The biggest flathead and channelI ever reeled inwere caught on a shad head. I have tried other fresh and live baits, but I have had the most success with a medium size shadhead or midsection on a circle hook.

Other type of baits I have some success with, large minnows (either alive or just the head), nightcrawlers (easy, cheap, and work great during the floods), and the old time stink bait (always fun, but the biggest I have ever caught wasonly 12 lbs. channel).

Good luck and go get them cats.