Exploring SMALL rivers for MONSTER FISH!! (55 lb flathead)

It never ceases to amaze me the character of a big flathead catfish. Everyone of them is unique and special with their own personality and strengths. Some are fast. Some are powerful. But they are all mean. And that's just a few of the many reasons I love them.
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[@edbrown3047]

Thanks for not being afraid to show your rigs/set ups..congrats on the awesome flathead

[@RiverCertified]

Glad it helps man. Thanks for watching all the videos!

[@billshepard1275]

I like the SPENCER and Ryan show! You guys are a hoot. Another great video

[@RiverCertified]

We definitely enjoy ourselves. Glad you enjoyed it Bill!

[@peterschulties3258]

Enjoyed that thanks Spencer! Great fish.

[@RiverCertified]

Really glad you did! Thank you!

[@gregoryfortenberry741]

Feeder creeks, brush piles, sandbars. Knottyheads, cold brew. You are living the dream brother.

[@RiverCertified]

I do my best! Thanks for watching!

[@stuffnthingsb.c4043]

I like that you play fishing blues in the background of most your videos. I’ve seen Taj Mahal in concert and it was awesome

[@caseythornburgh6260]

A Great video, awesome fish , a win for the Cubs and now I just need to catch a flathead like that tonight and my day will be complete. Thanks for the videos

[@RiverCertified]

I like where your head is at! Good luck Casey!

[@Raidersge]

Man that'd be so fun and relaxing. Love kayaking, the fishing is just a bonus.

[@RiverCertified]

It's my favorite way to catch em. Hope you can make it out there and good luck when you do!

[@justinbandy2610]

Opens with a King of the Hill reference. New favorite channel. 👌

[@RiverCertified]

Well I'm glad someone appreciated that😁

[@HawgDaddyCatfishing]

Great Fish Spencer!! That fish was a beast, Well done buddy!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man! I was definitely flying high for a while after that one!

[@dman16z59]

Love the videos man keep it up it's so awesome to watch them cause my dad has cancer and fishing it's the only way to relax and destress

[@RiverCertified]

I'm really sorry to hear that man. I'll hope for the best for him, you and your family. Glad you all enjoy the videos!

[@dman16z59]

@@RiverCertified thanks man means allot keep up the good work

[@stephenhair5501]

Nice Flattie!! You did catch the Giant that night. Thanks for sharing!!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Stephen! I got lucky!

[@mauricecason5369]

Awesome Flathead buddy getting me 2 more Whisker Seekers for Christmas

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Maurice! That's a solid Christmas dude!

[@fsoutdoorstv9263]

“Woah, power” you kill me dude 😂congrats buddy

[@RiverCertified]

Haha glad you get a kick out of it! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch (and hopefully laugh)!

[@masonpeterson8724]

Love the videos man. Always so nice fish keep it up man. Tight lines💪💪

[@bradhilton8803]

Another huge flathead man....you're killing it! That thing was a tank!!

[@RiverCertified]

Its been a great year! He gave me about all I wanted. I really appreciate all the support!

[@droningharry]

Another great fish. You just keep finding them. 2ft of water I thought you lost your mind. Then that monster. Guess I was wrong, big time. Love it, keep it up.

[@RiverCertified]

Slobs like shallow water at time. Thanks for watching Harry!

[@jacob2790]

They like to move into shallow Sandy flats and feed at nights when they are out lurking.

[@DannyCal]

Great fish! Let em go and let em grow!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Danny! Go Cubs😁

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

Dude I love your videos and the level of sarcasm in them. You’re definitely one of the KZbinrs I hope to meet at the conference next February 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Chris! I'll be at one of them just depending on where the locations are. Thanks for watching all the videos!

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

I believe the other locations are somewhere in the south west and north west, plus the OG spot in KY.

[@shawnt9256]

You're amazing spence. All of it, Editing, advice character, easily best youtuber in your division. River Certified and pig patrol,that's my shit..

[@blntmanreptiles8800]

Nice fish thanks for the information

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you for watching Emalii!

[@ATOUTDOORS]

HELL YEAH MAN, I LOVE THAT SOUND, CLICKERS SCREAMIN IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING, HARD WORK PAYS OFF MAN💪👀💥

[@RiverCertified]

Definitely my favorite sound too! I used at as an alarm but my wife got tired of me flying out of bed int the morning 🤣🤣🤣

[@timothystubbs7740]

Good job man. That was definitely a huge fish.

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you Timothy! Really appreciate you watching!

[@richardpeterson1978]

Just got a new kayak !hope to see you on the river.

[@RiverCertified]

There's some nice fish out there. Good luck Richard!

[@pzs3668]

Your vids get me hyped up for the next fishing trip. Taking the sea doo fish pro out to lake granbury for some catfishing. Thanks buddy

[@RiverCertified]

I've heard there's giants in there. Good luck!

[@mattmoore684]

Great video Spencer thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Do you ever have trouble keeping your bobber stops in place?

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks, Matt! Occasionally, but I just cinch them back down. I really appreciate you watching!

[@frederickfitzpatrick3165]

Awesome fish!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Fredrick! Really appreciate you watching!

[@cliftoningram1886]

Thanks RC, better come a running when the drag is singing, might catch a flathead of a lifetime! Congratulations on the catch! Thanks for sharing!

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate it dude! Good luck out there!

[@shawngriffin3248]

Hell ya brother let them go let them grow. I got a big years ago that I'll never forget. DNR said 75 to 80. I let it go. Bet its 100lbs by now. Love ur videos man keep em coming

[@RiverCertified]

That's a giant! Hope you find him again! Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@JohnDoe-xf8nr]

Glad you caught you a nice one I had the state record channel cat for Texas by a long shot but didn’t fit in my net and when I went to Grab it it spun and spit the hook but it was a great night with lots of big catfish

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks for passing along the story. The ones that got away make the best ones. Hopefully you get another shot one of these days! Thanks for watching!

[@lukecarroll9540]

Go Hawks! I've been waiting all week for this vid

[@RiverCertified]

1-0! Can't complain yet! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigslime7488]

Keep it up the channel will only keep growing

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you Tristan! Just got off the water. Hopefully the fish keep helping😁 I really appreciate you watching!

[@Dot2Kode]

Nice fish! Thanks for going over some of your gear also. Not as familiar with catfishing stuff.

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed that part. I was up in the air about doing it. Really appreciate you watching!

[@100catfishing7]

Nice one Spencer!!

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you very much sir!

[@juliomartinez2205]

Man. When that song came on, when the clicker went off.... Epic lol . The burn owls were definitely cheering you on ! Lol 😁

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate being cheered on haha. Really glad you enjoyed the video!

[@juliomartinez2205]

Yeah man, definitely ! Keep up the good work !

[@heaths1350]

Damn nice fish spencer !! Might have to try that setup sometime

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Heath! Its definitely my favorite set up

[@sistaslab3159]

Awesome video

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you!

[@bearableoutdoors3167]

Nice fish man way to go.....

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you very much! I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@timshoff4593]

You continue to amaze me! I had no idea you spoke owl !! 😜😊 Love your vids. Great job.

[@RiverCertified]

Well, I don't like to brag😆 glad ya enjoy the videos!

[@trev_fishing749]

Nice fish!

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you dude! Really appreciate you watching!

[@MrCrankrod]

Right on man. Still havent got to the water myself. But its dove season so. Filled daily limit for 2 days in a row

[@RiverCertified]

Haven't done that in several years. Was fun when I did tho. Good luck out there!

[@colinpennington2090]

Awesome fish, Spencer! I can’t believe you passed up an opportunity to experiment with bat bait. 😂 Thanks for talking us through that rig.

[@RiverCertified]

Haha I'll pass on that every time. Definitely dont need any rabies in my life. Glad you get a kick out of my junior high sense of humor😁

[@jeebuzcrust]

Who knew Batman wanted in on the flathead action.

[@RiverCertified]

I'm just trying to bring awareness haha

[@TDFishing]

Awesome fish man! I know exactly how you feel on the recording issues haha I tend to reverse record a lot on the gopro (When I think I record I actually turn the video off while fishing fish and then start recording when it is landed. I've done the same on multiple 40lb fish and it's always heart breaking. Keep up these awesome videos!

[@RiverCertified]

Haha at least I'm not the only one! Maybe one of these days we will figure it out. Good luck out there man!

[@TDFishing]

@@RiverCertified Haha thanks! Right back at you! I'm long over due for a nice fish. I've caught way too many 25 and under pound fish in a row. Hopefully this fall I can find some bigger fish. You need to stop catching these big fish!! haha making me jealous.

[@gregtrent5068]

Awesome fish! Do you want the sinker touching bottom or is it suspended also? Didn’t really understand why the bigger sinker. Hope how I asked that made sense. I haven’t used a bobber any, usually use the santee rig. Really enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing.

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man! The sinker is on the bottom, and the extra weight keeps the current from moving it around as much.

[@i-spazzmusic1504]

Spencer .... today unfortunately i had a taste of my first monster flathead in a kayak an biggest flathead in general , i seriously underestimated the power of this fish , when i get a hook set do i just keep on him an try to pull him out of the log jam ? Cuz thats how i lost em , in the thick mess under the water , glad u got urs !

[@RiverCertified]

Dude, it goes with the territory. Lost fish are just part of it. Just try to think about what you could do differently next time and try not to make the same mistake twice. Easier said than done. I'm cheering for ya tho man!

[@chrisshields78]

You like the 9.5' heavy for bank fishing. What's you favorite on the boat?

[@maryvang3387]

Nice!!! That felling of being dragged around lol

[@RiverCertified]

Yeah, didn't get it this time. Caught it off the bank. It is fun tho. Thanks for watching!

[@joeb5619]

Looks like a great place to run lines.

[@RiverCertified]

They definitely do. I haven't done it in a few years. Sure is fun. Thanks for watching!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

That was a dandy 👍🎣

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Ray! Felt pretty fortunate for sure!

[@rickzoerman3322]

Great fish Spencer. Question....that sinker below the bobber...is that to anchor to the bottom or just for bait placement in the water column? Also, is that on a slide rigg?

[@RiverCertified]

It's to help anchor the rig to the bottom. It's not perfect, but works way better than a standard slip sinker rig for that.

[@CarolinaAnglingCo]

You've gotta come chase cats here in SC. We do have the world record Channel at 58 lbs. Bonkers right?

[@RiverCertified]

I'd love to. Just wish it wasn't so far away.

[@Catfish.Knudsen]

Saying to let the big cats go is a big deal. There's many reasons to let the big ones go. Great message, great video as always🤙🏾

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man. Glad you enjoyed it too.

[@mattyoung589]

Kick ass video man, I was out last night, got on a pretty good one, not quite as good as yours. Congrats on the pig!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Matt! Glad you are on em! Really appreciate you watching!

[@codyrobison6817]

Whats your bait tank water treated with? Looking for somthing to treat my home bait tank with

[@RiverCertified]

Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGjahZZ9fsinrKc Thanks for watching!

[@richardpeterson1978]

I’ve been fishing the river for over 30 years and never knew there were flatheads that big out there.

[@RiverCertified]

Yessir. Just gotta get lucky every once in a while. Thanks for watching!

[@jasonotto650]

Is that the Des Moines river?

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

Love the set ups. I got one ws rod teamed up with a 6500 catfish special. 80lb braid. Great vid brother

[@RiverCertified]

Agreed sir! They're feel like a muskie rod more than a cat rod. Thanks for being the man!

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

No my friend, you are sir. You got one of the newer rods yet? Stainless guides and aluminum reel seat? I've been thinking about one of those

[@RiverCertified]

I have got a few and love em. The action is a little slower(hardly noticeable tho), but just knowing I have a little more durability makes me love them even more!

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

Right on! You convinced me. Lol

[@RiverCertified]

When you order one, I'd appreciate it if you let them know who you talked about it with! It makes me look good 😁

[@jasongrahamPUTTtheonly1]

Almost bout kayak not long ago. Here on the quachita river in north east Louisiana. Nice ones. Lived rihht on it for couple yrs not long ago in a cabin. Sone stuff ive never seen before ya know. Anyways. Will get me n the ole lady some or aleast me one.

[@RiverCertified]

Good luck when you do man!

[@shawnshepherd6707]

nice to watch him swim back for the next angler

[@RiverCertified]

Agreed! I'm hopeful they do the same. Thank you for watching!

[@drw5252]

November the 8th I celebrate my 50th birthday I'm going to lake oak here in Texas going to spend about a week I hope to have a great time catch a bunch of fish good job Spencer that's a really big fish

[@RiverCertified]

I hope you beat them up! Happy early birthday!

[@mikefarnkopf9813]

Great video !!!! Learned a VALUABLE lesson from you today!👍 i am a carp fisherman ,(lifelong passion); just started to tap into Phillys amazing flathead fishery a year ago. Don't night fish, so any little tip to up my flattie game is pure gold! Also, what i learned from you today will help my summer carp game. TURTLES!!! Are my summertime nemesis!😂in my 52 years, can't believe i haven't been smart enough to get my baits off the bottom to avoid my summertime nemesis!! Thanks man!👍Tight lines brother!

[@RiverCertified]

That's awesome man, really hope it helps! Let me know how you do. Goodluck!

[@baggers-]

Now that was a tub thumper of a turd slurper great to see Ryan bringing the feast while you provide the liquids required for a night's bank fishing and a fair exchange rate I think . Great detail on your combo's I have 3 Abu blues ! Not the yonders . If you can get them over there try the akios reels they are like the original Abu made and designed but there old designer but far better construction than the new Abu and can really crank in the fish excellent clicker and drag as well the Penn fathom is another reel I use again good cranking reel with good drag

[@RiverCertified]

I hope to catch another like that one someday. Fingers crossed. Lots of good equipment now adays. I've heard great things about akios. I've used the fathoms and really like them too. THat's what I took to the amazon.

[@baggers-]

@@RiverCertified those akios reels are equal too if not better than my blues with much better drag . If I didn't still use them I would send them over for you

[@haydenholleman7814]

New to the channel been here for a week or two can u do a video on your kayak set up plzzzz

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks for sticking around Hayden! Check out my KZbin page. At the very bottom is a playlist with several videos on kayak set up, plus more. Hope it helps!

[@i-spazzmusic1504]

Nother quiestion, best time of day for fishing log jams ?

[@RiverCertified]

24 hours man😁 seriously though, they can be good almost anytime

[@jasonmcguire8895]

How did you get started in kayak fishing for monsters

[@RiverCertified]

Shark fishing from the beach actually. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyberstler2159]

So beavers are a good sign? I have heard mixed things about beavers and otter

[@RiverCertified]

Beavers like timber and so do flatheads. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyberstler2159]

River Certified thanks for the info and more importantly thanks for the videos!!

[@mattpotts3959]

So you rig your bobbers up with a reg 3 way swivel set up? Longer sinker line shorter hook line? And bobber sets on top of water.

[@RiverCertified]

You got it. My favorite flathead rig. Thanks for watching!

[@mattpotts3959]

@@RiverCertified 1 more question,, 3 way over a Carolina rig under the float. Why?

[@RiverCertified]

The sinker in the bottom helps keep it in one spot

[@mattpotts3959]

@@RiverCertified ill try it lol. Everytime i use a 3 way it tangles

[@johnboy7417]

Are you in Kansas this looks really familiar

[@christowphersadventures6527]

J.w. , why can't you put the creek chub on the bottom?

[@RiverCertified]

I could, but in low water the turtles seem to flock to them fast when they are on the bottom. I prefer to keep them under a bobber. Thanks for asking!

[@christowphersadventures6527]

@@RiverCertified that definitely makes sense!

[@jacob2790]

The bigger, heartier, and feistier your bait the less chance of it being turtle or gar food.

[@Theziptieman]

Nicee ! I'm gonna sub

[@RiverCertified]

I really appreciate it Rodrigo!

[@Theziptieman]

@@RiverCertified no prob I learn alot from your channel my guy!

[@brantleyparry2153]

Subbed!!

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you!

[@austin72]

I been looking at that floater would u do a review on it

[@RiverCertified]

What floater are you referring to exactly?

[@austin72]

@@RiverCertified the whisker seeker nightsriker I believe thats what u had on that one rod I always wanted to know more about them

[@RiverCertified]

Ah. I prefer the foam bobbers. The balsa ones are balanced with lead built in. I use those more for lakes.

[@austin72]

@@RiverCertified there nice when I get paid I gotta get some more gear in

[@levimeade8109]

You should come fish with me on the Missouri river.

[@RiverCertified]

Too bad its so far for me. Thanks for the invite and thanks for watching!

[@taylordeloach312]

Should’ve made some nice bat soup I’ve heard good reviews on it

[@RiverCertified]

😆😆😆

[@ryanharrod1155]

Hey Spencer. How do you pick your spots? I know depth and structure is important but what makes you choose one spot over the other? Almost every time you fish with someone you are the one who hooks up too. I know you have been doing this for along time but why do you put your baits in the places you do once you find a spot. Sorry if I make no sense. Not the brightest crayon in the box. 🤪

[@RiverCertified]

You're wanting to know the spot in the spot. It varies a lot, but its still not something I'd share publicly 😁

[@jasongrahamPUTTtheonly1]

Keep um comn bro.

[@RiverCertified]

I'm doing my best. Thanks for watching!

[@quintenbrown1508]

What river do you fish the most 🤔. I don't want to know where just the river name.

[@gregoryfortenberry741]

What state you in?

[@RiverCertified]

I'm in Iowa. Thanks for watching!

[@tylerchase4558]

What kind of pfd is that ?

[@RiverCertified]

Bass pro brand. Thanks for watching!

[@mickeyadams4020]

What part of iowa are you from? Im also from iowa. if you're close we should catch some cats sometime man

[@RiverCertified]

I"m in central Iowa. Thanks for watching!

[@mickeyadams4020]

@@RiverCertified no way same. I live near bondurant

[@daltonclayton1356]

Another great video this is kinda get repetitive with the great videos😂 also saw that fish on instagram

[@RiverCertified]

I feel like that's a good problem to have😁 thanks for watching!

[@timwhiting6721]

That's a tubby kitty !

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Tim!

[@fishinglots5852]

Hi Spencer

[@RiverCertified]

Hey Jon! Hope school is going well!

[@fishingnightnday]

So am I the only person that wonders about the memory capabilities of these fish? A 55lb fish has probably met a few fishermen the hard way. Do they ever go, "not this guy again!" And we just don't recognize him at all, but we caught him 2 yrs ago...

[@RiverCertified]

I don't give fish that much credit. I mean even people struggle to remember details like that at times.

[@jameswise5003]

You missed the perfect oppertunity to BAT Catch & Cook!

[@RiverCertified]

Definitely a missed opportunity on my end haha

[@joshklunker5037]

So how did going to teach your students to the next day since you were up all night lol? Were they like “Mr Bauer you don’t look so good”

[@RiverCertified]

It wasn't too bad. I actually sleep pretty good out there... Uusally. There's definitely been a few rough days. Its part of the sacrifice haha

[@ron2893]

What a head on that Cat

[@RiverCertified]

I really hope I run into this one again this year

[@faronmastin8683]

Nice Flatty my biggest is 52#

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks! 52 is a jumbo!

[@seroogyw6238]

GO BREWERS!!! 😂😂😂

[@RiverCertified]

🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@WindyCityWarden]

I'm gonna get this same setup, as long as you don't mind me copying you bro...

[@RiverCertified]

I dont mind a bit!

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Who doesn’t love Hank Hill 👍🏻? Small word I found a dead bat floppin in my yard in Ohio lol

[@RiverCertified]

No one I want to be friends with 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for watching!

[@millersbaits8819]

👍💯

[@crunchythedave]

Less talky more fishy, that was a f'n hawg ya pulled n there

[@RiverCertified]

I guess thanks for watching.

[@crunchythedave]

Sorry that sounded assholeish, love ur channel bruh, keep em comin

[@casey2562]

The Raccoon river is dry. Ive never seen that

[@RiverCertified]

Its definitely been a few years since it has been as dry as it is. Thanks for watching!

[@robb5706]

GO CARDS!!!!

[@RiverCertified]

I want to talk trash, but it's tough at the moment 🤣🤣🤣

[@robb5706]

@@RiverCertified Ha ha! I had to do it man. Keep those videos coming. I'm headed out in the morning to try to catch a big one.

[@haydenholleman7814]

A recent kayak update video

[@RiverCertified]

Like how if I still like it, or are you talking about something else? Thanks for watching!

[@haydenholleman7814]

@@RiverCertifiedI was wondering if u have changed anything on it

[@dylanbryer1437]

Looking at this now. Could have been the start of Covid-19

[@RiverCertified]

😆😆😆

[@billforshey7681]

Use the best for bait. No sinker, just hooked and let it splash in water.

[@billforshey7681]

Bat

[@mattcrofoot8715]

Little end of season bet? Cards finish first you wear a cardinals hat in part of a video, Cubs get 1st ill order some shirts 🧐

[@RiverCertified]

Hmmmm.... the bullpen is making me want to say no. You know what, if the cubs win the division, you order 2 shirts. Cards win, I'll buy a cards hat and wear it on a video... and maybe toss it in the campfire at the end🤣🤣🤣

[@mattcrofoot8715]

@@RiverCertified haha sounds like a plan to me

[@ryanharrod1155]

That was a bruiser. So jealous man. I’ve been putting a lot of time in and nothing to show for it. Prolly bc I suck lol. Atleast I can watch u catch one. Nice fish man. 😁💪🏼

[@RiverCertified]

I get lucky. Keep experimenting man!

[@ryanharrod1155]

Definitely not luck. Thx Spencer