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FISHING REPORTS


Birthday Trophy Blue Catfish | Goober Time Guide Service Fishing Report
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!

Captain Dan Szajta
May 44 min read


First Kayak Guide Trip of the Year: Multi-Species Success with Oliver
Our first kayak guide trip of the year was a major success! Regular guest Oliver Rader joined Captain Dan for a 4-hour masterclass in kayak control and multi-species trolling. Despite a "long-distance release" early on, Oliver landed 12 fish, including his first-ever Crappie and Chain Pickerel. With water temps hitting 68°F, the bite is officially on. Read the full report to see our species breakdown and tips for spring trolling in the creeks!

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 293 min read


Chickahominy Lake Fishing Report: Spring Panfish Slam
What happens when the water hits the magic 70-degree mark on Chickahominy Lake? The panfish go on a tear. On April 25, Goober Time Guide Service hosted a crew from Newland, NC, for a day of non-stop action. From trolling crankbaits to long-lining jigs, we covered multiple creeks to put 59 fish in the boat. With rising temps and steady pressure, the crappie and shellcracker were stacked. Read the full report for our location breakdown and final cooler weight!

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 263 min read


Mid-April Monsters: Father-Son Night Raid on the James River
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.

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 213 min read


James River Trophy Catfish Report: 62lb & 41lb Blue Cat PBs!
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

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 133 min read


James River Catfishing Report: 44lb Blue Cat & Trophy Flathead Action
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!

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 93 min read


Springing Into Action: Blue Catfish and Shad Runs on the James River
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

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 63 min read


Trophy Flathead and Blue Catfish: A "Bucket List" Day on the James River
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.

Captain Dan Szajta
Apr 23 min read


James River Spring Fishing: The 3 Best Baits for Trophy Catfish & Striped Bass
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.

Captain Dan Szajta
Mar 274 min read


Spring Fever on the James: A Complete Guide to James River Fishing
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.

Captain Dan Szajta
Mar 183 min read
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