Three anglers, three Personal Bests! From fresh hickory shad bait to high-speed action in the upriver currents, Jerry, Shawn, and George joined Goober Time Guide Service for an unforgettable day on the James River. Read the full report to see how we landed 86.5 lbs of fish—including a trophy 25.5 lb Blue Catfish and a rare 14.2 lb Flathead—plus our go-to tactics for drifting channel ledges.

The evening bite on the James River is officially on! Goober Time Guide Service recently put the Stoneville crew on a "drag-screaming" clinic, landing 14 fish including a 44lb Blue Catfish and a 26lb Trophy Flathead. From tactical shifts on the mud flats to landing a 31lb giant on a 38-inch "baby rod," the action was nonstop. Ready to hunt your own Virginia trophy? Check out our latest report and see why the James is the place to be this spring!

Spring on the James River is a world-class experience, but catching a "blue donkey," a trophy flathead, or a hard-hitting striped bass starts with the right bait. In this guide, Goober Time Guide Service breaks down the top three baits for each species this season—from fresh hickory shad to live bluegill—and exactly how to catch your own bait to keep the lines tight.

Don’t let the "one that got away" be the theme of your next trip. At Goober Time Guide Service, we’ve spent hundreds of days on the water testing the toughest gear so you don’t have to. From high-torque winches for heavy current to finesse bumping reels for precision bait-walking, check out our 2026 breakdown of the best catfishing reels for every budget and style.

Looking to master the James River this spring? As the water warms, the river transforms into a premier destination for Striped Bass, White Perch, and the river’s famous titans: Blue and Flathead Catfish. This guide breaks down the essential gear, seasonal migratory patterns, and safety tips you need to navigate the tidal currents and rocky fall lines of Richmond.

Success on the James River starts long before you cast a line for Blue Cats—it starts with the bait. In this guide, Goober Time Guide Service breaks down the "Golden Rule" of fresh Gizzard Shad and the critical gear shift you need to make between seasons. Learn why choosing between a floating and sinking gill net is the difference between a full cooler and a long, empty day on the water.

While the James River in Virginia is the crown jewel of East Coast catfishing, a true deep freeze doesn't just affect our tidal home—it impacts lakes and rivers across the region. For a trophy hunter, understanding how ice alters the ecosystem is the difference between a fishing trip to remember and a "skunked" day on the water. Three Trophy Blue Catifsh Whether you're fishing the deep holes of the James or a frozen-over reservoir, the biological toll on Blue Catfish and Gi

Tired of staring at a motionless rod? Stop the guessing game and learn the repeatable formula for locating trophy catfish. From tracking bait balls with electronics to mastering "feeding shelves" and current seams, this guide from Goober Time Guide Service breaks down the professional tactics you need to stop "fishing" and start "catching."

Don't let the cold stop you! Winter is the ultimate time for a trophy hunt on the James River. Learn how to pinpoint deep-water wintering holes, master cold-water bait presentation, and see how Goober Time Guide Service provides the warmth, safety, and expertise needed to land a monster Blue Catfish this season.

As the air crisps and the leaves on Virginia’s iconic trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, the James River Blue Catfish begins its most aggressive feeding period. Fall is widely considered the best time of year to target trophy-class catfish, as they gorge themselves in preparation for the coming winter. If you’re heading to the tidal James River this season, abandon your summer spots. The fish are moving! Here are three essential and proven fall catfishing technique

The James River in Virginia is a world-class destination for landing trophy blue catfish , fish often exceeding the 50-pound mark. Unlike many fisheries that slow down dramatically, the James offers phenomenal catfishing action year-round. Understanding the seasonal movements of these massive predators is the key to consistent success. 🌱 Spring : The Pre-Spawn Feast and Shallow Push (March – May) As river temperatures climb, the blue catfish bite explodes. This pre-spawn p