both in the catfish family.

Flathead Catfish Are Larger

Both catfish are known for being larger than smaller fish, but the flathead catfish often grows to a larger size than the channel catfish. Flatheads are known for being able to grow to almost thirty inches long while channels are only known for growing approximately twenty inches long. There are always exceptions, and there are fish much bigger than these measurements, but this is the exception, not the norm.

Channel Catfish Eat Almost Anything

If there is one thing that channel catfish are known for, it’s their diverse diet. Some people claim you can throw anything on the hook if it’s being used to bait a channel catfish. They prefer bait with a strong odor because they use their sense of smell to find their food, but, other than that, just about anything will work for them. Flatheads, on the other hand, prefer to stick to other fish. They use their sense of smell and search for vibrations to find the perfect thing for dinner. Live bait tends to work the best for fishermen that want to attract these fish.

Flathead Catfish Have a Square Tail

These fish can often be found in the same habitat in the wild, which is why their appearance is one of the things that fishermen use to tell them apart. The flathead catfish has a distinctly square tail while the channel catfish has a tail that is forked.

Channel Catfish Have a White Belly

Another way that fishermen can tell the difference is by looking at their underside. Channel catfish have a white belly, but flatheads do not. Instead, flatheads are known for having a stomach that is yellow, cream color or a brownish hue. Rarely, if ever, will a fisherman find one that is white.

Flathead Catfish Are Known to Taste Better

Both channel and flathead catfish can be served as supper, but it must have the opinion that flathead catfish taste better. The adage you are what you eat rings true when it comes to the taste of fish. Channel catfish are known for being bottom feeders and eating whatever they can, and most people believe that this is what leads to their muted amount of flavor. Flatheads, however, are known for eating a live bait. These fish are going to be found feeding on other fish, and most believe that is what leads to their rich, irresistible flavor.

Fishermen find that they frequently encounter both fish in the same pond, and they are both popular choices for sport fishing, but that is where the similarities seem to end. Understanding the differences between these two fish will help you discover which one you should go after.