I grew up in W. Central Minnesota and saw all kinds of critters snagged in the lakes and creeks.. we never had the flathead to contend with tho.
we had carp and suckers in abundance. I remember seeing a swarms of bullheads in the water and then netting them,, uughhh. ya may as well cut the line and just moveon...;-)
Not sure how close to me you were, but there are abundant Flatheads in both the Big Sioux and James Rivers over here on this side of the border. A 28 lb Flathead was taken this summer out of the Big Sioux, close to Pipestone. Like most from this area, I never had a taste for catfish and still don't. I fish for Walleye for eating, and Northerns for fighting (and eating).