Struggling Through the Catfish Spawn

[@NOSPosts]

Hey man, I usually never comment on any fishermen’s channels but there is something special about yours. Your videos have no flashy gimmicks, no stretched imaginations, just the pure reality of fishing. I respect what you do so much man, KEEP DOING YOUR THING! I just found your channel 3 nights ago and have watched almost every single one of your videos. There aren’t a lot of good video making cat fishermen on this platform so keep pumping out content! You’re my go to! Also, your videos are really useful for amateur fishermen like myself. KEEP IT UP!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! I appreciate the nice comment. Glad to hear you are enjoying the videos.

[@rebeccastaxidermychannel2987]

This is why I love your channel! You show the good, the bad and the ugly. Good luck these next few weeks! I need to get to the lake. Can’t catch fish sittin on a couch! Lol

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Good luck to you as well!

[@battingthreadbeats4624]

I like how you always got a cool blue Gatorade I drag a cooler full of them when I'm kayaking 😂

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I do enjoy my Gatorade lol. Thanks for watching!

[@battingthreadbeats4624]

Thanks for keeping it real and producing great content 💪

[@JeffGeraldFishing]

Man that’s rough, but I do enjoy that put that in a video. It’s good for folks to see that people don’t go out and catch fish like it’s nothing every time they go out. Still a nice video in my book 👊🏻

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Jeff!

[@josephjuliano8138]

I feel your pain and let me tell You handle that a whole lot better than I would I would’ve definitely threw some color commentary in there keep at it love the videos

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Thanks Joseph!

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Great video as usual. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one who struggles at times. Losing a big fish like.thats happened to me twice. Once because the catfishes head was too wide to fit in the net and the other time he spit the bait out without being hooked just like you said. Better luck next time and tight lines!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching.

[@troutmagnetman]

Look forward to these videos.....sorry you lost the fish....I know that feeling too well. But seeing the hit at the 3:30 mark, I think it was, just gets me all worked up....LOL. Makes me want to get out and fish!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Randy! I’m looking forward to a lot of those big hits when the post spawn bite turns on.

[@vn3outdoors606]

The struggle is real! Nice striper . Keep up the good work.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@raptormarine5031]

I love your channel! I'm a dedicated follower and watcher! I especially love the fact that you don't cuss and keep it clean, because I do have kids and my family watches sometimes when I have you on the main tv! So thank you for keeping it clean as you can!!! Your the man!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you! I appreciate you and your family watching the videos.

[@gaboonwoodcraft2144]

I agree with Raptor! Me and my boys watch you all the time and we can’t wait to retire up there and hopefully see you on the water (not on pleasure boat though 😁)

[@michaelrogers4285]

Happens to all of us !! Usually you’re hammering the biggins , and you will again 👍

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Michael!

[@rhinohd]

We have all been there Justin. Way to stick to it! Happy Fishing!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@jzpeeps]

Hey love your videos from Texas. A few of my friends and I are medical students and love your videos we were wonderin what you do for a living. Also hoping to get a yak in the next few months! Tight lines!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Justin! Glad you are enjoying the videos. I work in healthcare for my regular job.

[@jzpeeps]

Hahah dang! Don't know how we guessed that! I felt for ya on that one that got off. Looking forward to new videos

[@cheza7061]

It's good that you keep your videos real!! I hope your catching again real soon🎣😎

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@jenbilbrey1089]

Hey Justin. Listen it's good just to see you. I wanted to say I love your dog. Truly a man's best friend. He understands you when the fishing gets tough. See you next video Justin thanks a lot

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Jen!

[@hobo7070]

I feel your struggles through the spawn. They are spawning in my area and the bite has definitely dropped significantly. Keep up the great work!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! The post spawn bite will make our struggles worth it.

[@yakcatdrifter6820]

Your a legend in my book.It happens I mean u could have spliced something together to look like u had a good day like some ppl do on KZbin world for views but your human and u kept it real and that goes far with me

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment.

[@hustonwitt9425]

Hey that's why its fishing, still good job on video. Nice striper even though it was small lol 😉

[@buddybright9095]

Heart ache's and disappointment's are what makes life a reality. Sometime it's such a jolt to our understanding that words wont come. A thousand why's running through our mind in a few short seconds. The pressure from your heart beat makes you feel like blood is going to seep through the skin on your face. Then we slowly realize this is why we do this in the first place. It will be a memory not soon forgotten. I really like your videos don't change a thing.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching.

[@charlesbradley2311]

i feel your pain. its been tough here in S.C its starting to turn around. the spring fling is over.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Charles!

[@jeffmorris8768]

Good evening Justin,Glad you didn,t blow up your kayak and break all of your rod,s when you lost that big boy.Catfish Dave probably would of shot the next bass fisherman that went by.3 year,s ago on Watts Barr I had the biggest blue I have ever hooked right at the net and he rolled and the hook popped loose and flew past my ear.I saw the hook before it came loose and it was in his top lip in the middle of his mouth in the bony part.Two day,s ago I was washing out my tracker boat and slipped and fell.I stuck my hand out to catch my fall and my hand hit a bolt sticking out where I had just removed a rod holder,and hadn,t got around to removing the bolt.It went in the palm of my hand and came out the side of my hand.Then with all of my weight bearing down on the bolt it completely ripped and tore through all of the flesh on my palm opening my palm up three inche,s almost hitting my tendon,s.I bled like a stuck hog and wrapped a rag tight around it and rushed to the hospital.They came in and looked at it and said they couldn,t stitch it up because of the liability of infection from deep inside,and told me I would have to go to a different hospital to get it seen about.They said it would probably cost at least a thousand dollar,s to do it and I declined.I went home and opened it up and flooded peroxide in it and put a bunch of butterfly stitche,s in it.It has already started to close up and I don,t see any sign,s of infection.My biggest concern is that it might ruin my good look,s,ha,ha.It pay,s to remove any thing that might hurt you.Two year,s ago I was releasing a 70 pound blue,and he spun with such force till his dull side fin split my palm two inche,s across to the meat.Hurt like hell.If it,s possible to get hurt it will happen to me.Stay safe and be careful out there.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I felt like tossing everything overboard in the moment. Hope your hand heals up soon. Glad you weren’t hurt even worse. Take care of yourself.

[@otisbrewer1188]

Thanks for posting this video I like to see when people miss fish it shows that you are human just like us

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Otis!

[@DavidsOutdoors-of1vs]

We're with you Justin! Lol! I think I'm going out in a little while to see if I can pick some up under the cypress trees on a bobber with my girls. Keep at it buddy!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks David!

[@lastcasttv5380]

love the honesty man!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomw3380]

No alibis needed, the spawn is a tough time. Thanks for the early release so I could hopefully catch (and release) him later. Those are painful. tight lines

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tom!

[@DeadeyexKlipz]

Well you took that very well my friend!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Thanks!

[@paultanner2007]

Sorry for your struggle, keep up the good work brother. Great channel and videos.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Paul!

[@ryanharrod1155]

Really like that you show your struggles and when you missed fish to. Bc that’s what I feel like every time I have a run on a live bluegill or big cut bait. I can not hook up. Maybe just getting to excited idk. Seems like I am either to early or to late all the time 😢 Good video

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Ryan!

[@traviscox9257]

Hey that's just part of fish justin thanks fo keeping it really love the video and love the channel..keep your head and hope you're luck changes..

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Travis!

[@TheReloaderDude]

I hear ya!!! There is nothing worse than getting a good one on the line and then its gone.

[@KayakCatfish]

I’ll be back out there next week to try to get another shot at it. Thanks for watching!

[@TheReloaderDude]

Kayak Catfish sad thing is it just happened to me 1 hour ago. 🤦‍♂️

[@WoodenBoatGuy]

Sometimes you catch the fish, sometimes they catch you, and sometimes you just paddle around a beautiful lake for the day and have a great time on the water. Nice video, keep it going.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@hunt2033]

👍 keep your head up and stock up on bait the bits coming soon😄🤞 thanks for keeping it real

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@bradbex9051]

At 5:28, that is the look of true disappointment. I would be cussing too Justin. lol Keep up the awesome video's buddy.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Brad!

[@atticus0715]

Sorry for the struggle, but thanks for making me feel better knowing it wasn't just me struggling to land good cats. 🙂

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Tony!

[@kccatfishing4929]

Man that was a good weighted take down. Had to be a solid fish. Nice video Justin.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! It felt like a whopper but we will never know.

[@lkncatfish7586]

thx for grinding and going for it

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Robert!

[@jameshollon8144]

Great Video. That's way they call it fishing and not catching. Keep your head up, fishing hard down here too.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks James!

[@benathens3294]

Hang with it. The fish will be back. I would love to come up there and catch some big cats from my small jon boat.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you for watching!

[@catfishassassination3821]

Looks like you got a good garden too

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Growing food is my other hobby.

[@terrydeaton9586]

I really enjoyed this video, Justin. Thanks for sharing. No doubt, you will get him later, on another trip. Keep up the good work, my friend. You are much appreciated.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Terry!

[@Legallyblindoutdoors]

I feel ya man that was a heartbreaking moment when she let go

[@KayakCatfish]

Every time it happens, it’s like a knife through the heart.

[@christopherpcreation]

The big one gets away and haunts your sleep the rest of the year 😂🤣

[@KayakCatfish]

It sure does lol. Thanks for watching!

[@k9kayaks]

Morning Rosco 🐾🐾

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s my boy

[@jaredsmith6272]

Ahhh man. I feel ya!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Jared!

[@hikewadepaddle]

More Roscoe intros, please. He looks like an awesome dog. Bummer about the big flathead coming off, but I think you're owed a bad break now and then!

[@KayakCatfish]

Rosco is the best dog in the universe. I can’t give him too much video time though. He already gets more women than me. I can’t have him stealing my KZbin attention too.

[@redpillcarnivore]

I feel ya brother. Just last week I faught one for 10 minutes before he STARTED coming my way and then he let go. Had to be 80-100 lbs. Makes a fella wanna cry and motivates me to keep going. Lol

[@KayakCatfish]

Dang. Hope you hook into him again someday.

[@codyslaven7713]

I live around Soddy daisy and had the same luck very slow spawn is a pain for sure! Only place been catching is below dams...

[@KayakCatfish]

It will pick back up again soon. Thanks for watching!

[@davidyager4603]

The big cats are just now starting to come off the beds here in west tn,last month's bite was so hard here it's a struggle in spawn.

[@KayakCatfish]

Our fish went on a little early here this year so I imagine the end of June should be good again.

[@davidyager4603]

me an my daughter went out this evening an the flathead bite was so good on live bream 20ft or so water,let her catch the bait she caught a few channels about the size of half dollars lol.yall are just a few weeks behind

[@havinfun1911]

As we all know that is the down side to fishing, losing that big one. Always gut wrenching. But we gives thanks for the opportunity and wet the line again and proceed to try and catch its ancestors (great ancestors preferably). As always great video. Keep it up.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@CatfishWeekly]

Still better than sitting on the couch!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s the truth. Thanks for watching!

[@briansuttles492]

Keeping it real ,your face shows it all. Great video still, you could fish for bait, stay safe.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Brian!

[@Jerryshipping12]

A bad time fishing is better than a great day doing just about anything else!

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s the truth!

[@chadnolte1546]

Dont feel bad brother i lost one Lastnight but i was cusing up a storm i tell ya lol. It happens but you the man you'll get another soon well god bless and tight lines

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Chad!

[@watchzach]

I hear ya justin, im really ready for july here. Been working on setting up a new kayak since they started spawning.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesgeorge4391]

Time to do a little bluegill fishing tell the catfish bite pickups good video love your dog

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Charles!

[@tjlittle0721]

Keep your head up bro, love the content!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks TJ!

[@deborahhefner4403]

Keep up the good work

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Deborah!

[@cliftoningram1886]

Hey, enjoyed the video! Sorry that big cat came off! I've went home skunked a couple times myself lately limblining.I bet the spawning affected the bite. I did catch a few bullhead though! Can't win them all, but keep the good work @ good luck with the fishing! From NC

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Clifton!

[@skeemask4933]

It sux when it happens! I had a, (at least) 2/ 2 and a half pound brute of a bluegill come off rite at the boat this past week.. haha When a good one comes off, it's like everything in ur soul gives up for juuust a second

[@KayakCatfish]

That’s the truth Tom! I would be more upset at losing a 2lb bluegill. That’s a rare catch.

[@PCMESS]

I had a good laugh at your complete and utter disappointment when that fish popped off. Only because I've been there a thousand times.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I found it amusing watching my own disappointment while editing the video lol.

[@derekfisher8571]

Been there. Love the vids. Keep up the good work!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Derek!

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

Spawn is just tough bro

[@KayakCatfish]

It sure is. Thanks for watching!

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

@@KayakCatfish #1 channel imo brother !

[@magictricks-sx2lk]

great video. still keep up the amazing work even though catfishing is really tough.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@mikevaughn6525]

Hey Justin ive had that same problem with team catfish hooks.need to say I don't use them anymore.since switching to another brand I haven't miss one yet. In my opinion

[@KayakCatfish]

Losing fish is inevitable regardless of what hooks a person uses.

[@rebekahlewis8596]

I am going through the same thing...in corsicana tx...dan

[@KayakCatfish]

Hope the bite picks up for you soon.

[@splitz360._4]

Nice video, keep up the amazing work.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you!

[@trimcoversit3971]

Thank you for always wearing your life jacket. People don't understand anything can happen on the water.

[@KayakCatfish]

I wish more people wore them.

[@nickhall9873]

Ouch brother! I was expecting a small edit moment. You’re a better man than me keeping it together.

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! Thanks Nick!

[@dennisfarley6574]

Now that’s a proper introduction 😂

[@bigrivercatfish799]

If that camera wasn't rolling I'd be dropping some cuswords 😂😂Man i know exactly what you mean and what your going through it happend to me back to back i could have snapped my fishing pole in two i was so mad😂😂😂But its all a part of catfishing long waits and losing hookups but its all worth it when you pull in the big ones and have it on video and take pictures with them makes it all worth while great video...Fish On👍

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! Those lost fish make the big ones we do catch even more special.

[@freerunnersunion_________90]

Great channel! Re grippers have you looked at whisker seekers? Love mine! The digital scale is awesome as well!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! I just prefer the original fish grips aka my hand lol.

[@freerunnersunion_________90]

@@KayakCatfish I understand that completely

[@fishingnotcatching594]

Throughout your fishing career do u ever like plan to do stuff during spawn? Like a" honey do list" or vacation u plan when spawn hits?

[@KayakCatfish]

Yes. I tend to fish less during the spawn and focus on other things. Plus my garden takes up quite a bit of time in the summer as well.

[@KentDrumz]

ouch... that's always rough to loose a fish like that.

[@KayakCatfish]

Losing that one stung a little. Thanks for watching!

[@TyPigPatrol]

Dang man, beautiful striper tho.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@Winksworld87]

I was thinking the exact same thing...like hhmmm...I wonder how many cuss words are flowing through your head at that moment when u see its not on the line..ive too had no luck to put out a vid of good fishing..im going out tonight hopefully get a big one

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! There were a bunch going through my mind. Good luck tonight!

[@scottburns.madburns]

Idea: “new water challenge” let subscribers take your to new waters or suggest them and document your process from looking at a map to being on the water as a person catfish a new water just one time. Would help us all learn how to catfish. Thx

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Scott! It sounds fun but it is hard for me to get motivated to travel for catfish when I have such good fishing close to home.

[@synqhypnotix8446]

Where are you fishing at to catch Stripers?? I normally go to locks and dams. We’d call that one a pretty good sized one where I’m from.

[@KayakCatfish]

I usually fish on Melton Hill reservoir when I specifically target them but we have them in Fort Loudon and Watts Bar too.

[@greenpea9412]

Well I still enjoyed the video and I learned a bit about the spawn. How long does the spawn go on and when does the bite typically fire back up?

[@KayakCatfish]

It lasts a few weeks. Usually the post spawn bite is on by mid July.

[@jerrylittle8922]

Thats fishing man. Lose some from time to time. It sux to lose a good fish especially in June spawn

[@KayakCatfish]

Thankfully, I made up for it the following two trips.

[@jessefranks5158]

I know that feeling brother I lost two monster flatheads the other night🤬🤬🤬

[@KayakCatfish]

Hopefully you will hook into them again next time.

[@colinwalls7300]

i think is a great video man .

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Colin!

[@colinwalls7300]

@@KayakCatfish cant all be highlight videos right lol. Fishing is a battle won through attrition. I have definitely had more tough days then days I go out and schwak em. But the big bites are worth it.

[@mattbrash]

Sorry you lost the fish,Man!!!

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Matt!

[@SalineScott]

I hate that you lost that big one. That will be a mystery. So, I should try fishing for a stripe bass when I go fishing Saturday at Harrison Bay?

[@myadventureoutdoors]

Scott, you do realize this is footage from 3 years ago? It's why he always wears the same shirt. Yes, fish for Strippers with dollar bills.

[@SalineScott]

Adventure Outdoors Thanks Steve. Lol. Now... I know what to fish for on my next trip. I’m glad someone finally responded to this comment. Lol.

[@KayakCatfish]

I’m with Steve. You will be better off fishing for strippers this week. Guaranteed to catch something. Unfortunately, it might be herpes that you catch though.

[@SalineScott]

Kayak Catfish Lol. I think I’ll stick to the stripes. Lol

[@harveysizemore6100]

Except for the fun of the post spawn frenzy, i dont care for even fishing the spawn. It is still much better than watching tv at home.

[@KayakCatfish]

Post spawn is always my favorite time to fish.

[@codyrobison6817]

Whats your water temp right now just curious ours just hit 73 degrees where i fish just wondering your thoughts on what temp the flathead bite really slows i know low 70s they do spawn and are even harder to catch but was wondering what temp you usually start catchimg them again

[@KayakCatfish]

Water temps here are 75 to 81 depending on what section of the river I am on. The bite usually picks back up here by mid July.

[@chiefhookumpullum4581]

I feel your pain

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks!

[@Thegrim326]

I don't know if this applies to all states but I'm pretty sure you can only have 3 lines in the water per person

[@KayakCatfish]

Every state’s laws are different.

[@crunchythedave]

I've had that happen twice this year, im a very laid back person but I guarantee they heard me cussing for a 2mile radius on the water

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! If the camera hadn’t been rolling, they would have heard me from 2 miles away too lol.

[@bryondover5517]

I've had a big catfish pull out drag twice and then he finally let go of the bait you could see the bite mark on my bait I was using a Shad head

[@KayakCatfish]

I’m convinced that is what happens with most of my lost fish.

[@howardjdiggsjr5237]

Justin I don't think you realize what this one vid does for the fisherman who only get on the water every few weeks. Lot's of folks have said it, and you mention it in the vid, "keeping it real". We lowly weekend warrior's think y'all "pro's" (and yes MANY of your follows think you're the best of the best) catch fish every trip. It's easy to watch your vids and think you make it look easy. Vids like this do keep it reel (😊).... Even the best, have a bad day. I like what you said, "It's about the experience not the results".... You'll be back on them. That was a tuff lose. You handled WAY better then I would have.... Be Safe out there.

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you Howard! I really appreciate the nice comment.

[@hikenmikes8262]

I’ll tell ya why you lost that big one...fishing gods weren’t happy with how you released that striper earlier😜lol

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! I will make sure to do better next time.

[@psychonursehomestead9680]

did i miss something, what is that lure you are using. could you put some more info of what it is and who makes it? Thannks!!

[@KayakCatfish]

It is an AC Plug. They are hand carved wooden trolling plugs. Kinda pricey but I have caught a lot of fish with them.

[@psychonursehomestead9680]

@@KayakCatfish an "AC"plug. ill take it thats the name brand. Possibly found on amazon.? I guess im still a little lost. Size color? any other helpful thoughts

[@KayakCatfish]

Acplugs.com 12” model. Black top white bottom color.

[@psychonursehomestead9680]

@@KayakCatfish thanks so much!!!!!

[@cheryl.539]

Loved the dog intro. What's the dogs name?

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks! His name is Rosco.

[@cheryl.539]

@@KayakCatfish Lovely dog.

[@stephenhair5501]

Dang, that stinks that the fish came off. Catfish Spawn can be tough. Hopefully the females will be roaming and hungry.

[@KayakCatfish]

I’ll be out there looking for them. It beats sitting at the house lol.

[@chrismcvey908]

I’m really sorry you had to lose that fish. In your opinion what do you think it was?

[@KayakCatfish]

Thanks Chris! I’m pretty confident it was a flathead.

[@TennZen77]

That hurt to watch that big one get away, but if we caught ‘em all, it wouldn’t be a sport.

[@KayakCatfish]

Hopefully I’ll hook into that fish again someday when it’s even bigger. Thanks for watching!

[@countryboysandcatfish1448]

Any cat this time of year is a good cat. Well any cat anytime of year is a good cat. Keep them baits in the water. Like you always say cant catch em if you ant tryin

[@KayakCatfish]

Thank you for watching!

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Had a slow night last night on the Ohio one 8 pound flat head in 5 hours but hey I’m not the only one

[@KayakCatfish]

The post spawn bite can’t get here quick enough. Thanks for watching!

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Kayak Catfish agreed buddy

[@downriverfishing3639]

Is it fall time yet?

[@KayakCatfish]

It’s coming

[@HookFaced]

If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth it

[@KayakCatfish]

I totally agree!

[@hunt4life56]

How is it that the river is supposed to be so polluted, but the fish look so healthy?

[@KayakCatfish]

The fish are healthy. It’s the mercury and PCB’s that are harmful to us humans if consumed.

[@catfishassassination3821]

Damon that's tough and I'd be dropping all kinds of f bombs

[@KayakCatfish]

Haha! If the camera hadn’t been rolling, I would have unleashed lol.