743 pounds of Blue Catfish in 4 hours - SOLO (James River, VA)

[@MrCarnutbill67]

It's days like this that keep you coming back again and again. You can get skunked a hundred times but the memory of this day will keep you coming back always. Well done.

[@DFishWhistler]

I am not fielding any comments from those with no understanding of multi-pole catfishing and an intent to make themselves feel bigger and better by posting negative comments. Don't waste your time trying. Tight lines to all the non hating KZbin watchers !

[@southernsportsman5241]

where were you fishing. I trotline for catfish in south Louisiana where I live

[@DFishWhistler]

Strictly rod and reel in VA.

[@VACreepinOutdoors]

8darian1208 Might want to check the regs again. I always thought that too. Not sure when it was changed but here it is. www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/nongame.asp

[@DFishWhistler]

VACreepinOutdoors I've read the entire thing several times. It is perfectly legal. Warden approached my boat with full spread this spring. All my catifshing guide friends all do it. I will know the second it is an issue ...

[@VACreepinOutdoors]

8darian1208 LOL... You misunderstood my response. Jugging is OK. Its not strictly rod and reel.

[@olroy2006]

most people wouldn't understand what a challenge this is..not only to catch blue like this, but keep all the lines from tangling each other...perfect O man 👍Catch and release is well respected and keeps a trophy for someone else :)

[@tallahatta]

I am 59 years old and have been fishing in Southwest Alabama all my life. I have caught a few fish in my day but this has to be the day of a lifetime. Glad you had the chance to enjoy it. Keep a tight line. LOL

[@doctorxring]

Somebody had to make the best cat fishing video in the world ! You handled it like a champ man. The day came and YOU WERE READY ! Thanks for sharing it ! 30:14 LOL !!

[@DFishWhistler]

Thanks, brother ! I believe it's mainly from other countries and people with issues with multi-pole fishing, along with people who don't understand these fish like we do and that no harm whatsoever came to them and this is how you play the game ! When you're lucky ... a few days like this come around in a lifetime. Haters gonna hate. I'm gonna keep having fun and doing my thing, keeping a tight line and keeping it REEL !

[@jayrobertson232]

Shoulda waited and watched the whole video before posting; absolutely the most exciting catfish video I have ever seen (and probably ever will!). Congrats on your new “personal best”! This is now on my bucket list, thanks.

[@skoalmen143]

What a DAY!. That was the most impressive string of exhilaration, exhaustion, non stop action fishing alone I have ever seen. Congrats on a fantastic day. Appreciate you for the sportsman you are.

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

I had a day like that with Redfish, Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me. I was working the shoreline at the back of a local lake and saw this big fast boat zoom into the area and abruptly stop and start throwing out lines and immediately both fishermen were hooked up, so I eased myself towards them and they waved me over and the fish hit one after the other and all the fish were over 15 pounds, I caught my limit of 3 in 3 casts... I caught about 5 more and released them. Brought my Dad out there the next day and NOTHING in that spot! Awesome video! I'm surprised it doesn't have hits in the Millions.

[@DFishWhistler]

Yep ! Most times fish move from day to day. Getting in a pile of schooled redfish is one thing, but finding this many cats this large in one area is extremely rare. Has only happened that crazy once. Thanks, man !

[@C-Smith-87]

That's a day that every angler dreams of

[@johnnymartin646]

your were definitely touched by the fishing gods on this day holy shit man!!

[@RUMad3]

"Okay, how am I going to land two of these fish?" Probably the best words any man could ever hope to say while fishing!

[@Degradeddrummer666]

What is not to love about this video? lol I love the laughter too! haha I wouldn't believe this had this dude not had it on video. Great job man and congrats. This was just flatout badass!!! Also i bet he was wore out! ha who needs a gym when you got 50 lb blue cats left and right.

[@scottchristie6014]

Probably the 3rd time I’ve watched this video. To have a day like that is incredible. To have it on video to relive and share is freakin unreal! Congrats brother! Day of a lifetime.

[@nossajj3468]

Nice fishing dude! Must've been a blast. I gotta go there one day. Love catching catfish, especially the big ones!

[@DFishWhistler]

Nossajj Thanks !

[@neil3760]

That was incredible day a Fishing. And your excitement made it very enjoyable to watch! You are one of the Cat Fishing family’

[@BassinFlounder]

Yep.. You sir... Have WHACKED them! Thanks for sharing and great job!

[@jonathonbrock5558]

Been fishing my whole life and still love it! Just never met anyone with such a hard on for it!

[@MrKandj]

Does not matter how much chum, he was ready but the catfish wheren't. Hehehahalol. Damn good fishing..... Wish I had a boat, to many coyote...

[@kinkorev]

Relative to the target species "typical" size, this is quite possibly the most epic day of fishing I've ever seen. Awesome, man. Congrats on your success, and thanks for sharing the experience!

[@rossmcclure5618]

I wonder if the ohio was like that before the commercial fishermen came in. Man, I just want to catch 1 like that!!

[@mdriverratt745]

Freakin amazing! Much respect, I think I might have had heart attack from all the adrenaline and I'm only 32. I thought I was the only one who screamed when I caught a big fish... greatest feeling in the world! I was laughing my ass of with your reactions, you should have danced an Irish jig... that's what I would have done. I'm sure you will never forget that day. Live to fish

[@boardstretcher1]

Good job bro, good to see guys like this release the fish and not put them in the freezer just to throw them away a year later great vid and i can't say better luck next time Ha!!

[@mustafawali4488]

The fishing gods were definitely with you that day my brother

[@djatomicdrummer]

Should have bought a lotto ticket after that day...

[@jamesgoodman6845]

I did this once on s rainy day with largemouth bass 3-5 pounders tho but we caught over 50 of them that size these days happen rarely in a fisherman's life great job glad to see such an amazing video

[@DFishWhistler]

Gizzard Shad. I've just been asked a million times ... :P

[@fish4kbcf]

This just goes to show that you don't need a big fancy boat with super expensive equipment to catch giants. Great video!

[@marshalllaw4116]

same thing happened to me but I had called in to work and told the boss I was sick and told my wife I was going to work so I couldn't tell anybody

[@DFishWhistler]

Oops ! Never happened ! LOL ;)

[@viggune]

I am impressed. I have caught a 34.4 lb blue cat myself. We didn't have but 2 $5 each WalMart nets and had to use 2 to bring it into the boat. We ate it. Just a couple of weeks ago my son caught a 23.4 lb blue cat and we had to bring in about 5 poles to keep from tangling up and 2 anchors as well. We had to fire up the 9.9 HP Merc to follow him a little . We had to use both nets to get him on the deck of my mini-pontoon boat.We made a circuitous route through the parking lot to show off, lol. It filled up our 48 qt igloo.

[@DFishWhistler]

You always need some sort of witness. The camera counts !

[@Mikey92186]

I am very impressed, fishing this many lines alone is no easy task. Well done my friend.

[@hannahalevy8839]

Hello, i am on my sisters account and i live in mechanicsville VA. I just baught a catfish rod because i have always wanted to catch the big catfish. My dad and I have been out on the rappahannock a few times fishing with squid. I guess sence i am new to the catfishing stuff i dont really know how to set my rod up. The current set up i have is a top hook and a bottom hook with a weight. I dont know what bait to use i just know something stinky hahaha. but if you could help me out with what bait to use and the correct weight to use. if you could just possible coment back and help me out i would greatly appreaciate it! thanks and best luck fishin on the james!!!

[@DFishWhistler]

Gizzard shad. Can catch in cast and gill nets in that river. Eels are good, too. You can buy them.

[@cwross4150]

Chicken liver works awesome as well

[@aongusaongus4371]

Nice fish. Exceptional catch .. I don't have that kind of experience using that many rigs. Nice work

[@DFishWhistler]

Everybody watching this video should know that our trophy blue catfish fishery is under attack ! Regs are still currently in place to protect them, but electrofishing permits are being granted and MD has issued a catch and kill rule, labeling them now as invasive, after introducing the species themselves in the 1970s. The VMRC, in conjunction with NOAA are also coming after our fish, claiming they eat migratory fish and blue crabs. This is simply not true on a level that has negative impact on our fisheries. Every single part of this is about the almighty dollar and NOT the health of our fisheries. If you want to have a chance to have a day of fishing like the one in this video, then we all need to act and make this very public. If you support our trophy blue cat fishery and want to see it protected, simply send our VDGIF bioligist an email and let him know ! There can be power in numbers. You can also join us at 5 Degrees of Fishing on Facebook. Send an email with you support to [e-mail]

[@thumbburn3632]

8darian1208 You guys have my full support.I used to live down there.Every time I get the opportunity, I head to those East Coast rivers to fish for Trophy cats!

[@dviantregerman7295]

+8darian1208 Why have 7 poles in the water that is too much work. 2 is enough for me.

[@DFishWhistler]

+dviantre german Because it's a ton of fun and I don't mind working on the water. Increased scent trail and odds, which is no issue when catching and releasing for fun, so somebody else can catch that monster fish of a lifetime !

[@elmomurda55]

looks like a fucking blast! I'm going fishing with my brother this weekend I just wish I had a boat or at least a dam kyak haha

[@esaron1071]

big gov wants the people reliant on them for supplies. They will drain the wild life until it's non-existent then come in with fresh supplies to stock the rivers/lakes. The big lunkers will no longer exist.

[@wazjr1]

Beautiful fish and incredible job with the entire video. It is great to see another guy that can fish by himself and have a blast. If you ever wind up in northern California in August- December, let me know and I would love to have you on board for some big Stripers on the Sac. River, (at night). You definitely have got those Blues figured out. Thanks for the killer video!

[@DFishWhistler]

+David Wasney Thank you, sir !

[@bishopmakings8623]

Hello 8darion2208,how are you i love all the big catfish you caught. By yourself with all them reels. The one then i didnt like was you didnt mail me a cases for my freezer.lol i would gladly split the cost. Hit me back my new fishing friend.

[@DFishWhistler]

Hanley Walton Hit up 5 Degrees of Fishing on Facebook !

[@ChattCats]

Great job getting on those big cats! I love days like this. Very exciting! Keep up the good work!

[@DFishWhistler]

+Chatt Cats Fishing Thanks ! If into the monster cats, we'll have a ton upcoming this winter over on the facebook page. Tight lines.

[@robertblackmon1]

Not impressive, don't see any beer.

[@catfishstinch]

i agree but if he had any beer on the boat all he would have been able to do is look at it, he was way to busy to drink!!

[@DFishWhistler]

catfishstinch Exactly correct !

[@robertblackmon1]

Ha Ha Ha!

[@DFishWhistler]

Sometimes I might have a couple, but this day ... nope. No time !

[@johnballs]

With beer he would be swimming with them. Best catfish video i`ve seen..thanks! LoL

[@Bbendfender]

Great fishing man. You definitely know how to catch catfish. Wish I had a good place to fish.

[@robbowe6139]

After such an epic day of luck with the blues, much like the priest in the movie Caddyshack who has the most epic round of golf ever, I kept waiting for lightning to strike you right out of that boat! What an awesome exhibition of catfishing! You sir, are the King of Katfish!

[@DFishWhistler]

It WAS awesome. I've had a day with 588lbs and several trophies ... but with 2 people all day. This day was nuts. Most fish were actually caught in just over 3 hours !

[@whoblowsthere002]

Your the first person ive ever seen that uses the same rig I use with the slip float. Cats swim ALL over the column there is no reason to keep your baits glued to the bottom, even though in rivers the float and bait don't elevate much, but nothing wrong with a little movement and color on your bottom rigs! I swear it catches more fish than floatless rigs. We sometimes catch them on surface bobbers where the banks are steep. Still searching to beat my personal best of 15lb in the Deleware river, lol!

[@Chad71174]

That was insane, well done. Nonstop action , time flies by !

[@risenflame]

You're enthusiasm is awesome. Definitely an epic day. Thanks for catch and release!

[@J19Pritch]

Don't understand the 23 thumbs-downs. Great day of fishing right there. It's why we keep coming back. I got to experience a bite like that a couple years back, but didn't come close to 700+ lbs. Great job man.

[@jomishx]

That's awesome. I love those days on the water that will stay with you forever!

[@HookemFishing]

Man, so epic, this is the second time I've seen this, found myself giggling with you. Those are some PIGs!!!!! Thanks for making the time to make the video!!!

[@REDEARTH371]

Ha! Hell yes my brother,,,,I know that feeling.Theres 5 of us watching this and howling with you when you land one!!Awesome video man...made our day.cheers!

[@DFishWhistler]

Sweet ! Thanks !

[@brandondunkelberger9048]

This is one of the better catfishing videos I have seen! I'm trying to do my own fishing videos but they are hard to make! It's a lot harder than it looks to catch fish on camera!

[@DFishWhistler]

Not only that ... but the editing !!! This was 4 hours of straight video that took somewhere around 20 hours to deal with and publish. Filming, when trying to catch fish, can also be a pain in the butt. The 6' fixed pole with mount on the bow makes a big difference. The more camera mounts, the better. Thanks !

[@DFishWhistler]

This is on the James ... but some friends did equally well on the Potomac recently, too. Both are excellent fisheries. I grew up fishing the upper Potomac for smallmouth and Hanes Point for channel cats.

[@davidhuston6677]

I had a day like that once but I woke up to go to work before I had a chance to weigh them .

[@change187]

I know his arms were sore after this fishing trip. What would he have done if all the line got fish on them. That would have been fun to see. I pray for a day like he had. I enjoyed watching you sir.

[@goatscapeable]

Awesome job man! That's a serious fishing setup there. Fishing done right.

[@DFishWhistler]

Most ever was one time when I got four. Fought em in one by one, weighed and released. 32,36,38 and a 44lb blue. I've only ever had a few other solo doubles. The key is a good, staggered spread. Sometimes they do tangle, but there are tricks like going over and under rods to free them. Takes practice, skill and time to master. The hectic part is what makes it FUN !

[@captbill279]

A good day on KZbin is better than a good day at the office...Thanks

[@allanclose9684]

WISH WE HAD EM THAT BIG IN OREGON. Cant believe how beautiful they are.

[@EDH28]

Best blue cat video on KZbin lol, ive watched over and over and I'm still amazed.

[@TheReefRobber]

Nice! I used to live not too far from the James River. I subscribed and liked. I now live in Oregon.

[@ramrodrymensnyder2648]

Awesome video. I have watched a heap of cat videos and I cant say that I have seen one quite like that. Lord have mercy.

[@hankdewald]

Wow...great job and once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip!

[@cptainv]

great to see trophy catfish returned to fight another day. Well done sir!

[@doctorxring]

Only the brotherhood can understand your exultation during this experience. Fish on Bro ! Thanks for making this video !

[@JimThomasOutdoors]

Amazing ! Never seen anything like it !

[@bryantstewart1996]

I dont care how many poles he has. days like this are memoral forever!!! Great vid man!!

[@bigslime7488]

Great vid never seen someone catch so many big blues like that good job

[@DFishWhistler]

This takes knowledge of where the fish will be and on what tide and when they will the feed. This takes skill of boat positioning, especially when fishing structure. It's knowing how and where to catch bait quickly and effectively. I've seen guys go home that couldn't catch bait. Exactly the right bait and size of bait at the right time. Many years of study goes into this. It's not just about the amount of rods ... it's a very small part of the equation, actually. Thanks

[@MrGoshlo]

The best video I ever seen for catfish in my life even I can't belive there is a place for catfish. Thanks

[@LeeFromSeattle]

Those are some healthy looking catfish, wow. Even the biggest ones look tasty, often they look nasty when they're that big and nobody wants to eat em, but those are nice clear smooth skin. Looks like a blast.

[@leonsebiatan26]

Great video. Your emotions show how a great experience that was

[@TheStubbie1111]

AMAZING!!!!! One of the best videos I have seen in a while!!! Congrats man... I would be so extatic to get just one of those forty pounders... I couldn't imagine 17 HUGE fish and all in the same day, needless to say in 4 hours!!!

[@Trapper234]

That is some great fishing dude! Thanks for sharing.

[@DFishWhistler]

Trapper234 Thanks !

[@DenoKeller]

Definitely pure sweet AWESOMENESS !!!FishOn !!!

[@catfish924]

Man!!!! I felt like I was on that boat!! my heart is jumping bro!! Had a blast watching you and feeling the rush!!

[@joelule7362]

Awesome video bud, i know that must have been alot of work and pretty tiring dealing with all the poles. But in the end you had one hell of a day, good luck with all your other fishing adventures.....

[@egmartin6969]

My biggest blue catfish was on a guided trip to santee cooper sc. It weight 55.bs 03. Just one fish like that will wear you out and I still had to have help to land him on a pontoon. My props to you that's a heck of a workout especially alone!

[@ericmurphy8773]

Dam most ppl would be happy to catch just one glad you recorded it nobody would ever believe you

[@badboybootz8]

The most epic catfishing video on KZbin.

[@lipphart67]

Kudos my man! Enjoyed watching ya tear up the Kongs! Wish we had the big blues up in our pool in the Ohio river, but the Big flatties are a blast also.

[@DFishWhistler]

James River. The bait is an ancient gizzard shad secret !

[@larryfetters212]

Outstanding!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@redwolfmedia1276]

Now that's a workout baby! Better than going to the gym that's for sure. Awesome day and it just shows record cause ya never know!

[@MegaCatfishlover]

That is freaking awesome man. Thanks for posting.

[@oneradride]

Wicked awesome, man that looks like a great time… I think you mentioned your friend that didn't show.. Too bad for him. EPIC fishing, Stellar work out too! My biggest blue to date is 29 lbs.... you killed that time and time again.

[@TheTemest]

Those are some the healthiest blue cats I've ever seen.

[@DFishWhistler]

Every fish was different and offered its' own enjoyment. This wasn't a competition. Fish are easy to tell apart, if you are paying attention, not to mention a fresh lip piercing. This was just plain fun and unlike any day any single other person has ever had on this river in 4 hours.

[@elemsit]

Bro you killin' the catfish when you got a "Slime Shirt". DAYUM

[@DonnaSigmon]

Unbelievable day, a day you will never forget.

[@shaunarchangel3872]

That's a serious setup right there .

[@Jaime688]

Great day... glad you turned the camera on this day

[@humbuck]

This man is having a lot of fun ladies and gentlemen.

[@pingman2]

I just watched your video for the first time ever,,,,, OMG! I have never seen anything like that in all my life. I only have one thing to say though, HOW COULD YOU THROW ALL THAT BEAUTIFUL FOOD AWAY? lol I love catfish but haven't had it in about 15 years now, You are the epitome of a fisherman, wow. Hope your skill lasts you a lifetime sir. Say, can you ship me one of those 50 lb er's lol

[@DFishWhistler]

Big ones are filled with chemicals. You want the 10lb varoety and under. Way better for you and easy to stack em ...

[@beefcake3131]

Good day of fishing. I've had a couple of trips like that and it is so much fun.

[@christopherwood2290]

Cool video. I am from CT but in 1990 I went to the James River and watch Rick Clunn win the Bassmasters Classic. Great river!

[@olblu8746]

This man was probably very sore the following morning, his biceps must been like 20 in. big. Congrats. my friend, this is one of the best videos on U-Tube. Bar none.

[@DFishWhistler]

went home and did yard work the rest of the day. No issue.

[@Dherii220]

BOL! The 7:20 second mark when the catfish moved and the fisherman was about to jump out of the boat! Hilarious and good job!

[@jeb3358]

This is still getting recommended after all these years.

[@DFishWhistler]

Almost a million !

[@thumbburn3632]

This is one sick and awesome video. You must have pulled up on one large school of blues. Good job.

[@DFishWhistler]

Thumb Burn You just have to know the right areas they frequent at the right time of year, but yes ... big blues will and do sometimes move in schools. Thanks !

[@jayrobertson232]

Very nice! Thanks for posting!

[@leonardstubbs1854]

Astronomical my friend not 1 small one GODS have blessed you & stressed me watching all your action lol