Birthday Trophy Blue Catfish | Goober Time Guide Service Fishing Report
- Captain Dan Szajta
- May 4
- 4 min read
Goober Time Guide Service – Trophy Blue Catfish Report
There is no better way to celebrate an upcoming birthday than hitting the water in search of a river monster! This past week, we had the pleasure of hosting Victoria and Lisa, who traveled down from Henrico, VA, for a 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM session.
While the calendar says spring, the morning was chilly and the catfish are starting to think about the summer spawn. We had to work hard for our success, but the results were well worth the effort!
Birthday Trophy Blue Catfish | Goober Time Guide Service Fishing ReportThe Conditions
Date: May 2, 2026
Water Temp: 67°F
Weather: Overcast with shifting winds.
Water Conditions: Moderate current; fish were found moving through deeper channels.
The Hunt for Fresh Bait
As any catfish angler knows, "fresh is best," but the fish weren't making it easy on us this morning. We spent the first part of the trip scouting four different locations. It took five gill net sets and a fair amount of running around before we had enough high-quality bait to feel confident. With the big blues starting to shut down for the spawn, having the right bait is the difference between a bite and a blank.
Planer Board Success: Joining the Trophy Club
We started the morning pulling AlphaBoardz planer boards to cover as much water as possible. Almost immediately, the rods started getting "taps." After landing a quick 1 lb blue, we saw one of the boards get absolutely buried.
After a 3-minute battle, we landed a stunning 28 lb, 38.5-inch Blue Catfish! Catching a trophy b lue catfish as your first catfish ever is pretty epic! Welcome to the Trophy Club!
The Afternoon Grind: Drifting & Anchoring
We moved downriver to a new stretch to continue dragging boards, which resulted in four more 1 lb blues. To finish the day, we transitioned to anchor fishing.
The electronics showed a massive school of fish passing directly under the boat. We decided to play the waiting game and "sit on 'em." Our patience paid off, as we boated a 7 lb blue, a 2 lb blue, and a final 4 lb fish to wrap up the trip.
The Gear That Made It Happen
To put fish in the boat consistently, you need equipment that can handle the power of a James River blue. Here is the setup we used for this trip:
Rods: We relied on Catch the Fever Hellcat Revenge rods. These offer the perfect blend of sensitivity to see those "taps" and the backbone needed for a 3-minute trophy fight.
Reels: Shimano Tekota 600 HG reels provided the smooth drag and high-speed recovery necessary when a fish decides to run toward the boat.
Rigs: Goober Time Guide Service 2-in-1 rigs so we can quickly switch between fishing styles.
Rod Holders: Smackdown Rod holders to handle the massive takedowns.
Planer Boards: Our AlphaBoardz were essential for spreading the spread and targeting fish that might be spooked by the boat's shadow.
Electronics: We used our Garmin unit to map bottom contours and track the bait schools in real-time.
Trip Totals
Total Fish Caught: 10 Blue Catfish
Total Weight: 46 lbs
What’s Next: Summer Multi-Species Action!
As the trophy blue catfish begin to shut down for their annual spawn, our focus is shifting to keep the rods bending all summer long! If you’re looking to get on the water, we are now booking:
Multispecies Trips: Variety is the spice of life! We’ll target whatever is biting best to keep the action fast. and the cooler full. These trips are great for kids!
Eater-Size Catfish Trips: Perfect for those who want high numbers and some of the best-tasting fish the river has to offer.
Bass Fishing: We are hitting the water for both Largemouth and Smallmouth bass as they get aggressive in the warmer temps.
Flathead Specific Trips: For the anglers who want to target the "yellow cat" in the structure.
We offer trips on the boat, kayak, whitewater raft, canoe, and our personal favorite inflatable sit on top kayaks in the rapids!
Thank You, Victoria & Lisa!
We want to give a huge thank you to Victoria and Lisa for joining us on the water. It was an honor to be part of your birthday celebration, and we’re so glad we could find another trophy blue catfish before the spawn kicks in!
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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