Anglers are an odd lot -- we get fixated on a favorite species while forsaking all others. At the same time, we complain that fishing isn't what it should be, while failing to adapt and try new things. There's not an angler out there that doesn't enjoy going toe to toe with a big bruiser of a fish, and if that happens all too infrequently for you, maybe it's time to try something new.

If you want to catch a big fish in fresh water, catfish are the best game in town. Not only do catfish grow larger than other Peach State fish species, but they also are overlooked by many anglers.

A largemouth bass that lives long enough to reach tackle-busting size is truly a notable event. No matter how good an angler you are, your chances of encountering one are slim. On the other hand, just about anywhere you choose to wet a hook in Georgia, there are catfish lurking in the depths that can strain your favorite bass rod and reel to the breaking point. If you want to catch a big fish, fish for the fish that get big!

There are several Georgia catfish species that interest anglers, and knowing the distribution and habits of each helps you connect with a big fish. Although the Georgia list of state-record fish includes six different catfish species, three draw the most attention -- channel, flathead and blue catfish. Channel catfish can be found nearly anywhere in the state, while flatheads and blue catfish are a little more choosy about where they call home.

Since they are the biggest, baddest cats around, the blue catfish is a good place to start. The Georgia state-record specimen weighed 75 pounds, 8 ounces and was caught from a private pond in 2007. The range of blue catfish in Georgia is limited, but in some areas, they are very abundant. Through sheer numbers, they provide the best chance for a trophy catch.

Shad are excellent bait for blue catfish. Either live or as cut bait, blue cats won't hesitate to eat a shad, but bream are also a favorite. No nibbling on finger foods for this species though, when they are ready to eat, they want to fill their belly in one gulp. Prime places to soak bait for blue catfish are on the bottom in deep river bends, below islands, and near creek mouths. But they also can be found in large reservoirs, too.

Blue cats look very much like the familiar channel catfish but lack the spots commonly seen on channels. Distinguishing large blue cats from big channel cats can be difficult since large channel catfish often lose their spots and lack the yellowish cast that makes them easy to identify in smaller sizes. One blue catfish feature that is easy to spot is that the outer margin of the long anal fin is very straight, not rounded as in other catfish species.