Next AvailableJun 29

Book with Dan Szajta

Goober Time Guide Service

5 19 reviews

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Hopewell VA

Dan Szajta, Captain at Goober Time Guide Service

Identity Verified

Captain Dan, a Licensed Charter Captain, offers expert James River fishing experiences, specializing in targeting trophy Blue Catfish on the world-famous waterway. Our flexible approach means we trailer our boat to various James River fishing spots depending on the season, weather conditions, and the latest James River VA fishing report, ensuring you’re always positioned where the fish are biting best.

In addition to targeting Blue Catfish, we provide Virginia fishing charters that also focus on Crappie, Striped Bass, White Perch, and more. If there’s a particular species you’re eager to catch, we’ll customize your fishing trip in Virginia to give you the best possible chance. Our 21-foot aluminum boat is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and fish-finding sonar, ensuring an optimal river fishing experience. For a unique adventure, try our seasonal guided kayak fishing trips or whitewater flathead catfish excursions on the upper James River—perfect for those who enjoy freshwater fishing in a more adventurous setting.

Depending on the species you’re after, our catfishing on James River trips may involve spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, or bottom fishing, among other specialized techniques commonly used in James River fishing. Our versatility ensures that every trip offers a new and exciting way to experience the beauty and bounty of freshwater fishing.

Planning a family-friendly adventure? Kids are more than welcome on our Virginia fishing charters. For safety, children under 13 must wear life vests, so please check if we have the appropriate sizes onboard. Don’t forget to bring some snacks to keep your energy up while enjoying one of the best fishing trips in Virginia!

We provide everything you need for your James River fishing adventure, including rods, reels, and lures. Live bait is available, and you can even ask if you’ll be catching your own. Your fishing license is covered by the charter, so all you have to focus on is having a great time. While all catfish over 10 lbs will be released, you’re welcome to keep smaller fish for a meal if you’d like.

Join us for an unforgettable James River fishing adventure and experience some of the best catfishing on James River with Captain Dan. Whether you’re after trophy catfish James River or a fun day of freshwater fishing, our James River fishing spots offer something for everyone!

Upcoming Availability

June 2025

July 2025

Expertise & Attributes

fishing

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Good with Large Groups

Good with New Anglers

Nature / Wildlife Views

Saltwater Fishing

Fishing Techniques

JiggingTrolling FishingHeavy TackleLight TackleDeep Sea / Bottom FishingDrift Boat Fishing

What's Included

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

What's Included

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Trips Available with Goober Time Guide Service

Fishing

Starting At $600

8 Hour WEEKEND Striped Bass/Crappie Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: Lake

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Maximize your weekend with our 8-hour Weekend Prime Time fishing trip in Virginia! This trip is designed for anglers ready to reel in striper and/or crappie on Lake Anna. We often start the morning striper fishing then transition to crappie fishing once the bite dies off or limits are met. Please reach out and be specific about which species you'd like to catch so we can set your trip up for the highest chance of success.

Fishing

Starting At $350

Friday Night (4-6-8 Hour) Catfish Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Come along for the ultimate trophy catfish fishing adventure on the James River! Whether you're a seasoned angler striving for a personal best or a newcomer eager to hook a massive catfish, this guided trip promises an unforgettable experience. Our expert guide will lead you to the best fishing spots, provide valuable tips, and equip you with top-quality gear to maximize your chances of landing a trophy catch.

Summer Trip In Virginia With Goober Time Guide Service | 8 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing

Starting At $500

Summer Trip In Virginia With Goober Time Guide Service | 8 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Experience an exciting 8-hour summer fishing trip in Virginia, where you'll spend the day reeling in species like Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, and Crappie on the scenic James River and nearby lakes. With the warm summer sun shining down, we’ll use a variety of fishing techniques, from trolling to bottom fishing, ensuring a full day of action on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, our trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and the thrill of the catch. Let’s make your summer unforgettable with a day of fishing in Virginia!

Fishing

Starting At $550

8 Hour WEEKEND Catfish Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Experience the thrill of trophy catfish fishing on the James River with our 4-hour guided trip! Whether you're a seasoned angler striving for a personal best or a beginner eager to battle a giant catfish, this adventure promises excitement and unforgettable memories. Our expert guide will take you to the top fishing spots, offer professional tips, and provide high-quality gear to maximize your chances of landing a trophy catch.

Fishing

Starting At $350

4 Hour WEEKEND Catfish Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Set off on an exciting 4-hour guided trophy catfish fishing trip on Virginia’s James River! Whether you're an experienced angler chasing a new personal best or a beginner ready to take on a giant catfish, this trip offers an unforgettable adventure. Our knowledgeable guide will take you to prime fishing locations, share expert tips, and provide top-tier gear to give you the best shot at reeling in a trophy catch.

Summer Flathead Float Trip | 4 Hour Morning Charter Trip

Fishing

Starting At $300

Summer Flathead Float Trip | 4 Hour Morning Charter Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Join us on an unforgettable adventure as we navigate skinny water in our whitewater raft, targeting powerful flathead catfish. As a teacher with a flexible summer schedule, I'm available day or night to chase the bite and get you on the fish! Whether you're an early riser or prefer the excitement of night fishing, we’ve got the perfect trip for you. Reach out to your captain today and book your whitewater catfishing experience—let's make some great memories on the water! No prior experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a thrilling day!

Fishing

Starting At $350

4 Hour WEEKDAY Catfish Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Join us for an exhilarating 4-hour guided trophy catfish fishing trip on the James River in Virginia! Whether you're a seasoned angler aiming for a personal record or a beginner eager to battle a massive catfish, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. Our expert guide will lead you to the best fishing spots, provide professional insights, and equip you with high-quality gear to maximize your chances of landing a true trophy catch.

Fishing

Starting At $450

6 Hour WEEKDAY Catfish Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: River

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

JJoin us for an unforgettable 6-hour trophy catfish fishing adventure on the James River! Whether you're a seasoned angler aiming for a personal record or a beginner looking to hook a giant catfish, this guided trip promises an exciting and rewarding experience. Our expert guide will take you to the best fishing spots, provide professional insights, and supply top-quality gear to give you the best shot at landing a trophy catch.

Fishing

Starting At $500

6 Hour WEEKEND Striped Bass/Crappie Fishing Guide Trip

Fishing Area: Virginia

Fishing: Lake

Fishing Boat:

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon • 24' Angler Qwest • Max 7 guests (base trip price includes 7 guests)

Description:

Make the most of your weekend with our 6-hour Weekend Prime Time fishing trip in Virginia! Designed for anglers looking to target striper and/or crappie on Lake Anna, this trip offers an action-packed experience. We typically start the morning chasing striper, then switch to crappie fishing once the bite slows or limits are reached. To ensure the best experience, let us know which species you’d like to focus on, and we’ll tailor your trip for maximum success!

Vehicle

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

Boat Length:

24 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Angler Qwest

Model Year:

2020

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Suzuki

# of Engines:

Horsepower Per Engine:

300

Maximum Cruising Speed:

Features: First Mate Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS VHF Radio

We guide off of a 24 ft Angler Qwest pontoon which accommodates up to 7 anglers. This platform is a large, comfortable fishing machine and is equipped with cutting edge sonar, trolling motor, and a suzuki 300 outboard motor. Come experience one of the smoothest and most comfortable charter rigs on the James River!

Boat

24ft Angler Qwest Tritoon

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

Boat Length:

24 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Goober Time Guide Service

What are the trip rates for Goober Time Guide Service?

What's included in the trip price with Goober Time Guide Service?

What types of Fishing does Goober Time Guide Service offer?

Which Fishing species can I catch with Goober Time Guide Service?

What is the cancellation policy for Goober Time Guide Service?

Reports and Expert Articles

James river trophy fish

March 2, 2025

We had Philip and David on the boat for a full day of fishing. After a slow start, we keyed in on the fish and tore them up. The guys went home with a bag of fillets, two trophy fish, and caught our first flathead of the year. The big fish of the day weighed 28lbs and 47 lbs. since they caught trophy fish on an 8 hour trip, they went home with a patriot hellcat rod from catch the Fever . Thanks for coming out guys! Can’t wait for the next trip!Read the full fishing report here: https://www.goobertimeguideservice.com/post/they-won-a-rod-after-catching-trophy-fish

James River catfish charter

March 2, 2025

It was an incredible day on the James with Norris and Nathan. We caught more 20lb fish than we could count, sent the guys home with a bag of fillets, and set new personal bests for both guys. Big fish of the day was a very spunky 44lb trophy blue catfish.

James River giants bite at night

March 1, 2025

Trevor and Joey took advantage of a last minute cancellation to hit the water Friday night. They were on a trophy hunt and the James River did not dissapoint. The river was, most certainly, not on fire, but we were still able to make it happen. Biggest fish of the night were 26, 42, and 49lbs! Welcome to the trophy club

James River Trophy Catfish

February 23, 2025

We had @x_gaeta on the water today looking to put some meat in the freezer and break his blue catfish pb of 6 lbs. we spent the first few hours of the morning catching eaters then switched over to trophy fish later in the day. His first big fish was 31 lbs and that stood as his new pb for 10 minutes when he hooked up with a 40 lb fish.Since he caught trophy fish on an 8 hour trip, he went home with a hellcat rod from @catchthefever_outdoors Welcome to the trophy club

James River catfishing charter

February 22, 2025

Got out for a couple hours this afternoon to check out the new @catchthefever_outdoors rods and we sure broke them in the right way! No scales on the boat today but dang that’s a James River giant and a heck of a triple up!

Ernie the hog snatcher

February 17, 2025

We had @ernie_the_hog_snatcher on the boat to do some fishing in the rain. We caught fish dragging baits in the morning then switched over to anchor when the rain started to move in. Stayed on the quality fish all day long with a bunch of 15-35lb fish coming in the boat. Grilled up a feast on the water and had an awesome time chasing these slobs. Welcome to the trophy club!

James River catfishing

February 13, 2025

We braved the high water conditions, knowing we would be rewarded with some nice catches in challenging current. In a very short 90 minute trip, we put some great fish in the boat and missed a bunch more. We are headed into a prime bite window Friday and Saturday. Give us a shout if you want to get on a hot bite.

James River catfish charter

February 11, 2025

the snow didn't stop us from filling the livewell with giant catfish. big fish of the day weighed 25, 32, 48 lbs.

Birthday blue catfish

February 9, 2025

Linda brought the family out to celebrate her Dads 80th birthday. The fish were tight lipped but we fooled a few nice ones to bite. New personas bests all around with the biggest 3 fish weighing 20, 25, and 32 lbs

Cooler full of crappie

January 19, 2025

The crappie were a little tight lipped. We dialed them in with the Livescope and kept changing out jigs until we figured out a few feeding patterns. Came home with a 2 man limit for the freezer!Book your trip today! 804-592-0456

The James River is a special place

January 3, 2025

Went out for a few hours to check in on a few locations. e caught 6 fish and 4 were trophy fish. Weights were 15, 27, 38, 57, 57, 62. come on out, the river is on fire!

3 giant blue catfish

December 28, 2024

We had a great time on the water for this birthday celebration. 3 trophy class fish came in the boat and multiple new personal best catches. Goober Time Guide Service stays on the hogs!

We had to grind for this trophy blue catfish

December 21, 2024

We had 3 generations of the Traas family out with us on the James River. Wind and cold fronts had the river acting all sorts of crazy. We really had to grind through the day but thanks to the patience of this group, they went home with a bunch of fillets and a the memory of catching this tank of a blue catfish! Thanks for joining us!Read the full story here: https://www.goobertimeguideservice.com/post/we-had-to-grind-for-this-trophy-blue-catfish-fishing-report-2024-12-21

James River Catfishing

December 15, 2024

Dave brought his wife up from NC to spend the day on the James River with us. We lost a big fish right off the jump and didn’t cross paths with another trophy the rest of the trip. We filled the cooler with eaters and caught some quality fish along the way. He went home with a bag of fillets and enough gizzard shad for many future fishing trips. Thanks for choosing @goobertimeguideservice

Bucket full of slab crappie

December 15, 2024

Had an awesome time putting some meat in the freezer! The crappie bite is on fire! Give us a call to book your trip!

Personal best blue catfish on birthday trip

December 8, 2024

Max and Patrick decided to celebrate their birthdays on the water with us. These two young guys are eager to learn the river and we panned a lot of info into a 4 hour trip. Patrick left with a new personal best blue catfish of 26lb and they took home a bunch of eaters for a fish fry.Read the full fishing report here: https://www.goobertimeguideservice.com/

Ratings & Reviews Summary

out of 5

Based on 19 ratings

recommended

Based on 19 recommendations

Our Captain is loved for...

June 29, 2025

Captain Dan is great! He was on time to start with, and that matters these days. He was very patient with my son and I. We had a lot of questions and he answered them all. We were able catch a few really nice fish, and my son was super excited because he was able to catch a trophy fish! All of that made possible by Captain Dan's knowledge of the water and using the right bait. We would definitely recommend him and we would definitely book with him again.

June 29, 2025

My wife and I are from Ohio and are on vacation in Williamsburg. We wanted to fish on the James River, so we found Dan online. His response time was excellent and he delivered everything he said he would. Dan is very knowledgeable and took care of all of our needs, even after he injured his hand. We had a great time and caught some nice sized catfish. We would strongly recommend Goober Time Guide Service for quality service!

June 29, 2025

Captain Dan is the man to go to for catfishing! Best guide in the business, 10 out of 10. Had a blast the entire day! Will be returning for another trip!!!

June 29, 2025

I booked this trip in winter knowing some of the heaviest fish are caught around that time. My goal was a 40. I caught an 80! He’s a good guy who knows the river and works hard. I would definitely recommend.

June 29, 2025

The experience was great overall and we will book again! We caught a 31 & 38 lb catfish and entered into the Trophy Club! Come join the club and book your trip with Goober Time!