Early Spring Fishing for Trophy Size Blue and Flathead Catfish

What a fun day of kayak catfishing this trip was. It was catfishing mayhem from start to finish. I caught several TARP (TN Angler Recognition Program) size blues and three flatheads.
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#kayakcatfish #kayakcatfishing #catfishing

[@leerose9933]

I know since the filming of this video but the fact is, you are now 4 years greater now than what you are now and you were great back then. You sir, for a fact, are the greatest thing that ever happened to video no matter what the platform 😊!!!!

[@tterryshenanigans1820]

Everyone is busy beatin their dicks over spring bass and here you are catching cats consistently. God bless you man. Bass are damn easy to target, I've only caught a handful of decent whisker fish.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tom! I enjoy catching bass but the big cats always get me more excited.

[@harlantaylor92]

You need more recognition, this video should have at least a million views jeesh. Perfectly action packed, no dull moments i love it.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you for the compliment!

[@ItsmeButter.]

"Warm days brought them out here full force!" Love it !

[@KayakCatfish]

They will be out until it gets cold again. Then all those die hard fishermen will be nowhere to be found lol.

[@ItsmeButter.]

I'm going to think that everytime I hear or see a bass boat zoom by on a lake.... nice video btw, some nice catches!

[@hobo7070]

That’s what I’m talking about! Great day of fishing. You got that new board and have been on fire with some nice cats ever since.

[@KayakCatfish]

I have been running hot lately. Hopefully it lasts all year. Thanks for watching!

[@ncfisherman2782]

I've got that same mindset, "here comes a bass boat can't let them know I'm catching fish" priceless! Great video bro

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Thanks!

[@864pescador]

I’m a South Carolina based kayak fisherman, and seeing those fish makes me wanna take a trip up to Tennessee!

[@KayakCatfish]

You have some great fishing in SC too. Thanks for watching!

[@chadwebb3417]

Your content is phenomenal. It’s not hard to see that you’re a solid, good human being. Tight lines man!

[@22plinkster]

From one Tennessean to the other, good fishin!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! My dad is one of your biggest fans. He talks about your videos all the time.

[@22plinkster]

@@KayakCatfish We aren't too far apart. I own 5 kayaks, and I will travel. 👍 Also, tell your dad thanks for the support.

[@KayakCatfish]

You are welcome to join me anytime. Would love to fish with you.

[@matthewgray1990]

Let’s see the colab video!

[@ibrahimjimmy6057]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@andybaker5466]

This is a little older but what a video! The thing with a true teacher is one you should listen too!

[@danielbrothers2914]

Man O Man... those blues sure were full of eggs...WOW

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@peterderidder9922]

OMG you must have a lot of buddy's down there !!!!!!!!!!!!! I like to watch youre channel, and exspecialy youre commentary (lots of humor ) . Thanks you share all youre adventures with us. To be sure I look all youre vids I like them all, so I can see wich ones I alreddy have seen.

[@stephenhair5501]

That was a Buzzer Beater of a day!! 😱😱. Those were some quality fish!! I gotta get out now and bait a hook. Thanks for some great video. Fish on!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Stephen! Hope you catch a bunch when you go.

[@dallassummers261]

Man the way that first fish hammered it he about dumped ur kayak... Heck of a day man.im still catching up on all ur older videos before i subbed.seems to me u have always been a legend

[@attitudeadjusted9027]

Those flat heads are perfect eaters. I typically catch the majority of my flathead on live bait up here in northern Missouri. Love your vids!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Les!

[@cleatussfmo7437]

I need to get into a good flathead. Few and far between down here in the waters I'm on in central Missouri. Or maybe I just ain't doing it right. One way or another, I need to get into some. Fishing has been slow so far this year, though.

[@lleytonbrock3381]

I’ve heard the reason flat heads are so good and have such white meat bc they only eat live food

[@hallofgamer15yt87]

How does this guy not hit 1m but what would be great!! If he showed everywhere he was fishing

[@KayakCatfish]

I do show everywhere I am fishing. I have never tried to hide a background. Smart fishermen listen to what I am saying about how and what structure I am catching fish on and then go apply that knowledge to where they are fishing.

[@artschamberg4470]

I guess if you want big 🐠 fish U need big bait. I think a lot of people are skeptical about big bait however after watching your videos there is no doubt about it. Keep the videos coming.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you for watching!

[@petenunnery2292]

Man. Thx for making my weekend. I have night shift the whole weekend. Your videos are a blast. Tight lines sir .

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Peter! Hope work goes by fast for you.

[@braidensoltow7167]

Did that catfish burp at 5:32 😂😂😂

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Yeah they do that sometimes

[@DavidsOutdoors-of1vs]

That warmer weather made for some feisty fish! It's always good to see some flatheads too.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks David! I have been a lot of flatheads lately. They are really turning on.

[@CastFromTheHip]

Love when the weather warms up and the fish get moving.

[@trev_fishing749]

I'm a life long bass angler, I just got into targeting flathead from shore. They are my new favorite fish. Thanks for the videos #kayakcatfish

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshavery4402]

Great fish. Never heard the term "GOLLY WHOPPER" before. Love it..lol. I never have much luck with the flattys in iowa. Nor the blues. No blues where im at.

[@marcoslusso2163]

That was a great fishing day. I never fished from a kayak but when we catch the blues from the James River in Virginia, I am glad I am on a 18' boat. I don't think that I could keep my balance on a kayak specially when we catch these 34"+ citations. Great Job.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Marcos!

[@TurkeyTits]

You got a new glove!!! Ayeee. Keep up the content posting, I watch literally every one of your videos. Great stuff man. You are living my dream.

[@jameshollon8144]

Great Video! Great looking cats. Man that looked like fun. Getting my boat ready now!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks James! Hope you catch a bunch when you get your boat ready.

[@marknugent6155]

Another great video Justin. Keep em coming , we'll keep watching ! On a side note , I finally got my boat back from the repair shop today. I should be hitting the water in two weeks.

[@richardsykes7971]

I find myself constantly checking KZbin for your next video, wow that’s one impressive fishery.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Richard! I am glad you like the videos.

[@jasonevans6047]

That's a slaying day there,Nice..

[@tomw3380]

Thanks for the video Justin. Visited my son there last weekend and we got out once for a few hours on Friday. It was so windy we had to fish in some protected water but my son caught a flatty and a small blue so he was happy. I didn't get one but I handed him the rod with the blue. I want to keep his interest up. Thanks for the videos

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tom! Glad you were able to get on some fish while you were here. The wind can be rough this time of year.

[@boone172]

Buddy I like ur videos. Especially the way u detail what u use and where ur fishing. Very useful info thanks for making a very useful video and keep it up. Good job. Great haul.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! I am glad to hear you enjoy the videos.

[@matttaylor8434]

Bass are fun when you have nothing else to fish for!! Nice catches!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Matt!

[@jamescasteel2766]

Getting it done once again! Always great videos.. tight lines my friend 🔥🎣🇺🇸

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks James!

[@joebananana6841]

I’m just now trying to learn how to Catfish and I really enjoy your videos. Keep it up!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@FishingWithJBT]

Gonna start hunting them flatheads and blues now brother! Im gettting Catfish fever again 🎣

[@troutmagnetman]

You know in some states it’s illegal to have that much fun...LOL. Another great day for ya........those fish have been eating well. You’re just getting warmed up!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! It’s going to be a fun spring. I’m looking forward to catching a bunch more.

[@jeffmorris8768]

Bunch of beauty,s Justin.Fish On get,s wind your fishing in his area ,He,s liable to be following you around trying to learn more,ha.ha.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha!!! He usually seems to stay below the dam with the other striper guides.

[@greggoff9072]

Justin them was some pretty flat heads. An nice blues. Tight lines bro an good luck fishing

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Greg!

[@100catfishing7]

Awesome day ! You're on fire Justin!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Fishing has been good to me lately. Hopefully it continues all year.

[@SalineScott]

I can’t believe that one isn’t get away with the way the hook just fell out. You got some pretty good flatheads on this trip.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Scott! It was a good trip. The bite is really picking up here lately.

[@adamstevenson8737]

Coming down from May 3-13 on vacation and possibly going to be moving down there soon. Super excited knowing that I will be so close to this good of fishing....Definitely going to have to get out there on a Yak soon!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Lots of great fishing in this area. Good luck on your trip. Hope you catch a bunch!

[@johnvernier8635]

Another great video, Looks like a bunch of fun!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks John! It’s a blast.

[@meganwagner1434]

You are really good at catfish !

[@garenjordan3271]

I love watching your videos you deserve so much more love!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Garen!

[@DicksonAdams-dc3cl]

I keep thinking he is going to get pulled over. Lol

[@KayakCatfish]

I hope the day comes that I hook into one big enough to do it. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelducat6835]

Your probably getting sick of me saying it awesome video thx for the videos

[@KayakCatfish]

I’m thankful you have watched so many. I appreciate it.

[@beckyzimmerman1915]

First part had me leaning of the edge of my chair!

[@bigbkeepitreelfishing]

Your videos are awesome. God bless you more. Boom fish on! Well done.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@Richhatfield9568]

great bunch of nice catfish good job!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@ReelBeasts]

As soon as I find a safe place to take the yak I’ll be trying for one of those. It must be awesome to catch a big fish out of the yak!

[@KayakCatfish]

It’s a blast. Hope you catch some big ones.

[@tylerwilson935]

Hell of a haul man!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tyler!

[@kentcostello8099]

You need to tag them you fish the way I like to fish catch and release kick ass video and job 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸😎

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Kent! It would be cool to tag them.

[@greenpea9412]

It doesn't get much better than that. I'll take a day like that anytime.

[@KayakCatfish]

Me too. Thanks for watching!

[@Jerryshipping12]

Tight lines Justin

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Jerry!

[@fishnmaster421]

Once I started using octopus hook I never use circle hooks again. I love love love the octopus hook with a shank to it.

[@KayakCatfish]

Glad it is working well for you

[@chriss1151]

Crappie should be on the dinner plate. I could see saving the heads for bait but when I heard you say a body piece was used for bait my heart sunk. I am teasing of course, crappie is the best eating there is though. You are doing well putting some good fish in the yak. Keep it up!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Chris!

[@chriss1151]

@Pinochet's Helicopter I suppose you can have your own opinion on great tasting fish. I do enjoy a flathead fry. I only eat catfish 10lbs or smaller. I would still fish with you and help you clean those white bass if you are making supper for me. 😉 I'll bring the beer.

[@mike.j4893]

Best fishing videos on you tube !

[@damianchenot2667]

I live in the Seattle area and have become infatuated with Tennessee. Everything there seems so nice and the fishing looks great, though fishing is pretty awesome here. I'm hoping that when I retire from the navy that I can find something in TN!

[@KayakCatfish]

It is beautiful country down here. I spent some time in Washington a few years ago and loved it up there. Your mountains/volcanoes are a beautiful.

[@josephcain8643]

nice day on the water,priceless

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Joseph!

[@timhalcomb4041]

Appreciate you taking us along on these trips man that was some awesome fishing you have a blessed day

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tim!

[@Vapor_32]

Wow! This video has been uploaded for 20 minutes and has already gotten 233 views! Keep up the good work sir!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Pretty crazy how this channel has grown.

[@jeffmorris8768]

It,s grown because it,s not filled with a bunch of nonsence like fishing with cow tongue.Course ,some people are dumb enough to fall for it.

[@MrPat1953]

@@jeffmorris8768 That wasn't today's catfish and carp was it?

[@Vapor_32]

Hahahahaha

[@TheSteveo313]

Last time I tried even sitting in a kayak i flipped it...give me my canoes lol still some great fishing though!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@larrytow806]

Pro at it. Great job man.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Larry!

[@dannyhart2490]

Great video J. Personally I like the camera angle from slightly behind you that shows the rod tip and the water. Either way keep up the good work.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Danny! I’ll try to incorporate more of that.

[@danielrubino9042]

I call them bass holes. Not all of them, just the ones who blast past small boats (amd entirely to close) or fish on top of you with miles of open water.

[@KayakCatfish]

I call them much worse things lol. Thanks for watching!

[@TheGuitar1962]

That first one had a beer gut.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Yes it did.

[@melvinyarborough2663]

Golly whopper. Never heard that phrase before. Must be a Tennessee thing. Lol. Lmao

[@KayakCatfish]

We have a lot of unique phrases around here lol.

[@BrianGay57]

Damn! The small one would be a personal best for me!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching!

[@WarriorCall]

First video I've watched. Saw you on Instagram. Had to check it out. Im now a subscriber and yes I did hit the notification bell.

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s awesome Travis! Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@WarriorCall]

Yeah man. Looking forward to a lot of good videos. Keep em coming

[@CGCbeats]

I fish ther all the time but usually only catch bass. I tried fishing for blues last year from my buddies backyard and my personal best was a 16 pound blue

[@KayakCatfish]

16lbs is a nice fish. Congrats!

[@UMADl3RO5]

Love your videos man keep it up

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Elijah!

[@catfishassassination3821]

Tearing em up!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! It was a fun day.

[@colbefree2650]

i personaly use penn. i highly recomend this brand for anyone that catfishes alot.

[@KayakCatfish]

They make great reels.

[@Mgg2601]

What type rod are you using?

[@KayakCatfish]

I use ugly stik catfish series. The 7’ model.

[@bigrivercatfish799]

Good video you lit it up out there👍

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@chrissimmonds4898]

Just finding this channel. Good videos

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Chris!

[@m.jporte6514]

I catch big Northern Pike in my area. My personal best was about 15 lbs and that first catch was much bigger, and you call that a small one, geez.

[@tedc3895]

Try live bluegill for Flatheads. Hook in one eye and out the other. They live a long time hooked that way. Hard to pull off also.

[@KayakCatfish]

You must not watch many of my videos lol

[@-_--pb7ti]

I once hooked a fish that I couldn’t pull at all. At first I thought it was snagged so I was about to cut the line but then it started pulling and pulling and it just kept adding weight. I got my dad to help me out and he couldn’t pull it up either and it just kept pulling and it ended up breaking the rod. We decided to cut the line since we had no hope of landing it since we couldn’t move it even an inch. I’m convinced it was a big catfish but idk how big it was. This was also on a heavy rod.

[@biffbinford8767]

LOL Ack! I hope you saved the Crappie filets. Crappie is a eating fish, not a baiting fish!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

I fed the filets to the catfish too. Crappie are for bait as far as I am concerned.

[@Truckerdaddy]

My dad and I use ambassadeur reels. I've got a couple older 5000 series and a 6500 CL Rocket. My dad has a few 5500 series and a 7000 series. He loves his 7000.

[@KayakCatfish]

I have always had good experiences with my abu reels.

[@Truckerdaddy]

@@KayakCatfish same here. I do have one that for some reason doesn't cast very well. I bought it used like that.

[@tmise50]

I realize you are at Ft. Loudon but was wondering if you ever fish Cherokee lake?

[@rickshackleford6478]

Great Video... Thanks 🙏

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Rick!

[@scotthyde5946]

Looks like Very Much Fun BUT I WOULD HAVE A GOOD KNIFE HANDY ! Seems it could be tough if he gets hooked to a catfish and pulled over board ???

[@ThomasRobertsonn]

Really good video

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Thomas!

[@show-meadventure4900]

Thanks for sharing all this info with us Justin. Is there a point (maybe water temp?) that you plan on switching back to drifting?

[@KayakCatfish]

Yes and no. Typically I would start to drift again when water temps get up near 55 and definitely when they hit 60. I am doing an experiment this year though. I am making myself be patient and give spots several hours before moving versus in years past where I would fish 30 minutes and move on to the next place. I want to compare the results with previous years and see which way is more effective for big fish. Thus far, anchoring in spots for long periods of time is paying off. Most of my big fish have come long after I would have usually moved on to the next place. Time will tell if it continues but I will be doing very little drifting and trolling this year.

[@show-meadventure4900]

Kayak Catfish Thanks man. I have never anchored my kayak but have been thinking I should with the colder water temps

[@codyrobison6817]

How much do you use sonar when fishing for these pigs? Also do you always target main lake points? Drop offs? Or creek channels i fish a resevoir alot and trying to figure out a better approach

[@KayakCatfish]

I use sonar quite a bit. I don’t look for fish on there but I do use to confirm my location on structure. I fish a variety of structures. Points, humps, ledges, creek channels and creek mouths. Fish can be found at all of those places depending on the time of year.

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

My biggest blues this year have came off of cut yellow bass.

[@KayakCatfish]

Yellow bass is a good bait. I enjoy catching them on the ultralight too.

[@andybass2045]

Good morning Justin I was wondering have you thought about getting a thump net it will hang on the side of your kayack and it will keep your skip jack a live when your not using it

[@KayakCatfish]

Those nets create a lot of drag. Too much of a pain to pull them around in the kayak

[@andybass2045]

@@KayakCatfish oh ok I was t sure it was an idea how are things going in Tennessee today the weather is awesome here in Georgia

[@KillerBeeOutdoors]

Hey Justin, quick couple of questions? Do you use 2 anchors to stabalize while anchor fishing or do you allow the unsecure end of the yak to do what it will while suspend fishing? Do you ever suspend fish in shallow water like under 20ft?

[@KayakCatfish]

I only use one anchor for safety purposes. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to do more suspend fishing while anchored was due to the fact that I don’t need the front of the kayak to remain pointed forward like when casting baits out in front of me. A drift sock works well if I have decent current flow but a lot of days we don’t have any flow at all so I am completely at the mercy of the wind and boat wake. By using heavier sinkers, I can keep my baits at the depth I want them even if the front of the kayak is getting blown around. As for depth, I rarely suspend in less than 20 feet. I just don’t seem to do well suspending in water shallower than that.

[@gsanchez7154]

FISH FRY!!!!!!!!!

[@johnsmith-tr3dh]

Do you ever keep and eat any of your catch ? If so, what species , Channel, Blue or Flatheads, do you like best and what size ? Just curious. . . . Awesome videos.

[@michaelmcintyre421]

Whats your favorite real do you like best?

[@JustinsFishinFetish]

Loved it!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Justin!

[@noah6416]

in California that "baby" is a GIANT

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you for watching!

[@charlesbradley2311]

great video, how deep were you fishing. thanks

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I was fishing 37 feet deep.

[@JeffGeraldFishing]

Good deal man, caught some nice fish. Are you going to try and get out this weekend? I’m planning on fishing some this weekend after I do a couple of things around the house since it seems like it’s gonna be a nice weekend. Great video once again 👊🏻

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Jeff! I won’t be out this weekend. I am out of town for work. Hopefully fish again Monday evening or Tuesday if the weather allows.

[@pj2854]

Holy houses!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I would love to see their electric bills. I can’t imagine how much it costs just to heat and cool those places.

[@pj2854]

@@KayakCatfish Dumb money bro. I live in DC . I'm a electrician and the average bill for a house that size here is 3,400.00 a month..😂😪

[@KayakCatfish]

Geez! I couldn’t imagine paying that just for electricity. People are crazy.

[@jamestarpenning3653]

Justin I’ve been watching your videos love the content!!! Do you or have you ever used bullhead catfish for bait?

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! There isn’t a big population of bullheads on the waters that I fish.

[@210fishing6]

What kind of anchor system do you use

[@KayakCatfish]

I use a 4lb slip ring anchor with a section of chain when anchoring in current and a 10lb dumbbell when anchoring in slack water.

[@its---natedogg7526]

Great video! Love your vids. What was the water temp that day ?

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Nate! Water temp was 51 degrees.

[@trail-magik1422]

Where is this?