My FAVORITE catfish rigs for HEAVY COVER!

[@scubawoman1428]

Hey Spencer..who needs clothing.. give me new tackle!!!Im Deborah a Canadian Angler since my folks bought a fishing camp when I was 4. I've been watching catfishing shows over the winter and im keen now to fish for them in my area. Spring is almost here and thank you for showing me how to set up my gear and get ready.. keep up the great shows. I'll let you know how my gear performs. 😊 Thanks

[@RiverCertified]

Thats super awesome! Hope you beat em up and I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes!

[@justinbandy2610]

Definitely will be trying that modified knocker rig.

[@RiverCertified]

Hope it works for ya dude!

[@chrislour8938]

Dude i’ve watched so many of your videos the last few days since the whole quarantine has been going on. Great stuff man

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you like them! I'm gonna keep making them the best I can with all this crap going on.

[@jessicabays7549]

@@RiverCertifiedgreat videos man I got a quick question I fish alot of places with rocky bottoms always used mono but thinking about witching to braid any tips would help

[@505xjk6]

Cool rigs .I use small rocks for weights and light line for an easy break away set up for big Rocky bottoms.

[@RiverCertified]

I've thought about using rocks for weights, but have never followed through. Pretty sweet that you do! Thanks for watching!

[@TheIconicFisherman]

I recommend you look up the Kentucky rig if you haven't already it's a lot like the drop shot rig just instead of having 2 dropper loops and 2 hooks it has 1 dropper loop and 1 hook. I highly recommend it for river and creek fishing in rivers that have a lot of abrasive cover, structure, and a heavy current. I typically use the Carolina rig for ponds and lakes and the Kentucky rig for rivers and and creeks. because I find the Carolina rig does better in still water ponds and lakes and the Kentucky rig does better in heavy current rivers and streams with a lot of abrasive cover and structure.

[@nytowl62]

Instead of using a three way swivel. Use a large swivel on the main line with hook leader and use a small swivel with the sinker leader to hook on the bottom eye of the large swivel. This allows you to remove the sinker easily for transport or storage. I always lose more sinkers than hooks so this will make it easier to have sinkers prerigged. Pull the old swivel off and put it away for the next time and attach the new sinker.

[@RiverCertified]

Bill T cool idea Bill, really appreciate the input! Thanks for watching!

[@YourNextCast]

Wow, I grew up doing this wrong. Thanks for the video. That was super helpful. I don't fish for catfish as much these days, but I'll definitely keep this info in my back pocket.

[@RiverCertified]

I don't know if there is a wrong way, but there are definitely better ways lots of times. Hope this helps you out!

[@perrygarnett7556]

Spencer can you please show how you tie that snell knot with the braided line and any other knots you use? Thanks.

[@franciscochacon1468]

Awesome tip man, definitely will be looking for more

[@RiverCertified]

Bad ass. Hopefully you catch a jumbo!

[@PeelingDragCatfishing]

Doug Stange used to use that same rig for flatheads check it out but he just used like you said weight hook. It's a old infisherman video from 1990 called flatheads after dark. Good video bud.

[@RiverCertified]

I think I own every single catfish DVD and VHS In-Fisherman ever made. That's where I first heard of that rig. I just added a bobber stop above the sinker so it wouldn't slide up the line. Glad you enjoyed it man!

[@PeelingDragCatfishing]

River Certified yeah man no sooner I seen it I knew. I used to watch it every Sunday as a kid

[@StrengthPack]

Awesome stuff Spencer. I’m gonna try both

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man, hope they help!

[@FishingWithJBT]

I use this rig exclusively on my boat or kayak,it hasnt failed me yet and my lake has more sticks than The Blair Witch franchise,i appreciate this rig big dog you saved me countless of Whisker Seeker Triple Threats 😂

[@RiverCertified]

Haha you and your words🤣

[@JoshGreenAdventures]

yo yo yo what's up Spencer. Hey man i want to say thank you so much for these rig ideas. I've been fishing a lot without too much luck, caught maybe 3 or 4 catfish so far. Almost all of them wasn't caught on a rig in this video but your other one where you use a slip bobber style rig with weights attached to the bottom. Your right, it's a pain to cast and to use, but it produced me some flatheads and it was so much fun. Thumbs up brother!

[@RiverCertified]

At least you're on some flatheads! I'm glad the ideas are helping you out!

[@javontaerivera]

What is the exact pole? I’m trying to get into big catfish ing and seen that you get yours from whisper seeker and I’ve clicked the link on a different video but can you clarify which exact one you get?

[@markdishmon681]

I have to been using the same rig for years less the upper bobber stop. I fish the Tennessee river in North Alabama. Needless to say, rough currents lots of structure. These rigs work. Thank for your hard work and useful information. I watch every video. Question, can you use a planner board in heavy current from the bank? It's been so flooded it hard to keep bait off of the bank. Please let me know what you think. Big fan Mark

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you find the info helpful. You're in an awesome are to fish! Kinda jealous!

[@KunesRGr8]

Hello 👋 Spencer, I’m going to ask, in my opinion a stupid question. The only reason I say a stupid question is because I know bobber stops are cheap. Have you ever tried to make your own or do you know someone who has? I’m really liking going back in history and watching your journey. Thank you 🙏 for your time it takes trying to help teach others 👍💪🙌🙏🌈✌️

[@RiverCertified]

You bet. Just get some 20-30 lb dacron and tie a uni knot with it on your line. Works with other lines, but dacron is the best. Cool you're going back in the videos, man!

[@KunesRGr8]

@ I had a buddy in northeast Florida who made his own bobber stops by making a loop in the line folding it over itself and used a short piece of rubber band like the little ones on green onions. It worked great and was using something he already had on hand. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen anything similar, but you did say to share knowledge of different ways to do things. 👍💪🙌🙏🌈✌️I hope woody is recovering from surgery okay 👌

[@loganconley4470]

I use the second one and different variations for rocky bottom, still get hung but i like to do the opposite making the weight line heavier, and fight the fish more carefully because its the most expensive part

[@mkoic11]

@RiverCertified thanks for the clear illustrations of those rigs. Do you ever use those rigs with circle hooks instead of J hooks? Why or why not?

[@RiverCertified]

You bet. I use those rigs with circles when I'm fishing for blues. I just prefer J hooks for flatheads.

[@jeffreyneely9283]

Totally enjoyed video great information. Thanks Spencer

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@250smacks]

Love your informative videos, Go Sox!

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you do! Go Cubbies 😁

[@patrickruhe5450]

Will rubber bobber stoppers work? Great movie

[@RiverCertified]

I think so. Worth a shot anyway. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindalong455]

All my life I was told never to put the weights close to the hook cause the catfish would not pick it up because it would b to heavy but watching your bids I've learned grand pa was wrong seen u catch lots of big ones with this rig thanks

[@RiverCertified]

Yeah they don't care about the sinker or even the hook. Hope it helps!

[@dude999642]

That "Dale D." guy you mentioned sounds pretty smart. :-)

[@RiverCertified]

Haha I think he knows a thing or two. I like to talk, but I love to listen, especially if its good advice! Glad you watched the video so you could hear me give credit where credit was due!

[@dude999642]

Keep posting vids!

[@RiverCertified]

Editing one right now!

[@pasarea999]

Stache sent me and i gotta say i love the channel! Im a fan spencer

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you enjoy the videos and my immature sense of sarcasm😁 the stache seems to be a pretty good dude. Hopefully we can do a collab one of these days! Thanks for watching Andrei!

[@lankstaroutdoors7333]

I'm gonna tie this up on one of my rods, and use it for fishing my local Dams that are pretty snaggy...

[@RiverCertified]

Hope it helps dude!

[@PigPatrolTV]

Awesome tips man!

[@RiverCertified]

Josh PigPatrol hope they help! Appreciate you watching!

[@PigPatrolTV]

River Certified No worries man!

[@dalehayslip5008]

First time seeing this video and I did see in fisherman use that rig in the catfish video.Never tried it but I'm going to thanks for the tips.👍👊😊

[@dougiemac8417]

Plain and simple. Thanks millions. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@RiverCertified]

I hope those rigs help ya catch a monster!

[@jman124]

That knocker is new to me thanks

[@RiverCertified]

Sure thing! No problem!

[@WesLovelace]

Great how 2 on some Droppa Riggs!! Thanks 4 sharing....

[@RiverCertified]

Yes sir, glad you liked it!

[@bradbex9051]

Great info Spencer.

[@RiverCertified]

Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@tysissom4739]

I just rig my line the second way last night, I the idea of the bait of the bottom.

[@user-dd1mx3df2w]

Maybe try circles hooks I jug fish all the time I found the cats don’t swallow the circle hooks as often as a j hook

[@austin72]

I'd say the first rig would really improve your casting as well it looks low profile and nothing extra twisting in the air I'll be using this for my distance casting I really like it

[@RiverCertified]

Never thought of that.. I hope it works for you! Thanks for watching!

[@austin72]

@@RiverCertified I didn't either and it hit I said hold on a second lol and it looks slick and simple and u can't beat that

[@austin72]

@@RiverCertified you could also move the weight back for hook shy fish when you ain't in such bad cover and kinda move your bobber stops and make it a semi slip sinker rig

[@marlon363]

Hey man I have the 30lb mono from whisker seeker and the 7’6 rod from whisker seeker but I’m having trouble finding a spinning reel that isn’t too big for my rod. Which spinning reel would you recommend? And is 30lb mono too heavy?? Should I go lower? I hope you respond but not expecting it since you’re a famous youtuber lol well thanks anyway bro love your content!

[@RiverCertified]

Definitely not famous, but do love talking fishing 😁 30 lb will be fine. I recommend an okuma avenger abf 40. Great reel for the money

[@marlon363]

River Certified would the avenger abf 40 fit 30lb mono?? Or is that too heavy mono?

[@RiverCertified]

@@marlon363 Not at all. I even have use up to 85 lb braid on it. Check it out in action here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYSol6eomriVg6M

[@countylineoutdoors1724]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@RiverCertified]

County Line Outdoors no problem, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@tommyatchley7042]

Learned a lot! Thanks!!

[@RiverCertified]

Awesome man, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevincurbow5325]

Great video, gonna have to try that knocker rig. Do you use that rig with cut bait or just live bait?

[@RiverCertified]

Kevin Curbow glad you enjoyed it! I use for either. Anytime you're fishing dense timber, it's a really good rig. Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@edbrown3047]

Great tips!..thanks!

[@RiverCertified]

Glad they helped Ed!

[@dak8840]

Do you think putting a rattle on top on that set up be better or get snagged more?

[@RiverCertified]

Dak 88 that's an interesting idea. I don't think it would make it snag anymore in brush. Maybe rocks. Give it a try and let me know! Thanks for watching!

[@apex_society]

is there a way to tell there layout of the bottom of the river. or do you just know from experience and knowing the area. i live in pittsburgh we have 3 rivers very close to my house that all connect. flatheads are everywhere and i really want to catch one. please reply thanks

[@RiverCertified]

Sorry for the late reply. Without writing a book, I'd recommend starting on the smallest river, they are easier to read. A great book, definitely my favorite is Channel Catfish Fever. There is so much info that will help with all catfishing. Good luck man!

[@tico1283]

Can those rigs be used for bank fishing or they are mean to be used from a boat? I fish from the banks and would like to try them .

[@RiverCertified]

They definitely work from the bank to, especially if you keep your rod pointed up in the rod holder. It never hurts to experiment. Good luck!

[@tico1283]

@@RiverCertified Thank you so much for replying and I will sure try them in the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers as soon as the water goes down. Thanks a ton!!!

[@RiverCertified]

@@tico1283 No problem man. You're in one hell of an area! Hope you find em!

[@nathanfleming46]

Can you Bank fish with the knocker rig like you would a Carolina rig

[@RiverCertified]

Definitely! I usually don't put a float stop above the sinker when I do though so the bait is less likely to tear off. It works well in thick wood cover cuz there is no leader.

[@mikemarinella7788]

How do you keep the drop weight and leader from twisting up

[@greenpea9412]

Great video. I'm new for the most part to cat fishing. I have always ice fished but for some reason don't fish much through the Summer. Too much going on I guess but this year I have been able to get out more. I bought a Whisker Seeker rod and a Abu Garcia Catfish Special in orange and love that set up. I notice you use their gear as well. All of the terminal tackle is good stuff as well. Question; I bought a casting net to catch shad with. What is your go to bait?

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks you! I love hearing that other people are getting out and fishing! Big fan of all things Whisker Seeker! As far as the best all around bait goes, its tough to beat shad, especially for blues and channel cats. Flatheads will hit cutbait too, but they like any bait that stays lively on the hook.

[@scentlok30]

Do you ever use no roll sinkers.

[@RiverCertified]

Only a few times. I prefer bank sinkers on a sinker slide because it doesn't scuff up your line as much. I will use egg sinkers for vertical presentations or slip bobber rigs. That's about it though. Really appreciate you watching the video man!

[@scentlok30]

What brand of sinker slides do you use.

[@RiverCertified]

Quinten Brown I'm a big fan of the whiskerseeker sinker slides

[@mattpotts8561]

Would this rig work for circle hooks also? Or just J hooks?

[@jimgeipel7820]

Instead of bobber stops on the knocker rig, why not use a couple split shot.

[@RiverCertified]

Never thought of that. That way if you wanted your sinker to slide again, you could just take it back off too. You're a freaking genius!

[@jasongaba2512]

@@RiverCertified I never use bobber stops I use split shots.....

[@RiverCertified]

@@jasongaba2512 That works too. I just like the bobber stops because they don't damage the line at all.

[@jasongaba2512]

@@RiverCertified True that buddy....

[@zionsbackyardadventures6096]

Are you able to use the santee cooper rig in grassy bottom?

[@rat4spd]

Are these something you'd cast with, or drop from a kayak?

[@RiverCertified]

They work well either way. Really appreciate you watching!

[@joesummers9864]

Using the 3 way swivel rig i encounter my sinker drop and leader getting twisted in the heavy current river i fish do you have same problem

[@RiverCertified]

At times but the fish don't seem to care.

[@quintenbrown1508]

Everyone who watches this man he is the GOAT= Michael Jordan. Last night I used only one of these rigs and couldn't even keep 3 poles in the water with my son on the South Skunk. O wait Spencer =Eminem

[@RiverCertified]

Hahaha I've never been called the goat before. I'm just glad the worked for ya! Hope they keep working! Good luck man!

[@quintenbrown1508]

@@RiverCertified I tried every live bait from bullhead to crawdads but only caught then on cut chubs not even live ones they wouldn't bit on.

[@RiverCertified]

Channel cats get like that sometimes. Get any flatheads?

[@quintenbrown1508]

@@RiverCertified one by an uprooted tree off a big bluegill

[@RiverCertified]

Nice

[@dougrogillio2223]

4:13 It's Pal-o-mar not polymer.

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you grammar police. I have am not intelligent. Thanks for watching!

[@dylan.h1133]

Why don’t you use a circle hook?

[@RiverCertified]

I do for blue cats. I've had too many times where a flathead eats the bait and doesn't move. A J hook lets me set the hook even when the are just sitting there.

[@Greaternickfishing]

Heavy wood cover? That straight braid? Or braid to leader?

[@RiverCertified]

Just depends on the rig.

[@Greaternickfishing]

I'm just gonna do one and figure out what works best for me.

[@chasingrodbenders5961]

I have some video ideas for you

[@RiverCertified]

Cool, I'm all ears

[@chasingrodbenders5961]

River Certified 1. Homemade channel catfish bait challenge. Use stuff you can get from the store but bait ideas that’s not common. 2. Catch and cook stripe bass 3. Catfish rigs for fast current, 4. 20 dollar catfish challenge. Go into Walmart using only 20 dollars buy everything you need to be able to catch catfish I have plenty more

[@RiverCertified]

Love it! I'm definitely gonna do those. If you want, shoot me a message on Facebook. Thank you!

[@forrest1518]

Good video, new to me👍🏾

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you! Hope they work for you!

[@fishingnightnday]

And I have no bobber stoppers.... "What dear? No! NO! I am not online buying more fishing stuff!"

[@RiverCertified]

Haha I can relate

[@ellabauer6445]

Great video. You should do this for a living:)

[@RiverCertified]

Maybe someday.

[@bryansmith5339]

u know u can take some braid and tie ur own bobber stop. its called a uni knot. u figure u pay 4$ for 5. or u us braid

[@RiverCertified]

I used to do that, but anymore its way faster to just buy the stops.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Don't use j hooks they gut hook the fish but as a fisherman u should be aware of the fact that the fishes health comes first.

[@RiverCertified]

Nothing wrong with a circle. I love em for everything but light biting fish. Mainly flatheads.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

@@RiverCertified ok bro thx for the response

[@keith7g7j]

As a fisherman my health comes first. I feel very healthy when I have had a good dinner. I guess that here is the part where I put in your handle.