Big Fish Battle at the Spillway
Spillway fishing for Monster Catfish has never been more thrilling than in the latest episode from 618 Fishing. Host Nick loads up his kayak, braves the high water levels, and sets his sights on landing a monster catfish. With the roar of the current in his ears and his ultralight gear in hand, Nick heads straight to the spillway that once delivered the biggest fish he’s ever caught. This is the kind of wild, edge-of-your-seat action that makes spillway fishing such a unique pursuit—unpredictable, powerful, and unforgettable.
Monster Catfish and Gar in the Spillway Current
If you’ve ever dreamed of fighting monster catfish in fast-moving water, this spillway fishing episode is for you. Right from the start, Nick hooks into hard-fighting gar and heavy fish that dart into the spillway’s concrete maze. One intense battle features a gar twisting and pulling through the current before being wrestled to the surface. Though catfish proved elusive early on, the anticipation kept building. The big moment finally arrived as a heavy fish bent the rod over and made a run toward the structure. It was a monster catfish—but after a hard fight, it managed to shake free. That’s the thrill and heartbreak of spillway fishing.
I Hooked Into The MONSTER of The SPILLWAY!!! (EPIC Battle + SURPRISE Catch!)
618 Fishing June 12, 2025 4:00 pm
Kayak Spillway Fishing Tips and Setup
Navigating spillway terrain with a fully loaded kayak isn’t for the faint of heart. Nick’s setup includes multiple rods, heavy tackle, and an ultralight rig for finesse bites. Anchoring safely and positioning the kayak to cast near the churning current is crucial. Strong line, a tight drag, and quick reflexes are mandatory when big fish are inches away from escaping into the concrete caverns. For anglers wanting to attempt this style of spillway fishing, preparation and patience are key—especially when dealing with monster catfish.
Using Nightcrawlers and Skipjack for Fresh Bait
One of the highlights of this episode is Nick’s bait selection. He brought everything from frozen skipjack and mystery bait to a T-bone steak, but his goal was always fresh bait. Nightcrawlers worked wonders, attracting a variety of species, including a chunky channel catfish. Fresh drum, caught during the session, also served as ideal bait for larger predators. Spillway fishing success often hinges on fresh scent and natural movement, and few things deliver that better than a freshly hooked baitfish or lively worm.
Species Breakdown: Gar, Carp, Catfish, and Hybrid Bass
Throughout the day, Nick encounters a diverse range of fish species. Short nose gar show up early and often, using their sharp teeth and long bodies to slice through current. A powerful carp made a surprise appearance and almost became bait—but earned a second chance at freedom. Several drum were caught and used for bait, and finally, a hybrid bass closed out the action with a shocking strike on nightcrawlers. While the elusive monster catfish slipped away this time, the variety of fish proved why spillway fishing is such a rich experience.
Best Time and Conditions for Spillway Fishing
Timing plays a major role in spillway fishing. High water levels brought increased current and fish activity, which made this episode so successful. Late afternoon seemed to trigger feeding behavior, especially as the sun dipped lower. Monster catfish tend to be more aggressive during low light and post-storm flows. Anglers targeting spillways should watch for rising water, heavy discharge, and cooler evening hours to get the best action. Even if the monster catfish escapes, the journey—like this one from 618 Fishing—is what keeps anglers coming back.

From epic battles to close calls, this video showcases everything great about spillway fishing. It’s raw, it’s wild, and every cast holds the potential for something legendary. Catch the full episode from 618 Fishing and experience the heart-pounding chase for a monster catfish firsthand.