James River Trophy Catfish Report: 62lb & 41lb Blue Cat PBs!
- Captain Dan Szajta
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
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 loaded the bait tank with fresh gizzard shad, white perch, and hickory shad. On the James, having fresh, oily bait is the difference between a quiet day and a screaming drag.
We headed downriver and set up on a strategic channel ledge near submerged structure. For the first 20 minutes, the river was still—but we knew the fish were there.
Trophy Blue Catfish: Back-to-Back Personal Bests
When the bite finally turned on, it didn't just "tap"—it folded the rod straight into the water. The guys from Hampton came ready to fish, and the river rewarded them:
• The 60-Pound Club: We landed a massive 62.37 lb trophy blue catfish. Not only was this a massive citation-grade fish, but it was also a new Personal Best! Talk about setting the bar high for a first blue cat.
• Keeping the Momentum: Shortly after, the team put a solid 17.5 lb blue cat in the boat.
• The Second Trophy: The big fish weren't done. We hooked into another monster that tipped the scales at 41 lbs—marking the second New PB of the morning!
We even had a brief encounter with a grumpy snapping turtle who wanted in on the action before we shifted gears.
The Pivot: Striper Action on Sonar
As the midday sun moved in, the catfish bite became a bit "finicky." However, our electronics started lighting up with unmistakable striped bass signatures.
We quickly pivoted tactics and began trolling crankbaits. After a few missed hits that kept us on our toes, the guys finally hooked up with a 5.6 lb striped bass. This was another milestone for the group: a first-ever striper! The fight these fish put up on lighter tackle is always a thrill.
Wrapping Up a Gorgeous Day
We ended the trip with a long, scenic run back upriver, enjoying the incredible Virginia weather and the views that only the James can provide. Before heading back to Hampton, the guys grabbed some new Goober Time hats to commemorate their record-breaking day.
A huge thank you to Craig, William, Jacob, and Chris for joining us on the water. It’s days like these—watching people smash their personal records—that make being a fishing guide the best job in the world.
Book Your James River Adventure
Are you ready to join the Trophy Club? Whether you want to target 60-pound blue cats or troll for striped bass, Goober Time Guide Service is ready to put you on the fish.
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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