Catfish
Flathead Catfish Fishing in South Carolina
A big, solitary catfish native to the Mississippi basin and Gulf Slope, living in large rivers and reservoirs around logs and drift piles. Flatheads hunt live fish at night, so anglers fish live bait near cover after dark.
- Waters
- 1
- State
- South Carolina
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Prime Months in South Carolina: No Agency Season Found
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Spawning in South Carolina: May to Jul, per SCDNR (when the fish spawn, not a fishing season)
What to Use for Flathead Catfish
Fishing In
Flathead Catfish
No agency season found
No fly setup listed for flathead catfish; see Spin / Cast.
Spin / Cast
7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, slip-sinker rig with live baitfish on a 7/0 circle hook.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodUgly Stik Catfish Casting Rod · 8 ft medium heavy, 15 to 30 lb, 2 pieceCheck Price
- ReelAbu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Round Reel · 6500Check Price
- LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 30 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Bait for October · Up to 8 inLive Suckers and Large MinnowsFished live, at night.
- Bait for October · Whole or halfNightcrawlers
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a South Carolina fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Where to Catch Flathead Catfish
1 of 1 waters
