Light blue or gray on top, silvery below, with many black spots. The tail is forked. Big fish often are almost black. Anywhere from 4 or 5 inches to 40 or 50 pounds. Small ones from 6 to about 12 inches are considered the best-eating of Catfish.
Big specimens pull hard and long.
For a trophy catch, try heavier gear, and live Shiners or Bream. Much the same as the Channel Cat. Similar to small Channel Cat, but lighter and without spots. Tail slightly forked. Tugs fairly hard, but no challenge.