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.

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.