Fishing a Dam When The FLOOD GATES OPEN!! (Big fish)

[@alexACR3167]

Thanks for sharing Spencer. Being a broke down fisherman and not being able to catfish anymore, your videos bring back memories of my younger days. Please be careful below those dams at night especially when youbare alone. Back in the 70's I was fishing below wheeler dam on the Tennessee River and thanks God I wasn't alone. I was wearing my life jacket which is required within 800 feet of Wheeler damn and that night was very similar to your session where they had the flood gates open. Anyway my partner and I were fishing for big blues and had done fairly well with several in the 40 and 50 pound range when all of a sudden the boat got pitched to one side really quick and it was sever enough to throw me out of the boat. Luckily my partner was seasoned and cut the anchor rope and came after me. He finally caught up to me and got me in the boat. Needless to say I was shaken pretty bad and we called it quits for the night. Just the fact of being thrown out the boat that night isn't necessarily what scarred me but I fished thus stretch of river many times and what scared was what I couldn't see under the water. People don't realize how much line and old hooks are down there and when when TVA is spilling like that the current alone is strong enough to push old fishing line, old boat actors and ropes and most of all old hooks. Getting hung in all that stuff can mean life or death if youbare not prepared. You probably already do this Spencer but if fish alone especially below dams it's always a good idea to have a very sharp knife strapped to your waist or ankle. It might just save your life if you are thrown overboard and get hung up in old line or even old cast nets that have been lost. Not preaching but trying to give you some good advise that I learned from my mistakes over the years. Take care and as always thanks for including us viewers in your fishing trips. I only crappie and smallmouth fish now due to back problems but I remember getting my line peeled on more then one occasion. Really sick feeling when you get spooled using 85 pound dacron line......only had it happen 3 times in my lifetime but thise were huge fish. Could not turn them and thats when I was a young strong buck.

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks for taking the time to share that reminder. I keep a knife and often a pair of pliers on my belt. Mainly for other things, but would work in situations like that in a pinch. I sure hope I never have that concern, but it's a real concern. Take care sir. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@jimmylowe1233]

I was tr

[@dustygable5006]

seeing wilson last year with aliitle over half of the gates open due to all the rain. is a humbling situation. we was planning on floating pickwick the following day. its amazing when the sound of thundering water can cause you to feel it in your chest.

[@jprizzle2604]

I was born and raised in Florence alabama, I have seen all of McFarland bottom under water when Wilson is opened up

[@rayfl502]

Just last year I caught the biggest cat fish of my life, when I landed it the water level dropped 2 inches!

[@drewmatthews4559]

Spencer need to get some led light in the boat

[@RiverCertified]

Yeah, you ain't wrong.

[@sethgoslar9208]

I've got some laying around that I don't use if you need some! I could get em to tasler and he can give em to you,

[@edbrown6985]

Looks like you had a good trip today.ive always loved to fish big dams at night and when they open the gates.

[@GroovyPerc]

Hope the channel continues to expand, the energy is awesome and who doesn’t love to watch some catfishin’

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate that man

[@firesquirrel646]

That’s amazing video,like you said when that line screams it’s a rush.

[@troypappas5344]

I have yet to fish that close to a major dam.Its a definitely need to now!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@RiverCertified]

You bet man. Good luck and most importantly be safe!

[@PeteHopkins-s1z]

Beautiful place to be fishing

[@RiverCertified]

One of my favorites for sure

[@shawnt9256]

Another Fine River Certified Production 🌅

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you very much!

[@GobarFishin]

Another great trip! Good work Captain Bauer

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

[@spodieodie5027]

This is Jim Woodruff Dam in Chattahoochee. I've spent many a day fishing here. When the Strippers are running it's amazing.

[@RiverCertified]

The only time I've seen strippers run was up a pole

[@deefisherguy]

3:59 upload. Hell yeah brotherrrrr

[@RiverCertified]

Yesssirrrrrr!

[@brianlewis7632]

Hello thank you for all your Content Kansas City is Watching 👀

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks for watching!

[@JSOutdoors]

Well done I enjoyed it. I got rained out this morning so I’m watching everyone else fish

[@RiverCertified]

Hopefully it clears up for ya man!

[@jeffreyneely9283]

Spencer it's always great to watch you catching nice fish, totally enjoyed video, always looking for the next one...👍

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate the kind words man

[@kylegrosvenor772]

Loveeeeeeee me some live bait!! Gosh what an intro 👏 I can't be more jelly!

[@RiverCertified]

Hell yeah man! A tank full of good livebait sure puts a smile on my face too.

[@skinny7347]

Watching you fish the waters I grew up on has reminded me to do the same. Thanks bud.

[@RiverCertified]

That's awesome. Hope you find some time to get out there.

[@kneaech405]

Another high quality video my friend. Keep ‘em coming

[@RiverCertified]

Glad ya enjoy em. I'm gonna do my best

[@chrissheafer]

Open gates mean a lot of fish and better opportunities for big ones. When it's like this you can get hooked up before your weight even hits the bottom. So good.

[@RiverCertified]

Yessir. I have some videos with some nice fish coming up. The high water treated me well.

[@comiketiger]

Great video and presentation. Love going along with you and watching this. You are good people Spencer. God bless all here.

[@riverrat988]

Its amazing what happens when they turn on water. Seen you and your better half in the new In-Fisherman . Brother your there Great Video

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate the kind words immensely

[@johnmommens5952]

Great job as always.

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate that

[@chrismatsko6601]

Fun video always learn alot from your trips thank you.

[@RiverCertified]

Glad to hear it man

[@sharksmith96]

Hey Spencer is your buddy Chase down in texas. Im really digging the videos man, iv been trying to track down the cats in my area but cant seem to make it happen lol your videos keep me motivated!!

[@RiverCertified]

Hey man, still got my number? Shoot me a text when ya get a chance. Otherwise email me [e-mail]. I might be in your neck of the woods before too long.

[@skeeet5758]

Blues are hitting

[@RiverCertified]

Yessir

[@MRdugger420]

Nice Feesh Gate flow is Da ticket! C'mon Baseball

[@RiverCertified]

Thank ya sir! Won't be here soon enough!

[@ricksimon277]

Another great episode and epic fish!

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@ricksimon277]

@Spencer - River Certified I enjoy all of your videos. You are a great fisherman.

[@deriklindsey9648]

What knot was that you tied the 4/0 hook with. You went short with the tag end and wrapped the shank instead of making a loop with tag end and then wrapping??? Snell knot?

[@RiverCertified]

It's called a no-knot snell. Pretty slick little knot to be honest.

[@jacobtodd1105]

South to the train Tracks is a good one also

[@ABWF]

Another banger brother let’s hope this week I can land a giant

[@RiverCertified]

I'm cheering for ya man!

[@billmitchell7731]

Awsome video buddy👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@joshjackson-po7eq]

Where did you get rod holders that’s on the back of your boat? I’ve been looking for some just like that

[@joelwcarter8058]

THE BAIT YOU THRU AWAY,WITH TEETH MARKS WAS STILL GOOD FOR CATFISH. YOU CAN ALWAYS USE A CATFISH SCENT ON THOSE BAITS, OR HERRINGT OIL

[@patriciapowell3824]

Thanks for sharing another awesome video . Would love to be able to catch quality fish like that especially if they were Flatties . Take care and keep these really great videos coming I really love to watch em. Be careful on the road and the water God bless

[@RiverCertified]

I hope you get the chance to one of these days. Thank you for the well wishes and all the support. Have a great night!

[@DGOUTDOORS01]

Loving the videos. One day can you show how you rig up your weights and hooks?

[@RiverCertified]

I cover it every once in a while. Last time was in my tournament video.

[@DGOUTDOORS01]

@@RiverCertified Anytime I try to put hook above then the weight on bottom it doesn't turn out like yours. Maybe I'm doing the setup wrong

[@DirtySouthOutdoors]

That’s my hometown river right there on the Apalachicola river

[@wayne-oo]

You really need some LED lights on the outside of your boat !

[@RiverCertified]

I've thought about that. It might be a project down the road.

[@waterratlyle2590]

Some great tanks when the sun went down man!

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man!

[@bigfishhunter6801]

When I used to target Channel Cats in a river that ran along railroad tracks, the bite would always turn on when the trains would pass. I think noise and vibrations impact the bite. Cheers!

[@RiverCertified]

That's pretty darn cool. They definitely know what's going on down there.

[@ItsHotHamBruh]

What kind of knot do you typically tie? the classic fishermans knot isnt working out for me now that ive moved up to cats rather than Bluegills lol

[@RiverCertified]

For mono I like a uni knot. For braid I like a polomar. Hope that helps!

[@raymondlanier1112]

I’ve done this a few times many years ago at lake texoma and the red river . Caught some amazing fish and by the way gar is delicious

[@RiverCertified]

Sounds like some good memories man

[@mrmilo1971]

Enjoyed the content as usual 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@RiverCertified]

Much appreciated man!

[@JozietheTexasLegend]

Oh shoot son. At it again.

[@RiverCertified]

yessir. It is feeshin' time.

[@TaylorElizabeth-zi4gq]

Great video baby! Ollie bug thought it was great too 😴😴 I love you ❤️

[@davidjoemarkn4450]

Moving out to Havana Florida at the end of April can you recommend anywhere to fish

[@RiverCertified]

All the rivers and lakes I've fished down here have been pretty good man. Have fun exploring. Discovering new places is my favorite part.

[@davidjoemarkn4450]

@@RiverCertified maybe one day we'll hook up and go fishing

[@bryanalday1594]

Love seeing you on the app.. maybe one day you can do a video on Seminole

[@RiverCertified]

I might have just kayak fished it today. Maybe haha

[@XtremeBUZZ]

That dam looks familiar! Looks like your back in Florida.

[@RiverCertified]

Indeed

[@hiddentruth1982]

from my limited experience fishing at dams it's the water flow that gets them riled up and biting.

[@its---natedogg7526]

what lb leader line you using?

[@RiverCertified]

Big rods get 80. Smaller ones get 20

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

your phone started making noises and I was checking mine thinking "its not 7:30pm yet wtf you being loud for?!" that alarm just hurts to hear sometimes hah

[@RiverCertified]

Haha that's kinda funny

[@wadeshull8227]

Not sure if the depths play a part to their eyes but when i was young and fished lock and dams i ran into that alot also

[@chadwright7614]

Weird stuff does happen when they open the gate. The fish know

[@RiverCertified]

I always wonder how they can tell the water is rising or falling. I guess it's their world, if they didn't know they wouldn't last too long.

[@chadwright7614]

@@RiverCertified I agree smart fish get big

[@andrewjohnterry7630]

Wanted to ask you something on that bait tank can you do a review of how much you like or dislike it and how much shad and skipjack can you hold in that tank also what size is it sorry to bother you just thinking about geting one

[@RiverCertified]

I honestly don't know enough about shad tanks to feel like I have an opinion worth listening to

[@appalachianpursuit2924]

Used to have a 50 gallon super bait tank. 3-4 dozen trout were no problem (which we ran straight oxygen into it).

[@nobodylistenstodenny]

Attaboy 🐳😎🔥🎣

[@RiverCertified]

Thank ya sir!

[@joelwcarter8058]

HOW BIG OF AN ANCHOR DO U USE

[@codyschubert4648]

Dude you need to come to Texas and fish for alligator gar one day. Crazy fight you will ever have in fresh water. I got the greatest gar guide in the world i have fished with a dozen times. Hit me up Spencer

[@RiverCertified]

I actually hooked a few last time I was in Texas. I was catfishing so they nawed through my leader, but I got to feel the power before that. I'll be back after them in a couple months.

[@josephacker5716]

What rod holders are those on your boat?

[@J.Co89]

What was the temperature there?

[@LoganBryant31]

Dang I wanna go on a fishing trip with you lol. Toads as usual. Well done.

[@RiverCertified]

Shoot me an email when you wanna book one

[@Andy-jp3yo]

Why’d you switch from the garmin to the humminbird? Also any problems casting the line counters ? Use the okuma coldwaters for walleye fishing and love them .

[@RiverCertified]

Durability mainly. The garmin with the power plate on the back had consistent corrosion issues and I got tired of replacing the plates. They cast decent, at least good enough for boat and small river duty.

[@chrishoda4287]

Where is that dam at?

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

Not many freshwater fish In north America hit harder or fight harder than a striper. The hybrids might be better fighters.

[@RiverCertified]

Agreed on both accounts. I love em!

[@charlesskillern9784]

That dam looks familiar....Are you fishing in Chattanooga ???

[@BigMex777]

Have you done a gar catch clean and cook?

[@RiverCertified]

Yes sir. They're pretty darn good.

[@BigMex777]

@@RiverCertified hopefully you’ll do another one soon. Keep up the awesome work brother

[@richardpettit2010]

Is that the jimwoodruff?

[@michaelbailey4442]

Can I ask what river this is?

[@derecksuarez978]

Spencer!! Rebuilding my first boat. Would love to know where you got that live well. Love the show and much appreciate ya

[@RiverCertified]

It's a creekbank tank. They're pretty proud of them, but they work well. Have fun with the rebuild!

[@kennethsmith8844]

Once we started fishing before daylight below Pickwick Dam back in the lock. We found a dead man floating. Called 911 and we soon had recovery people all around us

[@bobhambrick1154]

I've talked to you several times before but never asked this question. What is the cloth wrapped around your wrist and what is it's purpose? Loved the video and the content. Got me excited to get back out there fishing at the dam.

[@RiverCertified]

It's a buff. You wear it over your face for sun protection. I keep it on my wrist when I'm not wearing it

[@bobhambrick1154]

I sometimes wear one when I ride my motorcycle or fish but have always let it bunch at the base of my neck when not on my face. Now I have a better idea 💡. Thanks my friend.

[@malingram3451]

Spencer instead of live bait try lounchoen meat? Just an idea, fish go nuts for it in UK👍

[@jamesscott684]

Hey Bauer 👍👍👍👍👍

[@RiverCertified]

Yoooooooo!

[@sistaslab3159]

Awesome video

[@RiverCertified]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Scottb92768]

First off thanks for this video Spencer as always appreciate it second I hope you get some fish on this one again because it seems like when you're wise with you you do pretty good it seems like you are even on the phone with her and it picks up even more then too though maybe if you don't catch any good ones call your wife and a fish will come lol but thanks for video man appreciate it Don't get to go fishing it's off a cold out right now so this is a pleasure get to watch you catch the biggans

[@Scottb92768]

So so sorry that was supposed to say your wife not wise and it seemed like as soon as I posted this comment you started catching lol so I believe your wife Ella is your good luck so maybe if you're not catching.hummm maybe you should give her a call lol just a thought

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks for the kind words man Good luck when it warms up.

[@jacquelinecarpenter3960]

So where did you move to?

[@Hookset717]

Could you show your anchoring process when in decent current like that? Kind of a mundane request when it comes to content but I am curious. Are you running single anchor off the front and drift socks? Is your spot lock on? Just curious what your anchoring methods are.

[@RiverCertified]

Nothing crazy. I use spot lock haha

[@sherlockhomesky]

Pretty sure you let the better tasting of the two go, either way it's a free meal for a friend 👍. Nice video

[@RiverCertified]

I'll be honest, I'm a big fan of blue cat. I definitely won't turn down a striper when I'm in jn a fish cleaning mood tho.

[@fishingnightnday]

Dumb question du jour: When in the boat, when do you bleed your eaters? Kayak/camping you do it on the bank just prior to putting it to the fire. Just curious.

[@RiverCertified]

Not dumb. If I have a cooler, I do it when I feel like it. No cooler, I keep em on a stringer until I cook em.

[@pellman77]

is this in Nebraska?

[@maxmckinney7435]

If this is where I think it is in Florida there's some good fish there I drive over there all the time but might want to look at a river to the west of there about 50 or so miles

[@RiverCertified]

I know it's got big ones, but I've heard mixed reviews.

[@maxmckinney7435]

@@RiverCertified I fish the one in ebro all the time man and thats also where the 120 lbs blue was caught a few years back

[@jimbow2928]

Are you going to the national fishing expo center in Columbus Ohio ? Jimmy Houston is going to be there. Bring some river rat merch

[@RiverCertified]

Unfortunately/fortunately I'll be on the water. Hope you have a good time though!

[@TNRVG]

They get big enough for a whole live Skipjack down there?

[@RiverCertified]

The flatheads definitely do. The blues don't get Tennessee big down here unfortunately.

[@TNRVG]

@@RiverCertified Stripers?

[@tyleraustin4720]

Hey Spencer I enjoy watching you're videos, I've learned a good bit watching you over the past 2 yes I guess. I'm interested in buying a boat. Would you recommend you're boat to a mostly lake and some river fisherman? If so what is the make and model and you're whole rig set up?

[@RiverCertified]

My rig definitely doesn't like lakes. It's a jet. Jets like flat water.

[@danasinclair3470]

Hey Spencer I've watched several of your videos. But you or your crew never say where your at. Obviously on a river. What river? What state? Myself recently been ripping it up on the Missouri River in the Yankton area. On the Nebraska side.

[@jacobtodd1105]

Jim woodruff dam Apalachicola river this is my local river

[@obabycaldwell830]

What state are you in

[@Oluvaschneegas2424]

Nice catfish

[@jasongaba8218]

Great Vid as always....417 KatZ....

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man

[@waynewade6723]

Couldn't help noticing your bait holder looks like a port-a-john with that blue water!!! 🤣 #Rivercertified1

[@RiverCertified]

Haha I will never forget this now

[@jakegravesoutdoors]

Spencer you got same cooler I do 😎

[@RiverCertified]

They're pretty solid man

[@matthewtripp6840]

Do you ever eat any of the BIG ones ?? if not .. why not ??

[@RiverCertified]

Biggest cat I've kept and ate was about 25 lbs. There's several reasons I don't keep them over 10 lbs now. Releasing big fish can increase the total number of big fish, and the oldest fish tend to have higher levels of heavy metals.

[@matthewtripp6840]

@@RiverCertified THANKS BRO .. AND THANKS FOR REALLY TALKING TO YOUR FANS .. AND THE GREAT VIDEOS

[@Eric_492]

SPENCERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! When you hopping back in the kayak man?

[@RiverCertified]

Funny you say that. Gonna giver a rip on Weds as long as I can get bait.

[@Eric_492]

Righteous I’ll be looking forward to the video sir 🤘

[@mcbarber5108]

Just wanted to say…..DAM!

[@RiverCertified]

I see what you did there haha

[@Hambonicus72]

Love the videos. What water treatment do you use in your bait tank to keep the shad alive? Keep the awesome videos coming

[@RiverCertified]

I use shad keeper. It works pretty decent. Not sure it'd any better than salt.

[@danielcowins8808]

When you going to be back in iowa

[@RiverCertified]

In a few weeks probably.

[@danielcowins8808]

I would like to book a trip

[@RiverCertified]

@@danielcowins8808 sweet. Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@danielcowins8808]

Will do ty

[@rickyt310]

Makes me wonder how old some of these fish are ya catch. How old do they get?

[@RiverCertified]

I wonder the same thing man

[@TheDetroitman20]

Been a sub for over 2 years. All I catch are tiny to medium channels. Can you make a video for your rigs when I go for flatheads this summer? Like reels, rods, that glow stick at the end and baits for spring. Thanks as always for sharing brother!! 👍🏽👊🏽✊🏽☺🍺💯

[@egregiousblunder5395]

I don't know about Spencer, but my favorite rigs for big flats is a Whisker Seeker FMJ 7'6 H rod paired up with an old school Abu Garcia 7000 series reel. The 6500 C3's are great too, just make sure they are vintage stock and not the new ones with junky plastic internal gears, spool them up with 80lb power pro and you are good. Otherwise, my go to setup is a typical Santee Cooper rig, make sure to use flat no roll sinkers, not egg sinkers as well. Bait wise, live green sunfish, blue gills, and mud cats are the top choices. Try to see what native bait fish and smaller species are in your area to see what they may be targeting as well.

[@waterratlyle2590]

There has been some videos on his rig set ups in different situations. Spencer is the best catfish hunter out there.

[@RiverCertified]

I'll try to work that into a video while I'm down here. Egregorious shared some great info right there too. I appreciate all the support man!

[@bigbore4498]

Egregious Blunder is correct. It sounds like it’s as much about where you fish than anything. If all you’re catching is small/medium channels, target more structure, increase your bait size or change to live bait like sunfish. Three way and Sante Cooper rigs are the way to go for me.

[@bigbore4498]

@Dallas RH Spencer has a great channel. Another great channel who targets bigger fish is Steve Douglas. He shows his rigs on many of his episodes. A big promoter of the Sante Cooper rig. Both great guys. If you’re trying to learn, I would give the nod to Steve. But that doesn’t detract from Spencer’s channel at all. And it appears Spencer is going to try to make the video you’re requesting. Until then, go check out Steve’s channel.

[@josephacker5716]

When do you use the rattlers vs the demon dragons? Do you have a preferance?

[@coolbreezeinkc102]

Bro what is your home state?

[@traceygrimsley2175]

You would catch more with a cardinal hat on lol

[@RiverCertified]

Hahaha go Cubbies!

[@SirBoden]

I think if you’re gonna use a chest camera, it works best of worn near your collarbone.

[@RiverCertified]

Yeah, she's getting a little saggy haha

[@rock107ty]

"You can see the teeth on him" tosses away bait away like it's a peasant

[@RiverCertified]

😆😆😆

[@straight_anarrow1226]

I missing some new podcast any coming soon ?

[@RiverCertified]

I'll definitely record a few in march.

[@alfred4012]

Spence, yo bro u need a fishing buddy, reason #1, help each other out, reason #2,, tell him to clean the boat,lol,, reason #3, when the day is done, let's go drinking 🍸 😉 😜, lmfao!, peace ✌ ☮ out brother!!