Hello

I am from New Zealand and am looking at planning a trip to the USA some time next year and one of the main things I would like to do while I'm there is fish for cats (I've gotten a little bored with the local trout). Since I've never been able to go for something other than brown bullheads I am hoping to get a bit of advice early on in the planning process. I've read that flatheads are the ones that put up more of a fight and make the catch a bit more interesting so they are the ones I would like to go for, my questions are as follows:
What sort of gear am I going to need (I doubt that my fly rig for trout is going to work well)?
Where are some good places to find flathead cats (am I better off going to San Diego or Houston)?
What would be the best bait to use?
What would be the best time of year to book my trip?


Thanks in advance for any advice and insights
Kit