The flathead is not a pig in a pen where you go in and lasso or drive it into a narrow shoot. Each time you catch the catfish it becomes harder to catch the next time; each time making it more hook smart and wary. You may even have difficulty catching it this summer - I hope not. Crappie and chain pickerel are egg layers.
By adding the flathead IMO the pond is already on the down hill slide as far as fish balance is concerned. You will be soon seeing too few smaller bass who control the hatchlings. The flathead is not eating 1"-3" fish but is eating larger predators who are important in maintaining the fishery balance.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 03/15/15 03:55 PM.
