The James River Fishing School

When the James River Fishing School was founded in 2001, I focused on one simple foundation, the enjoyment of fishing. The momentum built from there, and today my James River based business is nothing like it's former self. From its humble beginnings, teaching parents and their kids how to catch sunfish in the James River, or trout in pond, it grew to a full-time charter business focusing on trophy blue catfish on the tidal James River. It been a wild ride over the past 24 years owning a number of boats, motors, rafts, fishing tackle and countless fishing rods (most of which have been given away to youth fishing camps and kids in the right place at the right time). 

When I look back at the hard work and creativity it took to run this business, I am filled with tons of memories, photo books (before digitial) and feel incredibly lucky to have got to know so many folks over the years, many of whom have become friends after fishing with me year after year. While the highlights are far too numerous to list, the greatest accomplisments right now are the kids who I worked with, now adults that I run into on ocassion and they share their stories of inspriation through fishing. Many went to college and became stewards of the environment through their chosen professions. Selfishly, a few have even called out of the blue to say, "Hey Captain Mike, let's go fishing. I know a great spot!" How can you beat that.

The James River Fishing School remains alive in the soul of my business, now called Discover the James, but the focus is no longer on 'catching fish', it's all about everthing that comes along with you, each time you go fishing. In the mid 1990's a fishing education mentor would say, "There is more to fishing than just catching fish." It took me a while to figure that out, and by 2007 the shift in my business model began. 

Today, Discover the James, focuses on the things you see and hear when around the water. It's fishing without a fishing rod. From the history of an area, to the wildlife viewing, and all the little things that can make an appearance when out on the water, it has become my passion to put people and nature together, experiencing those unexpected, special moments on the water.

I would like to say, "THANK YOU" to every person who's ever held a fishing rod on my boat. Thank you for coming out and enjoying the river. My fishing schedule has been taken off my website, and I do not currently offer fishing trips as the remaining openings I do have are taken by friends I've taken on the river for well over a decade now. My catfish charter window is narrow, only offering a few trips in December, January and February, and they are taken by mid year. So, from this fisherman with an art degree, I again, say thank you for reading. Take care and Happy Fishing!

Capt. Mike Ostrander