Here in Kentucky we use flat bottom jon boats. I fish for flathead catfish in the Barren and Green River. We use live bluegill on 10/0 hooks. I fish some trotlines, but my favorite is jugs at night watched with a big Q-Beam. We use "jugs" made from the big foam swim noodles. They dont blow around. A good flathead will run 30 to 50 pounds, maybe a bit bigger. Of course its all catch and release- "release in the grease" that is.