** New State Record Blue Catfish 102 pounds -4 ounces -May 20, 09 **

** Congratulations to Tim Wilson & Danny Ayers**

James River Catfishing:

Catfishing on the James River in Virginia can be a fishing trip of a lifetime. Trophy blue catfish are caught on a daily basis. And according to Bob Greenlee, district fisheries biologist for VDGIF( Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries ), the James River is now a nationally recognized blue catfish fishery.   Anglers from all over the country have heard of the James River and its monster catfish and catching a trophy catfish is not an unrealistic expectation by any means.

The current state record of 102 pounds -4 ounces was caught on the James River May 20, 2009 by Tim Wilson, a veteran catfisherman, and partner Danny Ayers. With the blue catfish population continuing to expand, both in numbers and in size, and along with the spirit of catch-and-release displayed among the serious catfishermen, only enhances the possibility of  your catch of a lifetime.  

However I would recommend  using a guide your first trip to the James River to get somewhat familiar with the river. I have even heard of guides from other areas that will use a guide the first time on the James. Being a tidal river, of course you have to keep tabs on the tide, the wind, shallows, and barges to mention just a few things. The barges and cargo ships can be unbelievable quiet to be as large as they are and can sneak up on you when you least expect them.

Our Plans Include Covering the following areas on the Lower James River near Chester and Hopewell, VA

• James River Area Lodging
• Local restaurants
• Local bait and tackle shops
• Ramps
• Recommened Tackle
• Weather Conditions
• Bait
• Gill Nets
• Charts & Maps
• Guides on the James River
• Tidal Information
• Tips
• Articles

Welcome to our new site. The site is still under construction and hopefully will be added to weekly. Feel free to browse around.

This website will provide information on blue catfish on the lower James River, below Richmond , Virginia and the surrounding areas.

Think about safety when boating......it could save your life. .. read more.!

This site promotes catch- and- release and that is one reason people have been catching so many trophy catfish throughout the state is because of the spirit of catch-and-release displayed among the serious catfishermen. Also remember that larger and older fish tend to collect more contaminants. The VDGIF and VDH( Virginia Department of Health)has fish consumption advisories warning about the contaminants. If you happen to catch that trophy catfish a replica can be constructed for that rec room wall.