About Your Trip

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Join Captain Dan for an unforgettable day of trophy catfishing on the James River, a trip designed to give you the best opportunity to catch the biggest fish the river has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing a personal best or a beginner eager to battle a monster catfish, this adventure is all about putting you on the fish of a lifetime. As both a teacher and an outdoor enthusiast, Captain Dan is passionate about helping anglers cut the learning curve and land truly impressive catches.

The James River is one of the top trophy catfish fisheries in the country, and depending on the season, you’ll be targeting massive Flathead, Blue, and Channel Catfish using a variety of proven techniques. With deep holes, submerged structure, and ledges offering prime catfish habitat, every fishing spot is carefully chosen to give you the best chance at a record-breaking catch. You’ll be using top-of-the-line rods, reels, tackle, and bait, all provided to ensure you’re fully equipped for the fight.

Your trip takes place aboard a 24-foot Angler Qwest Tritoon, a spacious and stable fishing machine that can comfortably accommodate up to seven anglers. Outfitted with cutting-edge sonar, a trolling motor, and a powerful Suzuki 300 HP outboard, this boat is built for serious catfishing. An enclosure with heat and shade keeps you comfortable in any weather, so you can focus on fishing and enjoying your time on the water.

To maximize your chances of hooking into a true river monster, we recommend booking at least a six-hour trip. No fishing license is required, as the boat’s license covers all guests on board. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, your favorite food and drinks, and a camera to capture your trophy catch.

Get ready for an action-packed day learning expert techniques, battling catfish, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Book your trip with Captain Dan today and experience the thrill of James River trophy catfishing!

Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	10 Hours	12 Hours
1 Person	$300.00	$400.00	$500.00	$600.00	$700.00
2 People	$300.00	$400.00	$500.00	$600.00	$700.00
3 People	$350.00	$475.00	$600.00	$725.00	$850.00
4 People	$400.00	$550.00	$700.00	$850.00	$1,000.00
5 People	$450.00	$625.00	$800.00	$975.00	$1,150.00
6 People	$500.00	$700.00	$900.00	$1,100.00	$1,300.00
7 People	$550.00	$775.00	$1,000.00	$1,225.00	$1,450.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Dan S.

Independent Guide

Laid-back

Instructional

Comfortable

Quality

Quiet

About Your Guide

Dan S.

Independent Guide

Your trips will be run by Captain Dan on The Mighty James River and other bodies of water in Virginia. As a school teacher, we enjoy sharing our knowledge of the river, which we have gained from years of experience fishing in tournaments and recreationally. We have moved into the guiding business to share the joy of landing the incredible fish the James River has to offer. When you book with us, you can rest assured that we will work hard to make sure you are comfortable and enjoying your experience as we work to meet the goals of your trip. We mostly run trophy fishing charters, for anglers looking to land the fish of a lifetime. Additionally, we run many family trips, birthday parties, and bachelor parties, where guests are chasing trophies or looking to fill a cooler with eaters. We look forward to showing you a great time on the water!

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

220 lb Atlantic Sturgeon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Crappie

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

220 lb Atlantic Sturgeon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Crappie

What’s your favorite sports team?

Buffalo Bills

How did you get started guiding?

As a teacher, I enjoy spending my weekends and summers on the water, showing people how incredible the James River is as a fishery.

What makes you different from other guides?

We have one of the largest, most comfortable, and smoothest riding boats, running fishing guide trips on the James. We fish for multiple species, specifically Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Perch, Striped Bass, and Crappie to name a few. We use a variety of fishing methods. As a teacher, we like to share our knowledge of the river and help newcomers and advanced anglers alike. In addition to boat trips, we offer guided kayak and whitewater raft trips in the warmer months, You won't find a guide service in Virginia with more to offer than Goober Time Guide Service.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Hopewell, Virginia

Areas Fished

James River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Weekend Trophy Catfish Fishing Trip

Boat Type: Pontoon
Boat Manufacturer: Angler Qwest
Boat Length: 24'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Pontoon
Boat Manufacturer: Angler Qwest
Boat Length: 24'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Suzuki
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Livewell, cooler, washdown, bluetooth radio, full enclosure with heat, comfortable and spacious seating, premium electronics, comfortable and dry ride, propane grill, LED and UV lighting.

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River, Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Drift Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

All rods, reels, and tackle are included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and any gear of your own you want to use on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable except for weather-related cancellations. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 2,000+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.