First Signs of Post Spawn Catfish

[@DieterMelhorn]

Interesting you mention post spawn fishing. I fished today and had a slow bite for numbers with only eight, but picked off 30 and 51 pound blues. That video is next week...LOL! You use white bass like we use white perch...they’re a bait blessing. Great video...I’m enjoying your content!

[@fishingnotcatching594]

Dieter in the house!!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching! Congrats on those big fish!

[@MrPat1953]

I'm happy I'm not the only one who occasionally sets the hook when using a circle hook. It's an automatic reflex from days gone by.

[@KayakCatfish]

I think setting the hook is just ingrained in us from childhood.

[@PCMESS]

Same here..was weird when I started watching these videos and saw that none of these guys set the hook.

[@greenpea9412]

It cracks me up how calm you are when a big fish hit's your bait. Heck I would be jumpy as all get out sitting in that kayak knowing what was coming to the surface. I really do need to get a kayak before I'm too old to manage one.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I am excited on the inside lol.

[@codyrobison6817]

Hey Justin i fished the mouth of a big creek coming into the illinois river lastnight using your tactics landed a 28lb flathead that was marked up from spawn and a 35lb bluecat and countless other nice fish youve seriously helped me so much on my approach thanks for sharing your awesome videos and knowledge

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Cody! Congrats on those big fish!

[@bobbypenhollow8135]

Hi just looking for some friendly knowledge not looking for your honey hole or anything. I fish the fox river and get some decent flathead. I fished in Ottawa on the Illinois a couple weeks ago but diddnt have much time. Do you know if blues are up there? I wasn't aware they were in the area. Thanks

[@codyrobison6817]

Bobby Penhollow not sure if that question was for me or not but yes there is most defintely Blue cats in the Illinois river im over by pekin Illinois catching them i dont know why they wouldnt be up by you

[@bobbypenhollow8135]

Awsome thanks cody I appreciate it.

[@hunt4life56]

A bad day fishing beats a good day at work. Our catfish in these cold mountain lakes don't get as big as what you catch. But they are great eating. I always let them go when they are around 4 pounds or bigger.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thats the truth. I would rather be fishing than working any day.

[@michaelrogers4285]

It is good to see the flatheads and blues off their beds 👍. Great video Justin !! 👍🎣

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Michael!

[@michaelrogers4285]

You’re Welcome Justin

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Hallelujah!!!!!!.......there is a light at the end of the tunnel.....going tonight hope the bite picks up....been very slow the last couple of weeks....good job Justin 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Corey! Good luck!

[@PalmettoCats]

Great video Justin. I’m happy to report they’re off the spawn here in SC too!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Glad to hear the spawn is over there.

[@justinestep3802]

You should make a compilation of your fails, funny moments, and biggest fish

[@KayakCatfish]

I will probably do a video like that at some point in the future

[@jameshollon8144]

Great Video Justin! My Wife and I are getting our first kayaks next week.Keep'em coming.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks James! Hope you and your wife enjoy those kayaks.

[@SalineScott]

I can’t believe you let that one slide right out of your fingers. That was a pretty nice flat head. I didn’t know that when a cat fish is beat up like that it means they have been on a bed. That was interesting information

[@KayakCatfish]

Steve will be jealous to hear you learned something from my video. Lord knows nobody has ever learned anything from his lol.

[@JeffGeraldFishing]

Yeah I’m with you, I’m not eating any fish out of the waters around here. Glad to know my birthday with a good fishing day for you lol. I was stuck working that day. Nice fish though man. Great video

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Jeff! Happy belated birthday!

[@stephenhair5501]

It always amazes me how beat up some of these Catfish are, after the spawn. Crazy how they must fight. Thanks for sharing!! 😎👍👍

[@KayakCatfish]

I wish National Geographic or animal planet would set up some cameras in a catfish nest to see what goes on during the spawn.

[@tomw3380]

See Justin, that blue was just trying to keep you cool. Glad you mentioned the contamination issues where your at. I would not think about eating one from that water. There are places where much cleaner fish can be had. That health advisory is also why you have a good population of large fish. CPR is great. If someone wants to have fish for supper, make it a small fish that has not stored up all that contamination. tight lines.

[@KayakCatfish]

I totally agree. I think the ban on commercial fishing here is a huge contributor for why we have such a great fishery. The laws protecting our trophy class fish are a big help too.

[@cmv7284]

How do you keep from not dropping your phone in the river? I get so nervous every time you go to put it down. lol

[@ericflowers2146]

Just dropped mine in 5 ft of water. Monday. Took me 5 minutes to find it. Worked for 2 days and then the screen went out.

[@KayakCatfish]

I have insurance on it just in case lol

[@shortround889]

Buy a water proof plastic, floatable plastic iPhone bag. It would great for me.

[@crunchythedave]

Lol 6.8 style points on the quick release :) can't wait ta see ya yank the post spawn hawgs out the water. Keep it up and be safe out there buddy.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I landed my first post spawn hog the other night. It was a whopper.

[@kenmccullough9584]

I've found a lg school of skipjacks hanging out around gibbs ferry pier between Clinton and Oakridge. Ive been catching and releasing.

[@KayakCatfish]

Be careful about posting that info publicly. The bait dealers will be all over it.

[@kenmccullough9584]

I never knew that thanks

[@mikekeenersr9660]

Hey brother how r u doing ? I'm a huge fan of ur channel just wanted to ask if u ever go live would love to see some live video from u,

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Mike! I never do any live streams. I have always thought live streams are really boring. I didn't figure anybody would want to watch me live.

[@longsnipz]

@@KayakCatfish I would watch.

[@longsnipz]

I agree with you 100%. I too only CPR (catch pic release). The rivers here in NC, some fed by lakes that have those exact same posters warning about consuming the fish... I'm not taking chances.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching!

[@hustonwitt9425]

Another great video sir, nice fish thanks again

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Huston!

[@terrydeaton9586]

Good video, Justin. Thanks.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Terry!

[@hobo7070]

Nice cats 👍🏻! I definitely think the spawn is finishing up this past week. I was out yesterday and the bite didn’t happen until later in the morning but was able to hook into a few in the mid-teens and one almost 37 pounder. As you said, you just need to get out there...

[@KayakCatfish]

Cant catch them from the couch as the old saying goes. Glad you got on some good fish. Thanks for watching!

[@calvin6314]

I caught a big catfish at the South Chickamauga Creek here a few days ago

[@KayakCatfish]

Awesome! Congrats on that big fish.

[@countryboysandcatfish1448]

Great video as always at least it wasnt a pig that shook loose keep up the great work enjoy the heat lots of cold days ahead

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I will be missing these hot summer days in just a few short months.

[@MRSludgedude]

This time of year is tough

[@KayakCatfish]

The bite is getting better every day though.

[@MRSludgedude]

@@KayakCatfish yea it's about time you go back out. I miss the fall bite because I work 15 hours 7 days. Week until mid November

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

Having a good year brother! Keep up the great video !

[@fishingnotcatching594]

812 in the house!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks buddy!

[@davidyager4603]

Awwww bro,that's what we been waiting on could it be the beginning.

[@KayakCatfish]

It will just continue to get better from here.

[@davidyager4603]

Every big bait I had thrown last month was ate by gar,maybe this could be the end.

[@troutmagnetman]

Another good video. River fish have a rough life...be they cats....bluegill....crappie. Many of them look like they’ve been in a fight.....LOL.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Randy! I think those river fish fight harder because of it too.

[@ronniekotler9265]

Smart Man, when they tell you not to eat the fish you listen

[@KayakCatfish]

I would like to say that everyone around here is smart enough to heed the warnings but sadly that isn’t the case.

[@chrisreumont]

As soon as you pick up your phone you get hit and a bath. Lol great Video.

[@KayakCatfish]

Happens every time lol.

[@bretshivers8352]

every video you make is great!! the time you put in and the fishing you do is spot on!! I do have a question, you was using okuma reels and I was wondering what one you like best? I see you have abu reels here.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! I have used the Okuma Classic Clx 300's and the Okuma 200 Pro xp. I love the clx 300 for dragging. Cant beat them for the money. I didn't care much for the 200 pro xp. The drag kept sticking.

[@briansuttles492]

Great viedo,so clear and clean. Can you buy skipjack at the bait shop? Why 2lb test ultralight fishing, seems you would lose fish or bait if abig one hit? Stay safe keep doing what you are doing.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Brian! Yes, local bait shops have skipjack for sale although they are ridiculously priced. 2lb test catches more fish when ultralight fishing. Just back off the drag.

[@jamescasteel2766]

Great video 🔥🎣🇺🇸🔥🎣🇺🇸

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks James!

[@allenspivey6967]

Great videos!! Do you ever use tail sections of bait? Thx!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Only if I run out of heads and mid sections.

[@jefferyheard1383]

Like how you handled that one fish getting you all wet 😂

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I was saying some cuss words in my mind lol.

[@benathens3294]

Hey, What knot do you use to tie on your hooks?

[@KayakCatfish]

Depends on the hook but the clinch knot and snell knot are my go to knots.

[@xarrow81]

How much anchor line do you bring and much did you use to anchor in 30 ft of water?

[@KayakCatfish]

I typically bring 100 feet of anchor rope although I can connect another 100 feet if fishing really deep. How much rope I use depends on if I have current or not. In current, I let out as much as I have too in order for my anchor to dig in securely. In slack water, I just drop the anchor straight down.

[@rogerbraswelljr.923]

Love those release shots. Beautiful ugly fish

[@fishingnotcatching594]

Do u ever fish for bait while u wait? I dont remember seeing u do it

[@KayakCatfish]

No I never do that . Lines would get tangled with my catfish lines if I was fishing under me and casting causes the kayak to rock too much.

[@HowardHenderson]

Can you use normal bass as catfish bait? I’ll be fishing on a different stretch of the Tennessee River.

[@KayakCatfish]

If they are caught on rod and reel and of legal size, you can use them in Tennessee.

[@blackjackap4life861]

What kind of rod, reel and line are you using?

[@KayakCatfish]

Check out my gear video that I posted last month. I go over all that stuff in that video. Everything is listed in the video description as well.

[@blackjackap4life861]

@@KayakCatfish I appreciate the response. I just found your channel two days ago.. It's awesome.. Thanks again!!

[@jerryebner7582]

I am not a long time viewer but how long has that river been like that for no keepers ? I don't mind tossing them back but I like to keep one or two. I am not from that area . We are cooking in the south texas heat right about now.

[@KayakCatfish]

Not sure how long to be exact. It has been contaminated my entire life though. Plus we had the coal ash spill back about 10 or 12 years ago that made national headlines when the nuclear plant’s holding pond’s dam broke and all that waste material flowed into the river. You couldn’t pay me to eat fish out of there.

[@andrew68067]

once again it got nailed on the head great catch

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Andrew!

[@HookFaced]

How many ounces are those sinkers?

[@KayakCatfish]

8 ounces

[@billarnold6166]

Is white bass legal to use for bait In Tennessee?

[@KayakCatfish]

Obviously they are or else I wouldn't be doing it on video lol.

[@timshoff4593]

I fish mainly for trout and when I'm not throwing lures, I use power bait or mouse tails and I put a bell my line to let me know I have a fish on. My question is, when you are in the kayak, do you see the fish bite more or do you feel the fish more? I always enjoy your videos

[@KayakCatfish]

Both. I feel the thump and then see the rods go down.

[@ransidass6615]

Do you get other species when trying to catfish? Not complaining but I try for catfish and get stripped bass most of the time

[@KayakCatfish]

Striped Bass are about the only by catch I get while catfishing.

[@ericflowers2146]

Is the whole river contaminated? I was wanting to go to wheeler to catch some to cook.

[@KayakCatfish]

Im not sure if the contamination has reached that far or not.

[@rogerbraswelljr.923]

Yea I'm on your old videos. I got the jones'to go

[@kylehall6100]

The fact that we have torn our water systems up bad enough we have to post to not eat your catch is just sad

[@KayakCatfish]

Yes it is.

[@richardsykes7971]

Justin have you tried the Abu Garcia S round reel? 59/69 bucks is it junk or ok?

[@tomw3380]

The Swedish made are much better quality. The Chinese tase 6500S is a cheap beginner version.

[@KayakCatfish]

I have never tried that model but I wouldn't expect them to be as good of quality. Cheaper price = cheaper parts.

[@dennishodson990]

@@KayakCatfish Thank you for that info. Been cruising E Bay for 6500's and noticed a bunch of the cheaper S's.

[@100catfishing7]

First! Nice going Justin!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@dennishoward2072]

Do you keep your bait on ice to keep them fresh?

[@KayakCatfish]

Yes

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

What makes those cats get so marked up?

[@KayakCatfish]

Battle marks from protecting their nests during the spawn.

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

Kayak Catfish Ok, I kind of thought it was from making nest or hole.

[@rynoshnglkmle]

Every year skipjack run by the thousands at both Wilson and Wheeler dam. You're always struggling for bait. Why not take a couple days to catch several hundred while they are running, stock your freezers and just be done with it?

[@KayakCatfish]

As much as I love using skipjack for bait, I despise fishing for them. If I travel that far to fish, it wont be for bait.

[@rynoshnglkmle]

@@KayakCatfish I enjoy catching skipjack (on light tackle) almost as much as cat fishing. Next spring I'll catch you a couple hundred and ship them to you if you want. Just cover shipping.

[@hiccupweeds9905]

Dang,!! Iol

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@roberthicks7819]

Not a thing wrong with catch and release

[@KayakCatfish]

All day every day.