CTFishTalk.com: What kind of catfish? - Connecticut River Reports ( CT River Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

KurtyTyson · Joined: 04 Aug 2012 Posts: 29 Location: Vernon, CT

A couple weeks ago when I was at the Connecticut River in South Windsor, I was catching many 1 pound channel cats as usual, but then I caught this one, who was different from all the others. Its head seemed to just be much bigger in general, and it was missing the spots characteristic of channel cats its size. Also, its tail wasnt as deeply forked as all the others. It seems to be rounded a little as you can see. This is the oddball:

And here is a normal one for comparison:

Can someone please help me identify the oddball catfish? I have caught bigger ones that that and their heads aren't shaped like that, nor their tails. I have never caught bullheads here but my father used to many years ago. It doesn't look like any bullheads I have seen, but I don't know what to think. Please help!

Also, pay no attention to my odd use of weights... I had recently lost my last 1 ounce weight to a snag and had to make due... Rolling Eyes

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

I'm no expert, but the oddball might be a white catfish (aka white bullhead):

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KurtyTyson · Joined: 04 Aug 2012 Posts: 29 Location: Vernon, CT

PECo, I had only considered that briefly since I had never caught a white catfish before, but the more I look at pictures of white catfish, the more I think you're right! Many thanks, sir! Very Happy

sbehuniak09 · Joined: 10 Jul 2012 Posts: 229 Location: Seymour, CT

After having many sleepless nights wondering about catfish identification, that is definitely a White Catfish. Basically to me it all comes down to the tail, deep fork=Channel, moderate fork=White, No fork=Brown Bullhead.
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The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad. ~A.K. Best

Hitman · Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Posts: 14

I agree, the moderate fork tail is the White Cat but they are very similar looking