Recognise the fish in detail
Look first at the channel catfish’s whisker-like barbels and wide head, then at the tapered grey body behind them. These features create a noticeably different silhouette from the trout and bass that share its tier, even before colour becomes part of the comparison.
Use this close view to learn the outline before returning to the moving water. The picture identifies a species; it does not determine the outcome of a drop. That outcome depends on the original game’s alignment check, followed by the species value and any earned bonuses.
The species component of a catch
Channel Catfish carries a base value of 230 points within the middle group. A caught specimen adds that starting amount to the accuracy award and any current sequence bonus. The original engine performs the calculation after checking whether the drop was close enough to succeed.
At the catch check, the closest fish must lie within ten lane units of the boat. Keep that gap in view as you prepare the action. An attractive species or large base value cannot compensate for a drop made beyond the permitted distance.
What the spawning group actually means
Six species share the middle tier, which is selected in 40% of spawn choices. A group probability describes repeated selections, not a quota to be filled during one six-drop voyage. The fish currently visible remain the useful guide for your next action.
The fish available during a short voyage need not mirror the long-run proportions. Make the next decision from the actual school on screen, because no particular species is reserved for your remaining drops.