Birthday Trophy Blue Catfish Report | Goober Time Guide Service
- Captain Dan Szajta
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
There’s no better way to celebrate a birthday than with a screaming reel and a "Certified Goober" in the net! This week, Goober Time Guide Service had the pleasure of hosting Dave, Jenny, and their coworker Dany for a sunset pursuit of some heavy-hitting river monsters.
The mission was simple: catch fish, have fun, and celebrate Jenny’s big day. The river definitely understood the assignment.
Trip Details & Conditions
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sunset Session)
Water Temperature: Steady 67°F to 69°F
Weather: Clear skies with a cooling evening breeze.
Tide/Water: Productive movement along channel ledges and mud flats.
The Report: Sacrifices and Success
We started the evening hunting for fresh bait. We managed to bag about 8 gizzard shad for cut bait, but the river demanded a toll. Our gill net got hung up on a submerged log and was unfortunately destroyed. As we always say, sometimes you have to sacrifice some gear to the river gods if you want them to reward you later!
Anchored Up on the Ledge
We moved to a promising channel ledge where the sonar showed fish cruising in the current. We didn't have to wait long. One of our pink Hellcat rods doubled over with a classic, long, steady takedown.
Birthday Luck: Jenny stepped up and reeled in a solid 15 lb Blue Catfish to kick off her birthday celebration!
Shortly after, we hooked into a true monster. This fish rolled on the surface—a massive Blue Catfish we estimated in the 40–55 lb class—but unfortunately, the hook pulled. That’s fishing! We stayed busy with several "taps," but the fish were being finicky, so we decided to change tactics.
Planer Board Chaos on the Flats
We transitioned to pulling planer boards across a shallow mud flat, and the action turned "chaotic" in the best way possible. After picking up a 6 lb and a 4 lb Blue, the boards started flying.
In a chaotic moment, we had two 22 lb blue catfish double up.
The highlight of the night was the planer board that simply sank. A 41 lb trophy Blue Catfish hammered the bait and fought hard all the way to the boat.
Welcome to the Trophy Club!
The Final Count
It was a quality over quantity kind of night, with the "Goober" energy at an all-time high.
Fish Species | Count | Total Weight (Approx) |
Blue Catfish | 6 | 110 lbs |
Total Weight for the Trip: 110 lbs of hard-pulling Blue Cats.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to Dave, Jenny, and Dany for choosing Goober Time Guide Service. We had a blast celebrating Jenny's birthday with you all. Seeing that 41-pounder hit the deck was the perfect icing on the cake!
Captain Dan Szajta is a USCG Master and IGFA Captain who brings a unique, analytical edge to the waters of Central Virginia. When he isn’t guiding clients to "river monsters" on the James River, Dan serves as a high school math teacher—a background that fuels his precision-based approach to angling. By combining formal maritime expertise with a teacher’s knack for breaking down complex patterns, Dan specializes in breaking the code on trophy Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass for anglers of all skill levels.
Operating Goober Time Guide Service, Dan offers a versatile experience tailored to the water's demands. Whether you are hunting giants from his fully equipped main vessel or launching a kayak or raft to reach remote, low-pressure fisheries, his mission is to provide more than just a day on the water. Every trip is an opportunity to learn the "why" behind the bite, blending high-energy adventure with the technical insights of a true multi-species specialist.
Captain Dan Szajta
USCG Master Charter Captain
804-592-0456
*Contents of this article may not be reproduced without the prior consent of Goober Time Guide Service, LLC.
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