Catfish Fishing in Florida

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Lakes In Florida

For big catfish, the rivers seem to be your best bet. The Apalachicola River holds the state record for flathead catfish and the Withlacoochee River served up the state record white catfish. The state record channel catfish came from Big Bluff Lake.

Some of the other major lakes with quality populations of catfish include Blue Cypress Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Deerpoint Lake, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Jim Woodruff Reservoir, Lake Apopka, Lake Conlin, Lake Eustis, Lake George, Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Harney, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Istokpoga, Lake Jessup, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Marian, Lake Miccosukee, Lake Monroe, Lake Newnan, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Talquin, Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Wier, Lake Weohyakapka, Lochloosa Lake, Orange Lake, St. John's River and Tsala Apopka Lake.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris

Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus

White Catfish
Ameiurus catus

Catfish Bait

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
Catfish Conservation
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

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Locate catfish lakes in other states using the list to the left.

FL Catfish Fishing - All About Fishing for Catfish in Florida.

58 lbs - 0 oz

44 lbs - 8 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.

123 lbs - 0 oz

44 lbs - 6 oz

75 - 84 Degrees

Prefers streams or large bodies of slightly stained to murky water with moderate current and hard bottom.

124 lbs - 0 oz

61 lbs - 8 oz

68 - 80 Degrees

Found primarily in large river systems with deep current and swift channels.

22 lbs - 0 oz

18 lbs - 14 oz

70 - 85 Degrees

Prefers rivers and streams with slow moving current over muddy, sandy or even slightly silted bottoms.