I'm posting this question on the Catfishing section of TFF mostly because if I posted it on another section it may be seen as trolling or trying to piss off purists in other sections.

So here's my question: Do you think catfish are the best fighting fish?

I know many of you have caught your share of other fish and you may be a little biased as this is the Catfishing section, but I'm sure you're honest and have something to offer on this topic.

I have caught many huge panfish in my time and I've heard the saying pound for pound bluegill are the best fishing fish. But I've caught many 2-3# cats that have fought much better than any panfish I've ever caught and I usually use UL tackle when going after little fish.

I've also caught 30+ lb carp, buffalo, sturgeon, spoonbill and to their credit they can kick your arse, but the fight for the same size catfish tend to be more vicious and ferocious whereas the other fish just swim where they want until you tire them out.

It's been a long time since I've targeted catfish but I do remember that "fight" they all gave me. I can't say I've ever reeled a catfish in like it was a wet sock.

Thanks in advance for any replies. I do respect your opinion even if we don't agree. Hope I said all that right.

I also want to add that I once caught a catfish on a large Mepps spinner that I was trying to catch bass on. That catfish hit that spinner so hard it hurt my wrist and it felt like I hooked someone riding a bicycle.

Id vote for Striper being the hardest fighting freshwater fish pound for pound.

Good point. I've never caught a striper.

I agree with drawout

Since I have not caught a striper I vote for carp. When properly equipped catfish usually do not last very long, even the bigger ones. The alligator gar I fish for in the summer time try to pull you out of the boat, but again, it doesn't last very long. The big thing with carp that makes the fight with them last is the way you have to use a lite drag and small hook to avoid pulling or bending out the hook.

Pound for pound, the "hybrid" bass or palmetto is sure up there because of their burst of speed. But for sure power of not being able to turn or direct......hard to beat a flathead.

+1on the flathead!!

I will add my few cents worth. definately catfish are at the top of the list. however, for their size sunfish and white bass are robust fighters as well.

Hybrids and Stripers followed by Catfish as far as Texas and Freshwater are concerned.

+1

A good size black bass fights really hard. I've caught gar that have fought the hardest as far as I'm concerned.

+1

+1000

Bowfin will put a hurting on you. Cats have game but it does not seem as they have the staying power that a striper has.

I caught a 1 1/2 lb smallmouth at Grapevine this summer and was very impressed with its power. Don't leave out the sandbass, pound for pound it is a heck of a fighter. I use light tackle when chasing sandies and it has cost me some good hybrids. Every spring I chase the hybrids because of there awesome fight. If you have never caught one know that the real show happens at the boat. When they catch sight of the boat all hell breaks loose. Good stuff.

I forgot about bowfin, for their size not much matches them for jumping or pulling, the whole body is a fin.

I will have to vote for the red fish.

I have fished all over the states and theirs not many fish i havent caught but i would have to say the best fighting fish pound for pound is by far the skipjack herring imho the best fighting goes in order as follows

skipjack herring
alligator gar
flatheads
bluegill
blue cats

My experience sez hybrid striper after a trip to T-wok this summer. I was amazed at the powerful runs they made.

Mike

7 lb hybrid or striper fights better than a 20 lb cat

hybrid striper for me

Yes, if they have never caught a freshwater red drum, they just don't know. As good as it gets.

I really like the fight of the redfish. When Fairfield was good a redfish can pull some drag.

Anything hooked in the tail fights the hardest pound for pound

Bull shark in the Trinity or Brazos will surprise the [censored] outta ya!

Thanks for the replies guys, it's very intersting to see all your thoughts. Looks like I have a few more species to go after that I haven't caught yet. Again Thanks

Just my all Freshwater. Pics in my sig
1.RedFish-21
2.Flathead-30+
3.Palmetto-12

If you've never caught a freshwater redfish

"BIIIG" flathead catfish, hooked one several years ago that pulled like a tractor at a tractor pulling contest and I never turned his head for over an hour. He would go when he got ready then stop for a breather I guess, then go some more! One heck of a feeling not to be able to control a fish and no I never laid eyes on him. If he didn't die in one of the fish kills he is still roaming the bottom of P.K.

+1 happen to me a couple times

I would have to say a Yellow Fin Tuna I caught deep sea fishing was the best fighting fish I have ever caught. For fresh water Strippers are pretty insane and Pike/Walleye put up a great fight and are a blast to catch.