I Still Don't Need $80 Catfish Rods | 3 Month Rod Review

To learn more about the Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 136 kayak, click here: bit.ly/sportsman_kayak_catfish
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-----My Fishing Gear--
Kayak: bit.ly/sportsman_kayak_catfish
PFD: amzn.to/2ZiiQsn
Ugly Stik 7ft: amzn.to/3bKKNM7
Academy Rods: Roughneck 7' Heavy Action
Reels Size 35: amzn.to/2TmV5M1
Line 40lb: amzn.to/3cMX1VX
Size 10/0 Hooks: amzn.to/3g9ifj0
8oz Sinkers: amzn.to/3iklYv6
Rod Holders: amzn.to/3cMXqrr
Dragging Sinkers Book: amzn.to/3bMVT32
All of the links above are part of the Amazon and eBay Affiliate Programs. If you purchase through a link, I get paid a commission.
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[@craigstutts7560]

I been using Berkeley Big Game 6'6" rods for better than 15 years and never had a failure.

[@johnnyheckard7185]

Yeah there actually good rods. I’m just pissed that the spinning rods are 7’. Even why just 6.6 on the casting rods?

[@craigstutts7560]

@@johnnyheckard7185 I fish the Tennessee river for large cats and the 6'6" is just easier to handle on my kayak.

[@josephnorton1996]

I have hooked some big fish with Berkley gear. "Landed" a 250 pound ray in Cali. With Berkley Big Game 50 pound mono. Their gear is awesome for the price.

[@toguro5117]

CRAIG Stutts id love 7ft or shorter for the boat all i can find locally is the 8ft

[@bigcatsne]

I've had problems with the reel seat twisting

[@jimson1969]

Love your humbleness, Justin! Been watching all summer, and close to buying my own fishing kayak, for next year. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@philiph1802]

I get as excited when a fish hits your bait on KZbin as when my fish hits my bait in real life. Thats when you are making some awesome videos.

[@robertsmith370]

Man, I just don't see how you ever get any thumbs downs on any of your videos. Even when you're not catching a ton of fish, you're still very entertaining and personable! Of all the different channels I'm subscribed to, not just fishing channels, yours is the only one I watch EVERY time I get notification of a new video. Keep it up, Buddy and take care!

[@dereka8041]

This channel has quickly become one of my favorite fishing channels. Justin has developed into a quality cat fisherman, in my opinion. I really enjoy this channel. Greetings from Kentucky.

[@caseydodds4433]

I am stuck on my classic penn reels and vintage rods,all have done me right.

[@caseG80]

You can get some nice rebuild kits for the the older classic penn reels for a great price.

[@billross6088]

Loved the video Justin! I appreciate the review of the fishing rods. You are a gentleman of the highest quality!

[@george8214]

Another great video. My wife (!) and I look forward to your videos every day or so. Sitting here in Southern California and having grown up in the Midwest fishing rivers, I’m always blown away by the beauty of the water you fish. I know yours is a fishing and not travel-and-leisure channel but don’t be afraid to talk a LITTLE more about where you’re at and show the beauty of that area you’re so blessed to be fishing almost every day.

[@colbyrayychell6058]

Great videos dude... I love watching what you do. you are truly a talented fisherman keep up the good work!!!

[@jeffnstephanieelder6620]

I've been using them rods for a long time have never let me down. Heck with those critic's you have an awesome channel love watching ya. Even tho I've been cat fishing for a long time I always learn from your channel keep up good work...

[@gaylonjohnson904]

Another great video Justin!!! Keep’em coming 🙌🏾 Jacksonville, FL checking in

[@blackwarrior2443]

Really appreciate the way you explain everything learn something new in every video. Keep doing what you do👍🏿

[@gregnuttall3637]

Thanks for the rod review. I was wondering about the academy rods, they look good, now I know how they perform. Thanks again.

[@tommybounds3220]

I really enjoy your insight on experimenting with different gear I really appreciate you for doing that it is very helpful. Knoxville Tennessee.

[@bobbynewton9247]

Thanks Justin for all the hard work you do for us, let people say what they want people can buy what they want, fish doesn't know what he is caught on, I just have fun fishing like you thanks man

[@keepitsimple257]

I been watching a lot of your videos man they are awesome and you talk the truth that’s what I like about you and catfish Dave now i know why you too get along so well 😁👍🏼

[@jettdeugenio9196]

Justin again thank you for your awesome content. Workin from home i keep your videos runnin in the backround to keep my head movin. keep it up champ, youre the best catfisher ive seen

[@andrewmoe1192]

I work outside and i play his vids on my headset while i walk around and work

[@jettdeugenio9196]

@@andrewmoe1192 i dont blame you friend. hope you have a good day at work. dont catch yourself a dink day

[@jamestarpenning3653]

Love your channel. One of if not the best catfishing videos on the tube!!! You don’t promote anything just your opinion based on performance. You keep it real as KZbin allows!!! lol

[@thomasjarosz7406]

Justin, My favorite Catfish rods only cost 20.00$ Used to use St croix but it really hurts when you break one or get one pulled in. E-glass rods work best. People forget the "Tug" is the drug! Not the boat or the reel or ice rod. We only have Flatheads and channels here in Pennsylvania. I use Baitrunner reels with big e-glass rods. Love hearing the baitrunners go! Stay safe from Pennsylvania. God bless

[@stephenhair5501]

I like my Ugly Stiks too. Even have some of the old style Tiger rods. It's just a damn good blank with great action. Glad to see you sliming up the new boat!!

[@tracytodd8934]

Great video to start my Friday! Thank you for the advice on a cheaper way to catfish! I've been a little scared to catch whoppers on my cat poles but I'm confident now!

[@grdray2138]

Good video Justin. The Ugly Stik rods you have, I do to. I love then. 8 ft 2 piece. I caught 3 PB channels on them. I can't say enough good things about them. Thanks for all your help out here.

[@dcdcts]

I purchased 2 of those rods and I really like them. They fit in my scotty rod holders better than the ugly sticks. So as soon as they're back in stock I'll be buying several more of them...Thanks so much for letting us know about these very good affordable rods!!!

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Justin I've got a old eagle claw 13 foot 2 piece. Had it going on 25 years. I use the whole fish for bait.

[@melissaroberts70]

I'm sure you've brought academy some good business, I've tried to order one and they've been out of stock. Can't wait to try one out!!! Great video Justin

[@davidkerwood2417]

I appreciate your honesty with the comments on your gear. I get tickled with your comments about the “smartasses” you have to deal with!👍

[@jessethorpe1738]

Also watched the playlist and it really helped me out thank you

[@TheFalloutization]

Man out of all the poles I got, my favorite is a damn 20 dollar rod and reel combo from walmart. It wont quit reeling in fish and the damn pole wont break!

[@tomw3380]

Yep, I would say two flatheads and a few blues was a good day. The one Blue was just on the bottom edge of big. Thanks as always for the great video and trip. Tight lines

[@Cowboysniper]

Thank you for the vids I’m learning a lot about catching cat fish from a kayak

[@jamesgarrett4531]

I bought one of those rods and I can't wait to get some action on it. I catch 5-7 ft gar on heavy action rods. I'm gonna garfish with it and let you know how it holds up

[@nomaderic]

I use the same roughneck rod when I go after big cat...never failed me. Pair it with my penn reel and im good to go

[@FishingWithJBT]

I been using these for a year now they are super great! I caught alot of catfish ob them,I talk about them in my ATS Reel review,great rods i havent caught nothing as big as you Mr Johnston but now i know it can handle it if it ever happened 👍

[@MachinamaCaves]

Shakespeare Tiger rod with an Abu Garcia silvermax here. About a $50 to $60 combo and landed a 150 lb alligator gar. Frequently reel in 20+ lb fish with no problems!!!

[@omariwoods5979]

I run the exact same rig

[@MachinamaCaves]

@@omariwoods5979 Nice!

[@PenDragonsPig]

I used to be into distance casting in the uk, distance casting over grass and off the beaches. A pokey rod could cost a few £s so I made my own, and fine tuned them by remaking them. It’s a hobby and a challenge in its own right. The last rod I made cost $300 in parts, the last one I remade began in Australia paired with an Alvey side-caster (the reel seat was 6 inches from the butt end) repositioned reel seat, change the grips and reworked all the rings for big fixed spool. Side-caster, bait-caster, fixed spool, boat, bank, all different measurements and spine positioning. Also made fly rods and a Tenkara.

[@brianforrest3377]

Justin pal great video man we love watching from here in north Georgia

[@danhartleysr.7383]

Don't care what them haters say.. I think you do a great job testing and giving info.. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@shannmartin9361]

I don't nock anyone for what kind of gear they use for fishing, I've got some cheaper rod/reel combos and I have several Team catfish combos along with Whisker Seekers and $150+ Abu Garcia reels, I'll fish with what gives me confidence and more importantly when it comes to catching big catfish consistently is knowledge of where to target big fish, structure holes ledges where the bait is congregated cause you can have the most expensive gear boat truck or whatever but if you ain't fishing where the fish are you ain't gonna catch any. You don't catch fish by impressing fellow anglers at the boat launch so put in the time with the gear you have always learn from your experiences and listen to people who are successful and willing to share their knowledge because they want to see you succeed. Keep up the great video's Justin glad I got to meet you and God bless and keep you safe on the water.

[@caseG80]

Don’t forget each one teach one kindness and sharing knowledge is key. Cheers

[@T.Z89]

Great review 👍

[@jeremyraney8998]

If it takes a 100-200$ rod to catch a decent fish then the rod ain’t the problem. Keep doing you KC!

[@jessethorpe1738]

Love the videos man

[@timnatsch9765]

Keep doing what you do, Justin. You are all about the fishing, not about being a tackle puppet for sponsors who give you free stuff to mention their brand several times per video.

[@Steelers_Productionz]

Love the vids have a good day today

[@donprater2754]

Hey Justin I have the upmost respect for You telling it like You see it. A lot of people will not do that. I am a fan for life. Thanks for telling it like it should always be, I feel like I known You all My life. Enjoyed the video! If You ever want too fish lake Lanier in North Ga You will have a free place too stay for 2 too three weeks I’m 35 minutes away from lake Lanier.

[@MidWestRiverRat]

I like my expensive gear because I usually fish 2 or 3 days a week pretty hard. But I agree 100% with you on the cheap stuff. I started out with cheap gear and still use cheal gear for small fish. Nothing wrong with it as long as it aint breaking every other time you use it.

[@goyaklarh]

Another great video Justin your right you don't have to spend a lot on equipment to catch fish !

[@arminislamovic232]

That's what I like about you ma , you explain your setups every video.

[@ryandepoister4799]

I’m a pro-staff guy an honestly the best products are the ones you use the most. My main rod is a ugly stik catfish 7ft with 6500c3 ambassaduer with 40lb trilene big cat an team catfish octopus circles #6 an I love it

[@a1duzit]

I have 2 Berkeley big game rods with okuma baitcasters, theyre okay. I hAve 2 b and n silvercat with Shakespeare 4500 spinning reels, and a few of those tiger rods. I brought in a 50 lb blue on that tjger rod last year

[@doneime875]

First time I've heard you reference fish by weight. I almost had to make sure I was watching the right channel. Lol...another great video.

[@Meditation409]

I use Penn Slammer III reels teamed with an 8 foot GX2 with a 50 to 80lb braid....caught 150lb Alligator Gars...60lb flatheads giant Blue Cats.

[@terrydeaton9586]

Good video...Thanks Justin...

[@briansuttles6743]

great video, good fish and action. ugly sticks are $40 still cheap. l agree a little better reel is best. good line helps too. stay safe.

[@curtisrichey4431]

I like it when you measure the fun size and up. U gonna mount the board back on the new setup?

[@KayakCatfish]

I was only measuring fish for the tournaments. I may bring it out in the future though.

[@1glockfan]

My biggest fish so far have come on my old uglyskik rods with Okuma classic reel and Berkeley big game mono. So muck fun when those rods double over.

[@jdguevara4208]

Great video. Go Vols. Where in Tennessee are you fishing. My wife is from Tullahoma and when visiting I have fished Woods , Tim's Ford, and Normandy.

[@shawngarcia1997]

Another great video! Could you tell me what kind of reels you are using

[@KayakCatfish]

Diawa Seagate. All gear and links listed in the video description

[@tonyjessen8204]

The best part of the day is when you see the sun come up like that nice mess of fish that you got where to go stay safe🐋👍👍

[@SwaggFamilyAdventures]

Appreciate the rod review! I know you miss them ugly sticks cause I love mine!!

[@SwaggFamilyAdventures]

I know your busy but fishbrain had contacted me about being a brand ambassador and fish angler has as well I sure could use some advice from someone who has dealt with this before so I don't get taken advantage of or mess this I opportunity up. I can give you my email or phone number if you find time to speak with me. Have a good day and stay safe in the weather around your way

[@andybutler127]

Good video bro. Good catfish anywhere in my book. 💪

[@carlericpickett597]

Great job. Nice rods.

[@Buildingart78]

Thats to funny i was just getting ready to comment on your last video, and ask how them rods were holding up.

[@alanwilliams3912]

Your videos are always informative. Thanks for what you do. What is the model number of the Mustad hooks you use?

[@KayakCatfish]

I don’t know the specific model number. Demon circle fine wire in the 10/0 size

[@alanwilliams3912]

@@KayakCatfish Thank you! Very helpful.

[@jeffwhiteside1124]

I bought your book and made your dragging weights They are working great

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

Justin I've been watching your videos religiously and have a kayak I'm setting up for cat fishing , what length of rod do you like . I'm building a 7'10" 4-10oz lure paired with a Penn 309 level wind reel , as fast as line goes what line are you using . I have 65lb braid currently spoiled on it now

[@louisGauto]

Not catfish related, but my back up rod is a uglystikgx2 and funny thing is I have had to use it multiple times due to having two of my expensive poles have issues at some point like eyelet cracking etc so the uglystik is pretty reliable and I've had to use it on multiple occasions

[@dereka8041]

That's the way. Stick up for yourself, Justin! Preach!

[@b-radr-ing3074]

I've used a cheap Diawa ft boat rod 40 to 60lb line for 21.00

[@josephnorton1996]

Just a heads up, If you want to use braided line...be careful with the cheaper rods. I learned that lesson with one of the biggest fish I've ever "almost" caught. The rod's eyes get chewed up by the braid.

[@kevinbassista9029]

What pound test do you use. And I love your videos keep it up

[@KayakCatfish]

40

[@cjab111]

Haters gonna hate, thanks for taking us on the journey my friend. 🤘

[@MTEXX]

getting tail splashed before sunrise- what a way to start a day!

[@markhendon]

another great video

[@daviddura1172]

great Morning of fishing!

[@richardgood1567]

I know when I get lunker flathead it thumps it pull rod down a little thin pulls it down more and set the hook time .

[@fishin-impossible2992]

Good video Justin . man I use $45 rods lol I buy used BCF stuff .

[@jefferyheard1383]

I use Ugly stick and Ripping lips rods both bought for under 40 dollars Ripping lips is a sturdy rod has a stiffer tip than the Ugly stick which is sturdy and has a softer tip , both great cheap rods for catfish.

[@upintheair-runoutdoors]

I have the 6'6 Berkley big game rod and love it.....$40

[@ronbalt8511]

I've been looking for two berkley big game spinning rods since someone stole mine out my truck the best rods

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Ron Balt Probably being fished by someone who was offered a shady deal. That rig bought a bag of dope. Same thing happened to me. I replaced it with a $40 Okuma combo and beep my car locked in the carport. Tweakers are like crawdads; always bottom feeding for whatever isn’t tied down.

[@danieldeneau7802]

@@EASTSIDERIDER707 no joke on them tweekers, bottom feeders that they are.

[@fishinghippie958]

inexpensive rods are where its at, im rocking a lews mr catfish rod 35$, a vexan catfish rod, 60$ on clearance and a firecast 25$ , all seven foot med heavys. All using zebco bite alert reels with 20-30lb test.

[@travissanchez8068]

I have 2 catbuster 10' rods and 2 9' ugly stik elite extra heavy all under 30 buck have been great for me

[@joshuavanscoyk9404]

Hey man how do you feel about these roughneck rods now?

[@brigittemartin287]

Interesting watching your motor keep you in the same spot while a fish is trying to pull you off your spot. Nice upgrade.

[@joshjarnigan8279]

Heck yeah man looks like u have a good morning on the water. U dont have to have a expensive rod and reel to catch fish.

[@jonboatmorava9115]

Been using whatever $20 spinning cat combo Walmart offers each year for the last 5 years and haven't had a problem. Just retired the first one the other day which was one them Shakespeare tigers and only reason I did retire it was cause I broke the rod. I put the reel on another rod that had a broken high dollar reel on it... The high dollar reel lasted me 6 months the tiger reel is 5 years and counting. Them people who knock what you're using aren't worth your breath talking about them.

[@yacobrulbe1413]

Notifications are awesome

[@angelolovato6494]

Dude I watched this vid and wsnt even paying attention to the rod. I've been looking at these rods in Academy for a while and been meaning to try it. And all because you went out and caught some nice fish with rods. They will go up in price so if you guys want to try them you better hurry and get to them while theyre that price

[@Voxguitarsrock]

My 7' mh ugly stik is my favorite catfish rod.

[@michaelrogers4285]

Them fish today wanted to make sure you got wet !!!! Great video as usual, take care Justin 👍

[@theangryamerican3506]

Hey nostradomas ...lol.....finally got the boat back. Heafing down to loudon dam tomorrow. Where wpuld you recommend I set up at? Just trying to catch a few good fish. Oh an piss on the pro staffers. Most of us dont have hundreds of dollars to spend and your review of the clearance rods is absolutely one of my favorite things !

[@KayakCatfish]

Any point, ledge, hump, or creek mouth will give you a chance at fish. Good luck

[@theangryamerican3506]

@@KayakCatfish sweet. Thanks man!!

[@johndesatnik4903]

Love my Ugly Sticks!!!!

[@Coal_Creek_Skizzz]

fish jumps behind ya at 12:05

[@Nirtolover04]

What line do you use?

[@davidsettle8456]

Whats the best budget rod and reel for cats

[@ericnelson7606]

Great Videos from one of the best🇺🇸 Would like to see a video using big live goldfish🇺🇸Work really well here on Ohio River🇺🇸

[@bethmay1888]

You should come fish lake Gaston in nc

[@beebob1279]

It's the fisherman and not the fishing pole that catches the fish. I have everything from so so poles to my own custom built poles. They all work.

[@fishermanlad4270]

I use Shakespeare ugly stik and they’re very sturdy

[@glennmeadows6892]

I got to say the rod i got is doin just fine an your right there stiff ive had a couple fish double it over they were in there 20s

[@toguro5117]

Berkley big game from walmart is hard to beat in my book 20$ save your money for a good reel

[@bowie5_888]

Where is the video of you reviewing the cheap reels you mentioned

[@KayakCatfish]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGnMf4FvabB6gMk

[@markbell4982]

I just have a few cheap combos bought on sale different brands because I don't do much fishing and I do a lot more fishing than catching.