I have caught many channel cats on the river in riffles using shad imitating crankbaits. As a matter of fact, I caught a 35# flathead on a 1 ounce roostertail fishing for hybrids a few years ago in less than 4' of water. Had the KDFW shock sample 2 ponds on friday and Crosby from the KDFW said cats are the primary predator in any body of water they inhabit.