Hardhead Catfish fishing in Florida

The hardhead catfish is the most commonly caught and least wanted fish on many Florida piers, bridges, beaches and seawalls. Schools roam bays, passes, the surf and brackish rivers through the warm months, especially in murky water and at night, and they will eat almost any bait left on the bottom, particularly shrimp and cut fish. That makes them a constant bait stealer when you are after redfish, drum or flounder. If you want to avoid them, use live baits, lures or floats, and move when they move in. If you want to catch one, a Carolina or double-drop rig with shrimp on a #1 to 1/0 hook does the job. The real concern is handling: the dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp, can lock in place and carry a mild venom that causes a painful, sometimes swollen wound. Pin the fish with a rag or your foot, grip behind the spines, use pliers or a dehooker, and never leave catfish on a pier or beach. Clean wounds and see a doctor if a sting swells. Check current FWC rules before keeping any fish.