What Fishing for Flathead Catfish IS REALLY LIKE!! (Monster Fish)

It ain't all rainbows and lollipops, but I think that makes it even sweeter when you find a little success.
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[@doggetla]

Finally a refreshing, HONEST, catfish video. Not only did You show getting hung up and missing bites, You made it fun to watch. I related very much to what You showed us.

[@mishuncompree1362]

Honestly bro, it can get demoralizing when you get skunked but watch KZbin videos where every cast = guaranteed catch. I prefer the good honest videos like this guy. Don't always get your way on the water.

[@AndyPoignantJr]

He shows a bunch of bad days what you mean it’s so real

[@doggetla]

@@AndyPoignantJr most of these shows only show the good days and catching fish.

[@jjgoldsberry]

I laughed way too hard at Ryan saying "You're losing your cents." Great cat to start the year, Mr. Certified!

[@RiverCertified]

Ryan has some perty good one liners most days. Thanks a ton man!

[@wabowhunter83]

@@RiverCertified I hear that, come up here to the northwest and fish sturgeon with us. Those fish might change your mind a bit, having a 9 ft 350 plus pound fish take 100 yards of line in a few seconds is a diff experience.

[@ChrisSmith-nh8hf]

A new viewer here . . . . you're videos are well done. Thanks so much for making them family-friendly with mature commentary without profanity. The quality you present is rare. Again, thank you.

[@catfish4life896]

YES, flathead videos are coming out again!

[@mikedidyouseethat2340]

Love your content every time. When I see Woody I can think of all the times my dogs begging to go fishing and loved going. That is something I loved so much and enjoyed. Thanks for this 👍

[@RiverCertified]

Absolutely man. I'm glad the videos bring up the good times!

[@dillonswihart7067]

i loved the journey in this one, we didnt just plop down and watch while you made it look easy, we saw the buildup and thats why when i first saw that flathead thrash around in the water and i could see it, i smiled wide. Great catch, awesome content, keep it up!

[@RiverCertified]

I'm glad you enjoyed the whole process and it's cool to hear that I was able to show it. Flatheads ain't easy, and that's part of what makes them special to me. Thank you for watching!

[@mauricenations7511]

Hey man this doesn’t pertain to fishing but just thought I would brag on my wife that is the best River Rat I could have ever met 43 years ago. She’s from Arkansas City, Arkansas home of the River Rats. Her class ring has a big rat on one side standing up, wearing glasses, plus a big long tail. River Rat means a lot to me. Thanks for your time showing people how to just fish and enjoy it, bank or boat. River Certified Rat has a good sound to it. Lol thanks man

[@williamhowerton1645]

As an avid catfish guy of many years I really like your videos. Been catfishing with my best friend for ever on lakes and rivers in Oklahoma. Generally fish with limb lines in trees on lakes and in deep slack water log jambs in rivers with live bait like goggle eye perch. But any sunfish in general is good. Goggle eye are a very hearty bait that live good in current. We’ve caught very few big flatheads on dead or cut bait as they prefer live bait. But we’ve caught them on shiny unbaited hooks when they’re coming off the nest after spawn. Flats are definitely the predator fish of catfish and are the boss in the water. We’ve caught many blues with scars of a flatheads mouth around their head where a big flat tried to eat them sometime in their life. Usually catch big blues on the edge of slack water and current. We have found cut carp to be big blue’s favorite food. Actually a carp’s head is a big blues favorite food. Shad, perch, and gar are all good too. We catch a lot of blues and channels on rod n reels also as we have a killer punch bait recipe of our own. Keep the videos coming!!!!

[@bthorn5035]

Ever since I started watching your videos, I've been on a mission to catch some monsters. I've scouted dozens of potential spots. So far, zero luck. Gonna keep grinding.

[@RiverCertified]

That's part of what makes em so special. Good luck dude!

[@darrinyoung4330]

Great fish both of you!! Also I really want to say thank you Spencer for making me fall back in love with fishing. Grew up on the river and fishing as a kid. When I found River Certified I found the love for it again so thanks a lot for all the great content. Can't wait to book a trip with you. Keep up all the hard work brotha.

[@jameslow5536]

ROFL. Thanks for the shout out 😂😂😂. Less yammer more hammer baby !

[@flakesinyershoe8137]

Went flathead fishing last night. Caught two channels at dark and it was a ghost town til midnight. Flatheads win again.

[@RiverCertified]

I know that story too well. Hope you get em!

[@evanlashway329]

You guys are funny as hell. Need more vids of you two hanging out like this.

[@codywangsness515]

Absolutely love the channel!! I have learned more about flatheads from you Spencer than any other person hands down!!

[@deefisherguy]

Lets go man the one and only true fishing entertainer.

[@RiverCertified]

I don't know about all that haha

[@C_JAdventures]

Man I don't know if I believe in luck when it comes to fishing, you can go fishing just to get out of the house down the street to your local boat landing and probably not catch anything because it's fished out - or you could go to some where like you do, not many foot prints or signs that other people has been there recently and 9/10 you tear em up. Plus the knowledge you have of the flowing of the river, where they like to be, depth, the correct bait, and of course your good ol fish finder, etc. I think it actually takes practice and knowledge to be able to drag in the biggens, yea someone may get lucky once every 7 years getting a big fish at their local boatlanding, but to keep dragging in these slobs you catch there's definitely knowledge shining through, not luck my man. You definitely know what you're doing. Keep up the great videos, cant wait for another upload.

[@dalehayslip5008]

Another awesome video Spencer and soon as I seen Ryan I new there was going to be fish on the boat .One of your biggest fans

[@RiverCertified]

My theory is that, since Ryan is ugly, he attracts big ugly fish 😆 thanks for all the support man!

[@roymyers8575]

Brought back great memories of fishing the white river (Indiana). Love the rivers!!!

[@RiverCertified]

Absolutely my favorite place to be. Glad ya enjoyed it!

[@Djzsolo]

Hell yes the big uglys are back what a tank !! Your first flathead!!! Been waiting for the big uglys to come back !!! It’s awesome to see woody and Ryan !!! Thank you for all you do and I’ve been loving the podcasts !!!

[@RiverCertified]

Hell yeah man. I appreciate the kind words! Gonna try and keep the podcasts rolling!

[@jondahoopa2.078]

Hey thanks to you i caught my first catfish a 3ft 17lb flathead!! Thanks for the inspiration man!!!

[@RiverCertified]

Hell yeah man!

[@hoodiedee4828]

Hi I'm from Connecticut the snob state but Moved to Iowa and learned to fish cats off Scott St Bridge. 40 to 50 pounders would hide in the tunnels and even hit 3in worms. Sunfish worked the best. Doing a lot of Saltwater I found mackerel oil in my box so I tried it and it seemed to make the catfish crazy. Oh well keep your lines tight and Enjoy life. Have a bless day.

[@Frank-il3kt]

Snob State 😂😂😂 Isn’t this guy from the North, he sounds like it.

[@wayne-oo]

The flathead jinx was your sleeveless shirt !

[@RiverCertified]

I think you're right. I'll keep testing tho haha

[@Lanny-io9bi]

"sorry about the F bomb" lol it's ok, that was a F bomb worthy flattie for sure! Great job filming what fishing for these guys is like! Awesome video!

[@RiverCertified]

For sure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GregoryAdams-p5k]

I lived on secession a few years. What I found was when the water starts dropping and after it has dropped ,I would fish the points closest to the channels. I would pull to a spot,catch the aggressive one or two ,then move. Catch the aggressive ones then move. Hit n run would fill the cooler. Keep up the fun

[@RiverCertified]

Sounds like a solid pattern man. Hope you keep catchin' em!

[@Dennis_J._Aitken]

You two seem like a fun bunch to hang with!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

My favorite way to cook marel mushrooms is only in butter with just a little bit of oil!! Bread the mushrooms in egg first and then flower with salt and pepper mixed in with the flower!! Then straight to the hot pan of butter!! Definitely hot so that they get nice and crispy!!! That’s the only way that I have found to be the best eating marels!! I’ve tried probably 25 to 30 different ways over the years and you definitely can’t go wrong this way for sure!!! I’ve tried them with different kinds of crackers for the breading to pancake mix for the batter and I have to say just flower with salt and pepper just can’t be beat!!! Probably my second way is with a pancake batter the same way that I like to cook my fish for my third or fourth favorite way of cooking fish!!! Awesome video buddy and remember keep up all the hard work buddy!!!!!

[@HazLife]

Sweet doggy that’s a flatty …. Nice work way to grind it out

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks dude. Hopefully I can keep finding a fee! Almost called you the other day when my plane was stuck in DC.

[@HazLife]

@@RiverCertified hit me up next time we will link

[@baggers-]

And so the fun begins this seasons target is 80lb plus and no you can't use Ryan as bait! Welcome back you must have turned a new leaf I didnt see a beer !

[@RiverCertified]

You hear me yelling from over there if I caught an 80 haha. Beers were definitely drank.

[@baggers-]

@@RiverCertified you kept them well hidden then lol I will await your call when you do my friend

[@day1fishing603]

Rad, that looked fun, hilarious and some. Great video. Ryan the assassin 🔥

[@RiverCertified]

Glad ya enjoyed it man!

[@day1fishing603]

@@RiverCertified spam comment below?

[@waterratlyle2590]

31min video 45 min in ads and it was worth it. GREAT way to start the flathead "season." well done as always man🤝🏼

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you kindly. Don't feel like you Have to watch the ads though haha. I'd rather you just enjoy the video the most you can.

[@waterratlyle2590]

@@RiverCertified I definitely enjoy every video, also support the channel but sticking threw the full ads lol.

[@ZacMacFishing]

I admire your tenacity and perseverance. It paid off in a BIG way! FLAT out amazing!

[@RiverCertified]

I see what you did there and I appreciate it haha. Thanks for watching man!

[@alien-baitfishing7055]

whitebass run ended where I'm at in Indiana last weekend, limited out but all males no big females. badass video man

[@RiverCertified]

The fact it's so short makes it even more special. Glad it ended on a good note!

[@nittygrittyskeeter4131]

We definitely need more videos with Woody on the boat! 😂🤙🏻🎣

[@RiverCertified]

I'll try my best to sweet talk the Mrs. She has been out of town on a work trip, so me and woody are living the bachelor life haha

[@mandomarley3348]

Ryan's in the boat and you fished for flatheads. I say it was a great video✌ Go Cubs🐻

[@RiverCertified]

Glad ya enjoyed it. Unfortunately they're losing haha

[@tommymohlen8919]

Nice fishies, great entertainment as always. Thanks for taking us along for the ride

[@RiverCertified]

Absolutely man. Thank you for all the help and support!

[@shawnt9256]

Awesome Spence!!! Another fine River Certified Production

[@justincarolynlasley3293]

Morels ,brats and flathead catfish! You spencer my dude know how to have a good time. I’m soooooo jealous.

[@RiverCertified]

I definitely am pretty dang fortunate. Can't complain for the most part. Thanks for watching man!

[@Flarexxxx]

been a couple podcasts and ryan hasnt mentioned the geckos, im impressed

[@RiverCertified]

I think he has finally moved on haha

[@marktempleton346]

Hey Spenser greetings from sunny Florida, I sold everything but the wife and moved here permanent now. I miss fishing for flatheads at home and my only fix is a 6 hour drive to the panhandle, but it will happen. I can still watch your content and get a partial fix but it isn't the same. We do have some big channels down here and very few people here fish for catfish and think I'm nuts when I tell them I do. Only place I know of you can catch a 10 pound largemouth one minute and catch a 20 pound channel the next. Tight lines man!

[@RiverCertified]

I'd start tarpon fishing if I was you. They're badass. I'll be running charters in the panhandle this winter. Still working out the details

[@marktempleton346]

@@RiverCertified I will be heading to the gulf side soon to do that and snook fish as well. Bought a 2006 181 Mako center console inshore boat so I.m set. Are you fishing the panhandle for flatheads of tarpon?

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Some great fish and time on the water. It appears you need your good luck charms along more often! Another great video! Thanks again for sharing!

[@bengrindz110]

Your spots are stocked! That's not fishing that's here you go baby!!!!

[@RiverCertified]

For about 5 minutes it felt that way haha

[@YFZMoto]

Nice way to start the Flat Season off the first one was real nice and the river looks to be flowing good.

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man! It is nice to have enough water for the boat!

[@danparke1]

Aaaand we're back! Awesome!

[@RiverCertified]

Yessir!

[@waynewade6723]

Been waiting patiently for the Flathead bite on your channel!!! Yes let's go!!!

[@RiverCertified]

That makes two of us haha. Glad ya enjoyed it!

[@waynewade6723]

@@RiverCertified you were the first KZbinr I ever saw use a bullhead for bait 🤯!!! 💯 Awesome

[@mamaj_fishing]

Awesome kitties and team work! You guys are hilarious! Right bait makes a difference - good tip!

[@Skank_Hunt42]

Hey Spencer, when Whisker Seeker approaches you about having your own Whisker Seeker series rods, please make a spinning and casting rod that throws 1oz to 4oz. That would be the best seller trust me!

[@RiverCertified]

I appreciate the feedback. They actually just released a medium power that fits those specs.

[@danparke1]

Cripes, when did they sneak in that medium gfx rod? There goes my credit card...

[@freddyferguson7763]

Madkatz has a rod rated 1-6oz.

[@desmondjohnson6360]

I found also hooking chubs below the dorsil fin really make them squirm good... catfish is tearing them up!!! My favorite bait even to bluegills.

[@davidsul7052]

You need really big baits and big waters to look for really big flatheads. Such as the Mississippi River, the Tennessee River, and the Arkansas River. A fish market owner once told me about a 7-footer about 200 pounds that a commercial fisherman caught in his gill net from the Arkansas River in Arkansas. And a scuba diver once told me that he saw a 7-footer laying on the bottom in Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma.

[@TheDetroitman20]

Well worth the wait. Always great content. Thanks for sharing brother!! 👍🏾👊🏾✊🏾🙂💯

[@sunfishassassin5963]

GREAT VIDEO Spencer🤘😎

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man!

[@williamleidy6713]

That trip checks all the boxes . Nice.

[@williamwesley5078]

I'm going to my catfishing spot tonite, with a chance of thunderstorms while I fish but hey, Goodluck Mr. River rat Man!

[@chadburton4659]

Pretty good first flathead trip, enjoyed it man!

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you kindly. Glad ya got a kick outta it!

[@FuManDrew365]

Shhheeeewwwww buddy lol.. that first flathead was a beauty 😍 👌.. great job spence awesome start to the hometown flats 👏

[@pedrocruz4710]

This was an awesome video! Keep them coming Spenc!

[@RiverCertified]

Glad ya enjoyed it. I'll definitely do my best!

[@fossilguybmf4210]

Awesome job guys!!! Love the dog too!! Dogs make good people.

[@fossilguybmf4210]

15702

[@camyota]

Pretty jealous of that first fish! I hope my first fish of the year is that big. I'm redoing my boat(I know, awesome time of the year to redo a boat) and as soon as it's done I'm hitting the mighty Altamaha!

[@catfish4life896]

it’s about time Ryan’s back😂😂

[@trish8574]

Woody! What a good boy 🐶 flatties were pretty cool too- and the turtle 😂

[@christianortiz6177]

that first flat head was huge good stuff bro keep it up.

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks a ton man.

[@droningharry]

Amazing how one big fish can turn a trip around! Very nice video Spenser.

[@RiverCertified]

That's no joke. Thanks Harry!

[@zipchtkdn7804]

Whenever you bring a dog out on a boat fishing all day going to make sure it has something to lay under plenty of cold water and some food with tongues hanging out constantly it's freaking thirsty

[@coryplummer6450]

Turtle assassin! Love the super trooper reference! I can’t roll over lol!

[@AdventuresBeginHere409]

Most enjoyable fishing video, loved watching this video for a change the real deal.

[@waterratlyle2590]

Great video as always. This one just popped up and I really don't know how I didn't see this one.

[@WesternKyOutdoors]

Bro, that was a super nice flat head. Again, you need to bring those and throw them in my pond. Lol

[@jacquelinecarpenter3960]

Glad your back to Iowa flatheads, now I will start watching again. You should always take Woody!

[@RiverCertified]

Bummer you didn't watch before. Missed out on some good times.

[@stephenhall5430]

The worst day fishing is better than the best day working.😂

[@RiverCertified]

No doubt dude.

[@Dogsrule777]

Woody is the best! I’m a fan of y’all! 🤙🏽😌🏆

[@RiverCertified]

Awe shucks, thanks man. I'll let woody know he has a few fans besides Ella and I haha

[@seamurda100]

That was a nice channel cat, the last one.

[@RiverCertified]

Thank you kindly sir

[@madcatterfishing2437]

Your secret has been revealed. If you want to catch big flat heads set up next to bank poles. Kinda like looking for forked sticks on the bank 😂😂. Great video I hope to get out and do some overnights this year.

[@C_Dizzle]

Been out for three days… “That’s not a bad 5 minute fish.” 😆

[@johnnywayne4228]

I Love the cup holder on the bike, nice!!!

[@jackwaites3891]

At the pro bass tournaments, when they take the media pictures, they find local amateur bass tournaments and get their best fish for the optics for TV SHOWS

[@j-rocd9507]

ST. LOUIS HERE! My good friend is a bartender at Hot Shots on the Illinois side of the river.

[@ricrinehart975]

Great video Spencer and luck is laboring under correct knowledge

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks Ric. I like that quote a lot.

[@PHARRAOH]

awesome you returned them. cheers

[@midwesty2222]

Love the channel, but there’s so many things I wish you would explain! I’m like “wait, go back!” Lol

[@tristanreed619]

Congratulations on the 100k subs you deserve it

[@RiverCertified]

I really appreciate you helping to make it happen!

[@LonliBoiii]

U never disappoint Bro🤘🏾📷 awesome video. Iron will 💎

[@jeffreyneely9283]

Hey Spencer what such great perseverance, great flathead. Great video.

[@ericorange441]

Great video!! Loved how woody was watching Ryan reel in the fish

[@RiverCertified]

Ryan and woody have definitely bonded the last couple years haha

[@joshuacline6907]

Time for some flathead lessons! Finally!! Teach Me King Rat!!!!

[@RiverCertified]

Drive around until you see one on the fish finder haha

[@jamesdilts277]

I used to fish for bass, stripers, crappie,then I tried flat head fishing, that was 5yrs ago,I caught a 60 lb Flaty, now I can't help myself, I fish almost exclusively for the big flats, I've caught bigger blues,but nothing trips my trigger like a big ole yellow cat.

[@EasyLifeOutdoors]

Jealous man! You’re killing it this year!

[@RiverCertified]

I don't know about that, but I've definitely been having a ton of fun out there!

[@richardhill5192]

First time on and I'm hitting the sub button Great content 👌

[@RiverCertified]

Hell yeah man. Glad ya dig it!

[@daveallover]

"Net'em if ya gottem" great slogan!

[@RiverCertified]

Glad ya got a kick outta it dude!

[@robwalker7245]

I see you have stepped up your video editing game as well as your fishing game although your fishing game was PRETTY DAMN STEPPED UP already good production values i think is what your videos have now

[@DanielBoone337]

I know your channel isn't around hunting but a hunting video would be pretty sweet man. With the amount of geese I always hear in your videos I know yall have to have phenomenal waterfowl hunting up there... I know the KZbin overlords aren't exactly friendly to the hunting/gun videos so you might not want to try your luck but it was just a thought after you said you went turkey hunting with your pops. Anyways great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

[@RiverCertified]

Appreciate ya letting me know. I posted a pheasant hunting video a few years ago and it tanked. I'll make a different channel if I ever do that.

[@DanielBoone337]

@@RiverCertified Right on well you got at least 1 sub... LOL Take care brother!!

[@williamcoiner6019]

good to see Woody and Ryan

[@RiverCertified]

I concur

[@camyota]

And what a good puppy dog! 😊

[@tannerrobeson188]

Caught a 30 pound flathead the other night on my first flathead trip of the year. Best luck yet lol

[@217rebeloutdoors5]

Nice job great video that's putting in the time to catch them fish keep those lines tight my friend

[@RiverCertified]

Thanks man. Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@217rebeloutdoors5]

@@RiverCertified I really enjoy all your videos man

[@ApacheAnglers]

Kevin VanDamm Would Be Proud You Finally Caught Flathead 🤣

[@RiverCertified]

KVD is such a legend I almost felt bad for that joke😆

[@stanleyharp5980]

that flathead you caught was worth the wait.

[@RiverCertified]

I couldn't agree more man. Thanks for watching!

[@edwardrock1666]

Nice flat brother, woody must be your good luck charm. Live your videos, great job

[@RiverCertified]

Sometimes I think so too. I'll be bringing him this weekend.

[@ShooterQ]

Once I saw the size of the first catch, I realized all of the time up until then was absolutely justified.

[@baliankorvus5802]

love your boat setup!

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Well, good deal anyways Spence, least that first one was a P-I-G Hawg, daggone good one to start off the season or whatever! I just remembered during this video that I had a cousin who lived in Donnellson, Iowa, he had a farm there, course I never got to go visit him there before he passed away about 2 or 3 years ago. He was originally from Chicago though, well the burbs of Chicago, he retired from one of the main railroads up there, as a engineer. Anyhow, I’m rattling on! Good deal fellars!

[@RiverCertified]

Never heard of Donnellson, but Iowa has so many small towns its tough to remember them all. Thanks as always Doug. I appreciate ya watching!

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

@@RiverCertified - it’s over close to the Illinois line, not too far, I think they told me once that Donnellson was about 20 miles west of the Illinois line. Anyways, yeah no problem buddy, you’re mighty mighty welcomed!

[@mr.chesthead4554]

Keep them coming! Thanks man

[@RiverCertified]

Absolutely. Gonna keep doing my best!