Damn Good Live Bait Fishing Guides In The James River

Check real-time availability and compare rates on James River live bait fishing fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Live Bait Fishing Guides In The James River

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Williamsburg

Monster Catfish And More

100% (3)
21 ft 1 - 10 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Blacksburg

SW Virginia Weekday River Trips

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $375
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River Fishing in Blacksburg

SW Virginia Weekend River Trips

NEW
14 ft 1 - 2 People From $475

Top Species for Live Bait Fishing in the James River

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in the James River

Why should I book a live bait fishing trip in the James River with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 live bait fishing trips in the James River, and the most popular trips in the area are Monster Catfish And More guided by William, SW Virginia Weekday River Trips guided by Chris, and SW Virginia Weekend River Trips guided by Chris.

Our guides in the James River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 5945 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly live bait fishing guides / fishing lessons in the James River? Check out our beginner and family friendly live bait fishing guides in the James River.

What types of live bait fishing trips are common in the James River?

River fishing is the most popular type of fishing for live bait fishing in the James River.

The most commonly sought after species for live bait fishing in the James River are: 1. brown trout, 2. largemouth bass, 3. muskie, 4. smallmouth bass, and 5. blue catfish.

How much does a James River live bait fishing fishing trip cost?

Prices for live bait fishing in the James River can range anywhere from about $478 to $1,800, but the average price for a half day trip for live bait fishing in the James River is $722. The average price for a full day trip for live bait fishing in the James River is $1,250.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for on a live bait fishing trip in the James River?

The most popular season to go on a live bait fishing trip in the James River is summer, and most anglers book their trips 9 days in advance.

Do I need a the James River fishing license and what are the bag limits in the James River?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in the James River, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in the James River. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in the James River.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain William! He was super kind and patient. We would definitely book with him again!

    Tiffany A. | July 22, 2025

    Trip: Monster Catfish And More

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