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, the former 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 143 pounds was caught on the Kerr Lake, June 18, 2011 by Nick Anderson, a veteran catfisherman. 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.
Best Fishing For Blue Catfish In The State
The tidal James River provides the best fishing for blue catfish in the state, and recently anglers from around the country have begun to travel to Virginia to fish for the abundant large blue catfish found here. Hundreds of 30 to 60 pound blue catfish are pulled from the tidal James each year, and the former state record (102.25 pounds) was caught from the James in 2009. To find these big blue cats, seek out submerged structure such as sunken barges/boats in deep water. Other structure (remnants of old piers, existing piers, or downed trees) adjacent to channel drop-offs, also will hold congregations of blue cats. Although frozen bait can be used, fresh-caught gizzard shad or eels are generally best. During summer most large blue cats are caught at night, other times of the year they are caught anytime, day or night. While most citation-size blue cats from the James are caught between Dutch Gap and Sturgeon Point, opportunities to catch catfish can be found from Hog Island to Richmond. There is a possession limit of one blue catfish larger than 32 inches per person per day. There is no creel limit for blue catfish less than 32 inches in Virginia's tidal rivers.
