Florida's freshwaters are perhaps best known for the Florida largemouth bass and various other sunfish (e.g., bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish) that frequent virtually all of three million acres of fresh water and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state.  However, many anglers prefer to target catfish.  These anglers find the consistency of catching catfish, the less stringent regulations, simpler techniques and greater shoreline accessibility all to be great incentives.   Moreover, there is a diversity of catfish species found in Florida that provide not only fodder for the deep fat fryer but also trophy opportunities equal to any of Florida's more heralded species.

The largest of our catfish are the blue catfish and flathead catfish, which are found primarily in north Florida rivers.  The state records for these fish are 61.5 and 48.4 pounds, respectively.  Then there is the ubiquitous channel catfish, the same species raised throughout the south in aquaculture farms for grocery stores, and its close cousin the white catfish.  The Big Catch Angler Recognition Program provides certificates for individuals catch channel cats longer than 31 inches or white cats over 22 inches.  Closely related to these other catfish are the bullheads, which still have the typical catfish whiskers (barbels) but have a rounded tail, rather than a forked tail.  Brown and yellow bullheads are the most common in Florida. One more note, channel or white catfish, or bullheads, are a great starting point for kids, since simple equipment fished from the shore or a pier can provide consistent action, for fishing tips click here.

Whether you are a catfish enthusiast or just looking for a little diversity in your fishing opportunities during one of  those times the other fish seem to have lock jaw, you may want to check out some of these top ten catfish sites.

1. Choctawhatchee River:
Species: Channel catfish
When: Big channels in late May and early June. Year-round for small catfish, but late spring, summer, and early fall months are the best.
Where: River from Highway 90 south to West Bay. Mouth of Holmes Creek and other tributaries.

2.  Apalachicola River:
Species: Channel catfish, flathead catfish
When: Big channels late May and early June. Year-round for small catfish, but spring, summer, and fall months are best. Flatheads beginning April. Good fishing spring through late fall months.
Where: River from Jim Woodruff Dam south to north of Apalachicola. Old creek beds in Lake Seminole backwaters. Mouths of tributaries. Ocheesee Landing is a hot spot.

3. Escambia River:
Species: Channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish
When: Big channels mid-April through June. Blues and flatheads from mid-April into early fall. Small catfish year-round, but best in spring summer and fall months.
Where: Alabama line to I-10 Bridge.

4. St. Johns River, Puzzle Lake Area:
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead
When: Big channels late February through May. Small catfish year-round.
Where: Highway 46 bridge south to highway 520.

5. St. Johns River, Dunn
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish brown bullhead, yellow bullhead
When: Big channels Early May through June. Small catfish year-round, but best during spring, summer, and early fall months.
Where: Mouth of Dunn's Creek to Lake Crescent, Murphy's Creek from St. Johns to Dunn's Creek, Buffalo Bluff Bridge and Seven Sisters Islands in the St. Johns.

6. Oklawaha River:
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish, brown and yellow bullhead
When: Big channels early May through June. Small catfish year-round.
Where: Rodman Dam to the St. Johns River.

7. Lake Harris:
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullhead
When: Big channels and white catfish March through June. Small catfish year-round.
Where: Dredge holes, edge of grass, bridges, docks, Palatlakaha River from lake to structure, canal mouth in Little Lake Harris.

8. Ochlocknee River:
Species: Channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, spotted bullhead, and brown bullhead
When: Year-round.
Where: River-wide, especially the Lake Talquin tailrace area.

9. West Lake Tohopekaliga:
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish, brown bullhead
When: Year-round.
Where: Toho fish attractors, C-31 Canal from structure to West Lake, Shingle Creek, and below Kissimmee River structure.

10. Suwannee/Santa Fe River:
Species: Channel catfish, white catfish, spotted bullhead
When: Big channels Late April through June. Small catfish year-round.
Where: River-wide.

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