Fishing the Lower James River

In February Trevor Ruble, founder of Hooked For Life Ministries, and I drove up to Richmond for a half day of fishing on the lower James River. We met up with Captain Mike Ostrander of The James River Fishing School who took us out on his 24 foot pontoon boat. First we went to a few spots to catch some shad for bait with a cast net. Capt. Mike sure can throw that thing! I wanted to try it but figured I would tangle it in something or end up overboard. Capt. Mike did just fine without my help and we had plenty of shad to fish with in just a little while.
Big blue catfish is what we were after, but we could not pass up a couple of promising spots for crappie. Trevor and Captain Mike caught a couple nice crappie each. I think I caught every log and rock within casting distance.
Soon we were set up on our first catfish hole with eight poles baited with cut up shad. They decided the first fish would be mine. In just a few minutes one pole bent over double. I quickly grabbed it, set the hook, and watched the reel smoke as the fish took the line and ran to a big brush pile. It happened in less than ten seconds and I was suddenly left with a broken line. That cat had to be huge!
We fished a couple more spots, and soon another rod was dancing in the rod holder. Captain Mike handed me the pole and the fight was on! It is amazing how catching a fish can wash away all your troubles. For a few minutes I forgot all about my pain, and I know I had to be grinning from ear to ear as I fought the fish. After a bout that went a minute or so, the catfish was netted and brought onboard. It was a ten pounder, and it was the first blue catfish I have ever caught. I was tickled to death.
Next it was Trevor’s turn to sit at the poles. When his catfish struck there was no doubt it was a much bigger fish. He fought it for what seemed an eternity before he got it up to the boat. It was to big for the net so Capt. Mike reached down and grabbed it. That blue catfish weighed 31 pounds! We did not do bad for only half a day fishing.
Captain Mike has a website where you can check out his guide service at www.jamesriverfishing.com. He is a great guy, and he will do what ever it takes to get you on some big catfish. He provides everything needed for the day, and it was pleasant not to worry about transporting poles and tackle. I can’t wait to go back and do it again!