Flathead Catfish

For anglers targeting flathead catfish near Pearland, the Brazos River and its associated bayous are your best bets. These whiskered giants prefer slow-moving, deep water with plenty of cover, such as submerged logs, undercut banks, and bridge pilings. Summer nights are prime time for flathead fishing, as they become more active under the cover of darkness. Live bait is essential – think sunfish, bullheads, or even large goldfish. Rig them on a Carolina rig or a three-way swivel and fish them tight to the bottom. A local tip: focus on areas where smaller creeks or bayous enter the main river channel; these areas often concentrate baitfish and, consequently, flatheads. Be prepared for a long wait, but the reward of landing a trophy flathead is well worth the effort. Some anglers have success fishing near the Highway 35 bridge over the Brazos, but be mindful of access and safety.