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!

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

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.

Chris, Chris, and Timmy joined us for an unforgettable first trip on the James River! From catching fresh gizzard shad to battling heavy current, the action was steady. The day peaked with two massive "Trophy Club" entries—weighing in at 44 lbs and 46 lbs—plus a few hard-fighting 20lb blues. Read the full report to see how we pivoted our strategy to find the big ones!

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.

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."