Do This and You'll Catch MORE Flathead Catfish: Volume 1

I headed out on a solo mission recently, in a familiar section of the Ohio River, to find some new areas to fish. It’s easy to get complacent, when you have a few tried and true spots but, it’s so important to make sure you’re always trying to broaden your knowledge of the water you’re fishing. I tried to share some of my best advice for doing just that! Don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and be sure to subscribe so you never miss a fish!
Rods: catchthefever.com/big-cat-rods
Line: catchthefever.com/slime
Hooks: www.anglerinnovations.com/pro...
Apparel: katfishclothing.com/?aff=12 Use Code: “Granata22” for 20% off
Bait Shop: / reddibait
Rod Holders: monsterrodholders.com
#catfish #flathead #fishing #bigcatfever #catchthefever #slimeline #g3 #g3boats #katfish #reddibait #marutohooks #anglerinnovations #monsterrodholders

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

Great job that looked like a fun day

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching Steve!

[@KenPhillips-kq6ex]

I'm not hard of haring and I can't hear him either. Speak up .

[@DNA_Catfishing]

Hey joe! Where are the videos for this year buddy? Me and Steve want more. Did you start golfing?😆

[@tysondimmitt9786]

Love it! I appreciate the teaching angle. Subscribed to learn!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!!

[@zaysfishingadventures]

Dude those Flathead were MASSIVE!!!! Really appreciated you explaining the importance of taking days to learn a body of water. Something I need to do myself. Tight Lines man 🎣

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Time on the water is key!! Thanks for watching

[@crazylewiemike]

Great Advise ,Looked Like A Perfect Time And Perfect Place ,Great Fish As Always

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks Mike!

[@tylerstraub3764]

awesome video Joe as always. When you were talking and the rod was going down behind you 🤣🤣 I always find myself yelling at the screen when that happens!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks buddy. It's hilarious going back and looking at the footage 🤣

[@hulkhuggett]

Very good instructional video, man. One of the best ones out there, to be honest.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!!

[@bretkrol8838]

Wow Joe you were on fire , thanks for the tips

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

No problem! Thanks for checking it out

[@danielphillips8933]

Love to see those big ones swim away! Nice work dude!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@blacktopcharters7313]

Great video and advice, Joe!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks buddy!

[@woodworkingoutdoorsman1660]

Nothing better than having a plan to do something different and it pays off! Just like being a kid again. Awesome video!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Absolutely!! Thanks again for watching

[@jameshobdy7708]

Awesome video, you got the best flathead content going Joe...

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks man, I appreciate that!

[@dougiemac8417]

New subscriber. Man I’m enjoying your videos!! You are dragging those monsters in like there’s no tomorrow!! Way too awesome!! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thank you so much for checking out the channel!

[@nashvillekatsfishing]

Great day on the water!! I do the same thing, always looking for different areas.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks buddy. That's the best way to grow as an angler.

[@OhioHillTopsHobbyFarm]

Awesome stuff man! Your pools are local to me and I’ve just starting catfishing and really appreciate the videos. Looking forward to learning and watching you land these nice fish!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

That's awesome! I appreciate you watching, I try to put a new video out once a week. Good luck on the water. The flathead bite should start picking up in the next couple weeks

[@dalehayslip5008]

Awesome Flathead fishing buddy you are one of the best out there catching them monster flathead

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I appreciate that Dale! Thanks for watching!!

[@Efl0wProdz]

Awesome content man! I’ll be with ya all the way watching and learning! Hopefully get to fish with ya one day!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks!!

[@somewherefishin]

Nice video…you are right about time on the water..I’m learning as I go…trying to be more consistent at catching those flatheads in these East Texas lakes and small rivers..past couple years I’ve caught more and more

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Time on the water is what it's all about. Thanks for watching!

[@daveallover]

It dont get much better than that for flathead fishin! Great video!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@bryanheiselman000]

Awesome fishing man!! Beautiful views also. I fish the Delaware and this past weekend caught my pb Kat. Heck of a time 🤙

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

That's awesome! Congratulations on the new pb.

[@benhouke8318]

Great day on the water for sure! And thank you for explaining that catching these big beautiful flatheads takes work. That's why I get a little irritated when people want spoon fed information that my friends and I have worked hard for. Idk where in PA you are at but where I live in SW PA flathead popularity has exploded which makes it a bit harder to catch the true monsters (we still do tho). Keep up the the great content and tight lines!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks Ben. A lot of folks don't realize the time and effort it takes to stay on these fish. Thanks for watching!

[@travisolsen3943]

Another great video bud!!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks brother!

[@JakeyCrackOutdoors]

Great video Joe. Hopefully I get my boat back for post spawn. Got new graph I haven't gotten to even use yet.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks buddy! Hope you get back on the water soon

[@markbartolowits5354]

You are right about me not wanting to scan the area and learn where they are . I normally fish 8 rods and I think I am going to cut down to 5 and spend less time at a spot and move more. I think I get lazy and don't want to move as much because of the extra work. I am glad I found your channel. keep up the good work. Tony from Texas

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching, and good luck on the water this year!!

[@warehouseman6325]

Nice video. Great catch

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@RaisedOutdoors]

Fantastic! Most consistent Flathead fishing on KZbin!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching

[@catfishingwithcahoon8158]

That’s always my problem Joe. I make a trip to the river and fish the obvious barges. I rarely get to make the trips and hard to spend time really looking at what I should even when I plan to search the right way. Good video Joe and to this day I love solo fishing.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I hear ya, it sucks and takes away from fishing but is very necessary. Even if you only look around for a hr or 2, it's worth it. Thanks for watching my man!

[@catfishingwithcahoon8158]

Always do brotha.

[@CatfishandCrappie]

Great fish and great video!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@mudbug_54heyy56]

Nice catch buddy

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks!!

[@danarae9583]

I live in the same area as you them 30 pound class fish fight harder than the upper 40s do most of the time keep up the good work might see you on the river this summer

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I'd have to agree. Those 30lb class fish are typically super rowdy. But when a 40-50lber wants to turn it on, hold on! Lol. Thanks for watching

[@kccatfishing4929]

great content thx for sharing

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks!

[@bwedmore]

Wow I just started fishing for cats. Thanks for the info. Great fish.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

No problem at all. Thanks for watching and good luck on the water.

[@wtrax7194]

Great Video my Friend and there’s nothing like a Lunker Cat on the end of your Line. There a little Hole and tributary about 20 feet deep off the New River in a tiny place called McCoy that holds some of the biggest Cats I’ve ever seen come out of that small of a Spot lol. Stay safe my Friend Semper Fidelis

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching and that's awesome!

[@kevinwade4566]

Great video bud I only wish I could catch fish like that

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks again Kevin. I appreciate you watching

[@limits12gaming44]

Great video!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Catfishbill66]

Awesome video brother!!! Need to come down here brother fish Santee with me I'm like 15 minutes away from Lake Moultrie keep up the great work my friend

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching Bill! I'd love to come down there, maybe one day...

[@jimbo70fun]

Awesome video brotha New sub to your channel seen Love big cat fever rods

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! Big Cat Fever rods are my go-to rods

[@tsr_outdoors]

Nice fish For sure

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks and thanks again for watching!!

[@ncmooutdoors]

One day I will get one of those. Great video

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@ncmooutdoors]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 you ever fish Missouri River?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

@@ncmooutdoors I never have but heard there's some giants in that river

[@ncmooutdoors]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 yes big blues. Flathead aren't as big and plentiful but as some places

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I hope to fish that river one day

[@scottkissinger5763]

Nice video good content thx

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@dillonblackwell6983]

New subscriber here!! What rod holders are those on your rails? Nevermind found them in the description

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@trophyhunter2]

awesome fish, did you ever fish the allegheny river up at templeton,pa, we have a camp up there

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I personally haven't made it up that far but a good friend of mine fishes up there and does pretty well with flatheads

[@rexwright2386]

Nice fish

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks!

[@mikeweaver6640]

Awesome fishing, when can I see the how too on the grafting, what reels are you using?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks Mike! I got a scanning video in the works....I use Penn Fathom lw reels

[@Mr_Clean]

Starting @ 4:30 music to my ears!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching

[@jeffshorts6052]

Wow what a fish. I just got a boat for my retirement. 16’ deep V Sylvan. I’m close to the Allegheny River in Franklin Pa and Oil City Pa. it doesn’t have a upgrade fish finder. Question do you troll for cats or do you anchor up? Like your videos.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I typically anchor fish when targeting flatheads. Enjoy your retirement and thanks for watching!

[@richardshort7013]

21.5 lbs flathead back in 2000 on the Mississippi in Illinois

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Nice!

[@mikeroberts3868]

6:20 is a beautiful fish

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I agree! Thanks for watching

[@plumbaits761]

I've also adopted the hunter mindset. A lot of the time I get bit within the first 10 minutes.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Absolutely!

[@randlerichardson5826]

If a feller caught big ones every time he went out it would not be fun anymore it would be like a job.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

You're absolutely right

[@shakyleg5929]

I've said it in the past and I say it now. I think I could do catfishing for a living

[@Flathead-fb5tk]

New to the channel and it's great!!!! Nice fishing!!!! I'm seriously considering a big cat fever rod. If you don't mind me asking, which action were you using? Medium heavy? Keep up the good work!!!!!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching! I use medium heavy action rods when fishing the ohio river for flatheads.

[@Flathead-fb5tk]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 Thanks for the reply man!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

No problem

[@RiverJunkie]

Which pool are you exploring? I fish the RC byrd, racine pools mostly!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

This video was shot in the New Cumberland pool. It's half PA water, half West Virginia water

[@rogercarlson2330]

Which pool is home for you? I'm on 9 of the Mississippi. Love the channel.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for checking out the channel! Montgomery pool on the ohio river is my home pool however, I typically fish from Pittsburgh to hannibal dam in wv

[@e.t.preppin7084]

What river are you on ? I’m new. Awesome day for you!!!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I was fishing the Ohio River. Thanks for watching

[@dewayneallen618]

What equipment are you using? Why do you pull line out while you are reeling them in?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I run Big Cat Fever medium-heavy action rods, penn fathom 20lw reels, and Slimeline mono line....Im constantly adjusting my drag, while in the rod holder I typically keep my drag very tight so I can turn the fish right away, then while reeling them in, I adjust. I have links in the video's description of the tackle I run if your interested in checking it out. Thanks for watching!

[@dracolakeworld]

what main line and leader line do you use please lmk

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I typically use 40lb main line and go up on my leader line to 60-80lb for extra abrasion resistance. All Slimeline products from Catch The Fever

[@brianmerinar1033]

You fish a lot of spots I do a few summers ago I was headed for a brush pile realized u was headed for the same brush pile I turned my pontoon off course to go to the other side of the river and you guys turned off at the same time. Thank you for releasing all your fish. I'd like to talk to ya sometime we both at the ramp. Feel better man. We support ya in what you going through

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

If you ever see me, stop by and say hello. Good luck this year on the water. The rivers about to warm up quick here

[@ferrellcat5860]

Where abouts are you fishing at brother ? Nice flats !

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I fish the Ohio in WV and Pennsylvania

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub! Liked 😃😃😁🙏

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@hulkhuggett]

Is that a G3 or seaark?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

G3 Sportsman 200

[@benjaminhernandez3837]

I just caught my pb flathead i didn’t weigh it but that looks really close to it so mine was around that range too😅

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Good stuff!!

[@pittsburghangler]

I would recognize that voice of that audience member anywhere . Thats dan deaugustine.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Does he have a real nice pontoon boat?

[@josephlassiter1412]

What reels are you using

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Penn fathom l/w

[@JRIZZLE23]

What is the reason you pull drag by hand everytime you stop reeling in

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Mainly to check my drag and double check it's not locked up. I leave the drag very tight in the rod holder to prevent the flatheads from turning and running back into cover. Once I get the fish turned, I adjust it and back it off..This particular video though, I was having issues with with one of the reels sticking.

[@rexwright2386]

Your welcome

[@rexwright2386]

I bank fish so I don't have way get to uther spots

[@calebgriffis5972]

Quick question does any one know why he pulls some line out by hand

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I'm constantly checking and adjusting my drag. I never realized how often I did it till I started making videos, 😆

[@randlerichardson5826]

The biggest flathead I’ve ever caught was 14lbs and 6-7 ounces

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

They're a blast. Stay after them. It took me a long time to catch my first flathead.

[@johndehart8787]

What river in pa is this?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Ohio river

[@jackmunns9503]

What line do you usr

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I use 40 or 50 lb Slimeline mono for mainline and 60 or 80lb Slimeline Heavy Cover leader line. Thanks for watching!

[@jackmunns9503]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 Allright thank you

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

No problem

[@SINTHEREBEL666]

Where was this like City

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Bout 30 miles north of Pittsburgh

[@bethsummers6746]

How do I hook a big cat in a lake that 250 foot deep from the bank

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Same way you would in a lake in 5ft of water.

[@johnfuchs4011]

Are They still Spawning currently?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Yes. The flathead bite won't pick up around here till the end of July/early Aug

[@grandpadoug2816]

Why do you keep pulling line off your reel when fighting a fish?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Im checking my drag. I leave my drag locked pretty tight when the rods in the rod holder, then adjust as I'm fighting the fish.

[@heyyo6333]

We're in the Ohio river are u fish man ?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Mainly Pennsylvania and WV

[@heyyo6333]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 hell yeah man I'm in Lawrence county Ohio tristate area of wv,KY , Ohio . Between gallipolis Ohio and green up dam in KY . Ever treaded any of these water looking for some tips .

[@shawntinawoodrum3336]

I would like to have the hat you are wearing. it's bada$$

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I got it at catchthefever.com

[@shawntinawoodrum3336]

Thanks man I appreciate it

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

No problem. Thanks for watching the video

[@fabiangarcia3336]

Why do you pull line out ?

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Im checking my drag. I leave it locked down in the rod holder so I can turn the fish before he runs back into cover. After I get them turned, I'm constantly playing the drag. In this video though, one of my reels was acting up and drag was sticking.

[@fabiangarcia3336]

Ooh I get you , nice fish tho man !

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Dope content 👍👍

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@jerrystanley9438]

Why you keep pulling out line.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I constantly check and adjust my drag depending on where I'm at with the fish. Kind of an ADD thing, lol

[@user-bj3zz4ul7z]

A catfish is not a gamefish. Not in my state .

[@rondoofnightmare775]

I got an excellent idea for you..I stead of doing an instructional video of you in your boat with your sonar going spit to spot talking about putting time in on the water, why don't you do an instructional video on bank fishing? Not many of us have big fancy boats or sonars. We have to pound the ground, on shore with ever dwindling shore line access because of lack of accessibility for fishing.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

That's a good idea! Trust me, I put plenty of time in for years, fishing the river banks before I busted my butt, saved up and bought a "fancy" boat and sonar.

[@rondoofnightmare775]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 As much as I would love to own a boat and sonar, I'm handicapped. That makes operating a boat very hard

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Definitely understandable. If I were you, I'd be targeting just below dams and/or creek mouths for flatheads. Those are 2 great feeding ground type areas that are typically accessible from the bank.

[@rondoofnightmare775]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 Thank you. I'll be looking for dam fishing spots this week. As for creek mouths...all the ones here are on private property. Have to have a boat for that. I mainly fish public access sites at or near boat ramps. Some of them actually have great structure and deep holes. When I am targeting Flatheads I usally fish closer to shore versus throwing out in the main channel.

[@karlaug4450]

Is the thumbnail catfish a 5 foot 9 inches long ?.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Not quite!

[@karlaug4450]

@@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223 Thanks for the info. .I just like to know what I usually see . Good day .

[@jamescraig8601]

I'm an old hard of hearing man ,son. When you catch a fish your easy to hear. When your just talking, I can't get the speaker close enough to hear you.

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

I need to work on that! Thank you for watching

[@lukefarnham2119]

Where the tips?????

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Guess you weren't paying attention

[@timmyshere100]

has nothing to do with fishing,but trying to figure out your tatoos o n your shoulder?? still havent got a clue?? just curious...

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

My initials, in some weird font. I was an idiot when I was a teenager, 😆

[@kennethmarshall628]

That's a pig congratulations

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks for watching!

[@tieoneonoutdoors]

Good stuff as always Joe! We fish the same water - we need to meet up so I can toss you a beer or two! Check out or channel & hit me up! Marty & Ben Weir @ Tie One On Outdoors!

[@hammer-downcatfishingwithj7223]

Thanks!! I'll check out the channel