CHANNEL CATFISH (Ictalurus punctatus) OTHER NAMES: Forktail, Speckled Cat, Silver Cat, River Cat

RANGE: Statewide, due to transplanting.

HABITAT: Fishing is best in flowing streams, concentrating on deep holes during the day. In canals and lakes, try areas where creeks or other flowing water comes in.

DESCRIPTION: Light blue or gray on top, silvery below, with many black spots. The tail is forked. Big fish often are almost black.

SIZE: Anywhere from 4 or 5 inches to 40 or 50 pounds. World record 58 pounds; Florida record 44-50 pounds.

FOOD VALUE: Excellent. Small ones from 6 to about 12 inches are considered the best-eating of Catfish.

GAME QUALITIES: Big specimens pull hard and long.

TACKLE AND BAITS: "Eating size" fish in the rivers are good targets for light spinning tackle and small baits, such as earthworms, crickets and cut baits. For a trophy catch, try heavier gear, and live Shiners or Bream.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Still Fishing