Thanx Andy ... I'll keep that in mind .. you know one of these days i just might catch a bigger flathead then you know who  :lol:

I think they actually prefer fresh food just like you and me,but they are opportunistic and will take an easy meal whenever they can get it.  :grin:

Penny
Immature channel catfish do not have the size, strength, or agility required to be successful hunters. The best food sources available to them are dead fish or other decaying materials that will serve as fuel for their systems. Stinkbaits are meant to mimic enzymes given off from rotting fish and shad in particular.

When channel cats get larger they tend to eat more live fish and fresh prey items that provide more calories to sustain their larger size and energy needs. Their receptors are particulary tuned to locate enzymes in fish blood.

Also fish cannot smell what we smell. We smell substances suspended in air while they smell/taste substances suspended in water.

Channel cats are omniverous and adapt to feeding on the most abundant food source available. Larger channel cats also have the ability and capability to hunt smaller fish for meals.