Fish on! I yelled, as the big channel came flying completely out of the water. On the hook sat this channel that thought he was a tarpon and was fit to be tied, leaving the safety of the water twice and peeling drag like a marlin.

After an exciting 3- or 4-minute battle, I slid the net under the beefy channel and brought him aboard. This channel cat, a stout 10-pounder, had been patrolling a favorite flat of mine, chasing minnows and other snacks, when he happened across my offering of fresh-cut shad he just could not resist.

As I eased the big cat back into the water, I took a quick glance at my depth finder. It read 3 feet of water. This particular favorite flat of mine has consistently produced large channels, and the shallower they are, the more fun catching cats can be.