Southeast Georgia’s Altamaha River, home to the current state-record channel cat, might also be suggested, though one can’t be certain that the illegally introduced flatheads in that stream may not have done harm to the channel cats as well as to the bullheads.

If a No. 1 big channel catfish site must be chosen, the Chattahoochee River between West Point Lake and Lake Seminole contains a lot of underused catfish-rich water.

For big flatheads, it’s a no-brainer: the Altamaha River. Many flatheads, large ones included, remain in the river despite a years-long campaign by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources urging anglers to remove as many of the fish as possible from the stream. With a 67 1/2-pounder in 2000 and an 85-pounder in 2004 added to the big ones that are publicized only locally (and to those never heard about at all), it is, as they say, ‘nuff said.

Georgia’s big flathead destinations also include Middle Georgia’s High Falls Lake, home of two previous state records and a 60-pounder caught in 2001. And one can’t neglect the southern stretch of the Flint River, especially that portion between the Lake Blackshear Dam and Albany and from Albany to Newton. These spots contain plenty of Appaloosa holes that hold large flatheads, especially from July through August.

When targeting big catfish of any species, think big as well where tackle and bait are concerned. Heavy freshwater gear is a minimum requirement, and even medium to medium-heavy saltwater tackle isn’t out of the question. Use no line lighter than 20-pound-test, and consider switching from monofilament to braided line, which can be more sensitive to a catfish’s nibbling a bait, as well as being much tougher.

Baitwise, palm- to hand-sized bream, big shiners, small suckers, shad and even large goldfish are prime live-bait offerings for big cats. All species readily eat a good-sized live fish, and live bait is almost a necessity for flatheads. Cut mullet, cut shad and cut-up chunks of skipjack herring are good additions to the list of large blue and channel cat baits.

Where technique is concerned, several fishing methods work well, but two are tried-and-true favorites: standard bottom-fishing and drift-fishing.

For successful bottom-fishing, anchor above likely deep holes containing preferred catfish structure such as stumps and snags. The size of the hook should be 3/0 to 7/0, and the sinker 1 to 4 ounces or larger. The weight and size are mostly determined by the size of the bait and the current flow. Use enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom.

The best rigs are fishfinder (Carolina-rig) styles or drop-rigs with the hook tied on the line above a large pyramid or bell sinker. Hooks can be placed anywhere from a few inches to several feet from the weight, with 18 inches to 2 feet being about average. Don’t be afraid to move the bait every few minutes, especially when fishing a very large hole.

Drift-fishing is favored by some anglers because it allows them to cover more water in a short period of time and lets them fish multiple lines at different depths at the same time; it’s a favorite night-fishing method. Moving with the current while strategically maneuvering the boat near likely underwater structure can increase the likelihood of finding actively feeding fish at any given time. Hangups can occur quite frequently using this technique, but many feel that that’s a small price to pay for upping the chances of hooking a trophy catfish.

Whatever method you choose, whatever bait you opt to present, and whatever species you decide to pursue, you really do have a legitimate shot at catching a really big catfish in Georgia. It’s all very simple, really: just a matter of going where they are, finding them and dropping a big meal right in front of their faces.

Oh, yes -- lest I forget: Holding tightly to your rod and reel wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.