GIANT Catfish on a Spoon?! Tough Summer Bass Fishing Below Cowans Ford Dam

New August 2, 2026
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Summer fishing isn’t always easy, and this trip to Mountain Island Lake below Cowans Ford Dam proved it. With water temperatures in the mid-80s, the largemouth bass bite was slow, and every fish had to be earned.

Despite the tough conditions, I managed to put a few quality largemouth in the kayak. Then, just when I thought I had the pattern figured out, something completely unexpected crushed my spoon—a giant catfish! It turned into one of the most memorable fights I’ve had in a long time.

If you’ve ever struggled through the summer doldrums, this trip shows that persistence can still pay off, and you never know what might be waiting on the end of your line.

If you enjoy kayak bass fishing, river fishing, and real, unfiltered days on the water, be sure to subscribe for new videos every week.

In this video:

* Summer bass fishing on Mountain Island Lake
* Fishing below Cowans Ford Dam
* Mid-80° water temperatures
* Kayak fishing
* Largemouth bass
* Giant catfish caught on a spoon
* Summer fishing tips and patterns

Thanks for watching! Leave a comment letting me know the biggest surprise fish you’ve ever caught while bass fishing.

Show Your Support for the Channel with Official Abide Fishing Merch:
www.abidefishing.com

Fish: Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish

Lures:
1/4oz V-Twin Buzzbait by True South Customs Lures
www.truesouthlures.com

1/2 oz H20X Spoon

6″ Slink Worm by FourSeven Lures in PB&J on 3/16oz Shakey Head Jig
www.foursevenlures.com
*Use promo code ABIDE for a 10% discount

The Water: Mountain Island Lake
The Launch:
Hwy 73 Access Area
8670 N.C. 73,
Stanley, NC 28164

Access: 1 paved boat ramps
Acres: 3281 acres
Amenities: Trash Collection
Cost: free
Hours: 24/7
Propulsion Limits: none
Filming Date: 7/19/26
Water Temp: 85 degrees

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/abidefishing

Original Music by SkidMark Millhouse:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvndVfVUcoQpKC02fh9oq6g

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