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View Full Version : Virginia Blue Catfish (2/19/17)


JDTuna
02-23-2017, 11:46 AM
On Monday, Chrisper and I took another trip down to the mighty James River to fish for monster blue catfish. With the rather slow bite the last time, we were hoping for some more action this go around.

We got set up, and started getting hit in no time. I got tight on the first fish, which ended up being a 40lb blue cat.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/20170220_173303_zpskmzgndq3.jpg

Shortly after, Chrisper put another 40lb fish in the boat.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/Blue%20Catfish%2040lbs%2040in_zpswe9oejua.jpg
After those two fish, the wind picked up and the bite slowed down. We hit a bunch of spots, but the bite was picky. Finally, the wind began to lay down in the early afternoon and the catfish began to chew again. In the last two spots of the day, Chrisper caught two more 40lb class blue cats and I caught two in the 30lb range.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/PB%20Blue%20Catfish%2040lbs%2044in_zps5upz4uwo.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/Blue%20Catfish%2040lbs%2043in_zpsgumzpfes.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/20170220_183216_zpsx8oijzjc.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/JL1981/20170220_183254_zpsu7yaeomc.jpg

We ended the day catching and releasing 6 blue cats for another successful trip!

henro
02-23-2017, 11:51 AM
That is awesome!

NJSquatch
02-23-2017, 12:06 PM
Dynamic Duo strikes again!!!!Nice work guys

How are those arms feeling?

bunker dunker
02-23-2017, 01:35 PM
ya boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!nice fish Chris & JD,congrats

Chrisper4694
02-23-2017, 06:28 PM
Dynamic Duo strikes again!!!!Nice work guys

How are those arms feeling?

Arms ok...knuckles busted up from lipping them haha

FASTEDDIE29
02-23-2017, 06:59 PM
Cool looking BEAST Cats!!! Really need a few of those to migrate up to one of our rivers! A guy can dream..... Can't he? I've got the blues for those Blues!!!:D

dakota560
02-23-2017, 07:46 PM
Great trip guys! Every time I hear a report from down there it seems more impressive. Some real bruisers and those are probably average size fish. Good to see you had a successful trip. What is prime time for that fishery. Is it seasonal like cat fishing up here? Can't even imagine what those things must look like coming up from the depths! How do they fight compared to a flathead?

Jigman13
02-23-2017, 08:00 PM
Blue pigs with fins and Gills! Solid trip guys.

msgdan
02-23-2017, 08:22 PM
WOW.....great going !!! I would love to do a kayak trip and hook up with a couple of those monsters !!! I would love to get more info....if you would care to share ??? Great pictures too !!! Well done guys !

Danny V

HerringKing
02-23-2017, 10:03 PM
You guys really do it right. Nice fish.

Adrenalinerush
02-24-2017, 09:11 AM
Those are some nice whiskers boys, well done!

Chrisper4694
02-24-2017, 11:42 AM
Great trip guys! Every time I hear a report from down there it seems more impressive. Some real bruisers and those are probably average size fish. Good to see you had a successful trip. What is prime time for that fishery. Is it seasonal like cat fishing up here? Can't even imagine what those things must look like coming up from the depths! How do they fight compared to a flathead?

winter seems to be the best according to the guys down there; fish stack more and are still eating. they bite like nibbling panfish surprisingly haha, but once you hook them they bulldog, twist, shake, and pull out little bursts of drag if they're big enough. they really don't like to come up near the boat either haha. with the water cold though i'm sure they don't fight as hard as they would in the late spring, fall or summer. plus we're using gear that can handle fish upwards of 100lbs since those are swimming around in there too!

Dan, your message box is full, send me an email...chrisper4694@hotmail.com

Delawareriver
02-24-2017, 02:26 PM
November till about April is prime, they start spawning come may and June. Action slowly picks back up in July and gets better every month till it peaks again in November. Can catch smaller fish anytime but winter is for the big fish

AndyS
02-25-2017, 06:10 PM
Beasts !!