Olivia set a new Stillhouse Hollow water body record in the Junior Angler category today by boating this 8.25 pound, 27.5 inch long yellow (flathead) catfish.  The fish was weighed on a certified scale and released in very healthy condition.

We flatline trolled for scattered, suspended and bottom-hugging fish for the first 2 hours of our day and then targeted deeper fish in 20-24 feet of water on slabs later in the morning as the winds died and the sun brightened.

Olivia’s big catfish struck a Storm Smash Shad crankbait right in the same area where on previous passes we’d caught several white bass.  There was a lot of shad in this area and, no doubt, that flathead thought this was an easy meal passing by.  Many folks don’t associate catching catfish on artificial lures, but, I find this happens quite regularly, especially regarding blue catfish in Belton Lake striking slabs very readily.

Better fishing lies ahead as the seasons turn and the water warms.  Congratulations to both girls on hanging tough in the early morning cool, damp conditions and putting together a respectable catch.