Did good last night

Ok here's the story. Went yesterday morning to Waverly lake here in Louisville. Caught about dozen bluegill for the trip. By the way saw people catching catfish there 9 to 12 inches long all small. Did see some nice Bass and big Carp swimming around the bank. Ok back to story. Went and picked friend up went down to greenwood road boat ramp ran down river to mouth of salt river. Loaded up a big fat whole bluegill and boom a 32 lb flathead. Ended up catching some good fish three biggest 32 lb, 36 lb and a 38 lb. Here's the problem missed a whole bunch. One felt a whole lot bigger than the 38 lb'er. Not I am getting old and back in my day a hook was a hook. Either it was big or little. Now days you have all these brands and circle hooks, J hoods, hahle hooks, wide gap hooks etc. Used to you felt a tap you crossed their eyes now days with different hooks you just pull. Any way give me of your ideas on what hook you use on big flat heads like size, brand, and how you set the hook on these. Want to go back and just see how big that one was that I missed. thanks

were you fishing on the bottom or with a float? Also to answer your question about hooks, I have never had a problem with a #4 or #5 circle hook. Do not use the silver looking circle hooks from walmart, they with break. When using the circle hook be very careful NOT to set the hook. Just start fighting the fish in and the hook will do the rest.

Walmart has a nice catfish assortment of circle hooks. I think its a 25ct for $2. Never had a 20lb fish bend or break them. But they work excellent in the river and are fairly cheap. Thats the hook i will recommend for you. But as stated above, just start the battle with the fish.

we were in a boat. friend knows a deep hole out there and we were just dropping the baits into it. so yes bottom fishing. would hit the bottom and then we will reel in about 2 feet and hold on