Mid-April Monsters: Father-Son Night Raid on the James River
- Captain Dan Szajta
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
There is nothing quite like a multi-generational fishing trip to remind us why we get out on the water. This week at Goober Time Guide Service, we had the pleasure of hosting Joshua from Barhamsville, VA, and his father, Michael, who traveled all the way from Kansas City for some quality time and heavy drags.
The goal was simple: enjoy each other's company and put some "eater" size catfish in the cooler. We certainly checked those boxes—and then some.
Trip Overview: The Details
• Date: April 21, 2026
• Time: 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM (The Night Shift)
• Weather: Overcast with a sharp cold front moving in during the early morning hours.
• Water Conditions: 69°F falling to 67°F; shifting tides.
• Location: Departing from a quiet access point near the Hopewell area.
The Strategy: Fresh Bait & Shallow Flats
We kicked the night off by tossing the gill net and securing a dozen fresh gizzard shad—the local delicacy for trophy blue cats. With the bait tank full, we steamed upriver to scan the transitions.
The graph lit up as we approached a shallow mud flat. Seeing active fish in just 3 feet of water, we anchored up and deployed a spread of six rods. It didn't take long for the action to start. Within minutes of the baits hitting the bottom, the rods started folding.
The Action: Personal Bests and Triples
The night started with a solid 5 lb "eater," but the James River had much larger plans for Michael and Joshua.
At one point, we had a triple hook-up, resulting in a chaotic and exciting deck scene. During that flurry, both guys smashed their previous records:
• Michael’s New PB: 17 lb Blue Catfish
• Joshua’s New PB: 31 lb Blue Catfish
The bite remained consistent as the tide pushed, with a steady stream of fish coming over the gunnels, ranging from perfect frying size to absolute tackle-busters. The highlight of the night came just before the tide turned, when a massive 45 lb Blue Catfish decided to join the party.
The Shift: Tides and Cold Fronts
As the tide flipped, we adjusted our position to intercept fish moving along a deep-water travel pathway. However, Mother Nature decided to clock in early. A cold front pushed in rapidly, dropping the water temperature by two degrees in a matter of hours.
While we marked plenty of bait and cruising fish in our final spots, the sudden atmospheric pressure change put the bite on ice for the last two hours of the trip.
The Final Count
It was a phenomenal night of memories and heavy lifting for this father-son duo.
Total Fish Landed: 11 Blue Catfish
Total Weight: 170 lbs
Biggest Fish: 45 lbs
Trophy Fish: 2 (31 lbs and 45 lbs)
A huge thank you to Joshua and Michael for joining Goober Time Guide Service! It was an honor to be part of your family visit. We hope those fillets taste as good as the fight they put up!
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.
Comments