Birthday Blues & Trophy Success! 🎣 What’s better than a birthday on the water? We hosted Victoria and Lisa from Henrico, VA, for a morning of big river action. Despite the pre-spawn lull, we managed to land a 28lb trophy Blue Catfish using AlphaBoardz planer boards and the new Catch the Fever Ravix rods. Check out the full report to see how we handled a tough bait bite and what we’re targeting next as the summer multispecies season kicks off!

The river demanded a sacrifice, but she paid back in trophies! From a 15 lb birthday catch to a 41 lb 'Certified Goober' that buried a planer board, Jenny’s birthday trip with Dave and Dany was one for the books. Despite losing a monster in the 50 lb class, the crew landed 110 lbs of hard-fighting Blue Cats under the sunset. Read the full breakdown of our April 22nd session, including water temps, tactics, and the chaos of a mud-flat double-up.

Joshua & Michael smashed PBs on the James River, landing 170 lbs of blue cats including a 45 lb trophy! Check out the full night report.

The James River continues to prove why it is the premier destination for trophy catfish in the country. This past week, Goober Time Guide Service had the pleasure of hosting Craig, William, Jacob, and Chris from Hampton, VA , for a day that defined "river variety." From massive blue cats to hard-hitting striped bass, the river was alive and well. The Morning Spread: Fresh Bait is Key We started the morning early, securing a premium "charcuterie board" for the fish. We loade

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!

It was a pleasure welcoming back Dara and Oliver for another adventure with Goober Time Guide Service . There is nothing quite like the James River in the spring—the river is alive, the migratory fish are moving, and the catfish are hungry. We covered a lot of water on this trip, transitioning from the fast-paced action of the fall line to the steady pull of the mud flats. Here is the breakdown of our day on the water. Starting with the Bait Run We kicked things off near the

Looking for a "bucket list" experience on the James River? Check out our latest report! From a massive 55lb trophy Blue Catfish to a hard-fighting 30.5lb Flathead, Josh and Elizabeth from West Virginia had a day they won't soon forget. Between a "triple up" hookset and some prehistoric Bowfin action on the mudflats, the Richmond riverfront delivered in a big way. Read the full breakdown of our most recent adventure with Goober Time Guide Service.

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.