The James River is America's founding river.  Is has gone from a pristine river described in 1607 by Capt. John Smith as "A Goodly place with fish as far as the eye can see" to an over harvested, abused river in the 1800's and early 1900's.  It wasn't until the late 1950's the river started to recover some, then in the 1970's, with the initiation of the Clean Water Act, the James River has made an incredible turnaround. 

In the 1970's the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries stocked the James with blue catfish from the Mississippi River drainage.  These blue cats have continued to grow and have now attained weights of over 70 pounds.  The James River record is just over 100 pounds.  Come and enjoy another of the James River's amazing success stories.

Blue Catfish

Enjoy this fishing experience on a half day (5-hour) or full day (8-hour) trip.  The pontoon boat is limited to six anglers.  Departure time is usually 7AM on a fullday, with the half day starting anytime of the day.  You'll meet your guide at the Richmond Yacht Basin.  Click on the following link for directions ... Richmond Yacht Basin  

Half-Day, 5-hour trip.  Up to three people,  $375.   Additional guests, $25 each

Full-Day, 8-hour trip.  Up to three people,  $475.   Additional guests, $35 each.

This trip is offered from October through April.  Peak times are mid-November through the end of December and March through April.  Other species you may encounter include channel catfish, flathead catfish, white catfish, longnose gar, and bowfin. 

All fishing gear, tackle, water and snacks are provided.

Shore Lunch

You bring the fixin's and I'll cook the fish (no charge).  Or have a wonderfully prepared fresh fried catfish meal with all the trimmings on the pontoon boat.  You'll enjoy fried blue catfish, cole slaw, potato salad, fruit, and drinks.  Cost for this shore lunch on the pontoon boat is $85.

For more information or to book your Blue Cat Trip, contact Capt. Mike Ostrander at 804-938-2350.

More than six anglers?  For trips with more than six a second boat and guide is needed.  You will receive the 'Discover the James' second boat bonus!! 10% off the cost of the second boat ... all right!

The photo's stories?  Top:  Bill is 86 years old now, and I met him four years ago.  At 82, he drove by himself, from Virginia Beach to Richmond, fished all day, caught fish all day, talked, laughed and shared stories about fishing.  Then, at 4pm, he smiled, shook my hand and drove back to Virginia Beach.  Ever since then, he's been one of my heros.  Here, Bill is holding a 64-pound blue catfish, and happened to be a record for the Tidewater Anglers Club.  Bill has been a member of the club for a long, long time.  -- Photo by Seldon Airey

To the right:  Tony holds a nice blue catfish ... I believe it was around 30 or 31 pounds.  He's holding the bluecat the way a fish is suppose to be held, or at least for maximum photo opportunity.  You see, Tony is a master angler, and he knows that holding the fish out towards the camera will make it look bigger.  In this image, Tony's fish looks to be about 50 pounds or more because it is closer to the camera.  Nice work Tony!  You can hold a fish on my boat anytime!  -- Photo by Capt. Mike

To the left:  Kate is all about the moment here.  She had just caught this 62-pound behemoth and let it all out.  WHOO WHOOO!  I love it when this happens.  -- Photo by Capt. Mike

What do people have to say about this trip?  WHOO WHOO!  That is the biggest fish I have ever seen!  Awesome! 

-- Kate W.

For more information or to book your fishing trip, contact Capt. Mike Ostrander at 804-938-2350.