Captain
Dan Szajta

Member since October 2024 Hopewell, United States
Background
As a teacher, I enjoy showing people how to catch trophy catfish on the James River. I have a lot of availability in the summer and a fair amount on weekday evenings and weekends year round.
Techniques
Anchor fishing on the bottom, dragging, trolling, drifting, suspend fishing all with live and cut bait.

Hey, I'm Captain Dan Szajta

Hopewell, United States
Background
As a teacher, I enjoy showing people how to catch trophy catfish on the James River. I have a lot of availability in the summer and a fair amount on weekday evenings and weekends year round.
Techniques
Anchor fishing on the bottom, dragging, trolling, drifting, suspend fishing all with live and cut bait.
7
Reviews
25
Fishing Reports

My Charter Listing

Goober Time Guide Service

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Hopewell
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Fishing Reports

Fun day of fishing on the James River
Fun day of fishing on the James River
Mar 8, 2025 Hopewell
We had Tori, Austin, Kayden, and Bentley on the river for a return trip. We spent the day chasing the bit big while filling the cooler along the way. The big fish we marked weren’t interested in coming in the boat but big fish of the day went 22lbs! Enjoy those eaters!
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Unforgettable day of catfishing on the J
Unforgettable day of catfishing on the J
Mar 3, 2025 Hopewell
It was an incredible day on the James with Norris and Nathan. We caught more 20lb fish than we could count, sent the guys home with a bag of fillets, and set new personal bests for both guys. Big fish of the day was a very spunky 44lb trophy blue catfish.
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They won a rod with their trophy fish
They won a rod with their trophy fish
Mar 2, 2025 Hopewell
We had Philip and David on the boat for a full day of fishing. After a slow start, we keyed in on the fish and tore them up. The guys went home with a bag of fillets, two trophy fish, and caught our first flathead of the year. The big fish of the day weighed 28lbs and 47 lbs. since they caught trophy fish on an 8 hour trip, they went home with a patriot hellcat rod from catchthefever. Thanks for coming out guys! Can’t wait for the next trip! Read the full fishing report here: **hidden content**
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James River giants bite at night
James River giants bite at night
Feb 28, 2025 Hopewell
Trevor and Joey took advantage of a last minute cancellation to hit the water Friday night. They were on a trophy hunt and the James River did not dissapoint. The river was, most certainly, not on fire, but we were still able to make it happen. Biggest fish of the night were 26, 42, and 49lbs! Welcome to the trophy club!
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Catfish nuggets and personal beats
Catfish nuggets and personal beats
Feb 24, 2025 Hopewell
We had @x_gaeta on the water today looking to put some meat in the freezer and break his blue catfish pb of 6 lbs. we spent the first few hours of the morning catching eaters then switched over to trophy fish later in the day. His first big fish was 31 lbs and that stood as his new pb for 10 minutes when he hooked up with a 40 lb fish. Since he caught trophy fish on an 8 hour trip, he went home with a hellcat rod from @catchthefever_outdoors Welcome to the trophy
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James River Giant catfish
James River Giant catfish
Feb 23, 2025 Hopewell
Got out for a couple hours this afternoon to check out the new @catchthefever_outdoors rods and we sure broke them in the right way! No scales on the boat today but dang that’s a James River giant and a heck of a triple up!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (9)
Best Fishing Experience Ever!!!!
A great time
A great time
+6
Angler rating
5
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
71%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 7 reviews
Kenya W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Fishing Experience Ever!!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour WEEKEND Catfish Guide Trip on May 3, 2025
My 2 sisters and I booked this trip for our mother’s birthday and we ABSOLUTELY enjoyed every moment spent on the water and...
Kenya W. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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Tim C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

April fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour WEEKDAY Catfish Guide Trip on April 16, 2025
We had a blast!!! We were catching fish from the first spot and we didn’t stop! Hopefully I will be able to secure the citations...
Tim C. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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Tim C. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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John K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   SUMMER 4 Hour Flathead Catfish Trip on June 21, 2025
My husband and son had a blast for their birthday! This is now what my son is asking for every year now! Captain Dan was awesome!...
John K. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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John K. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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Jeremy V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time out on the water!

VERIFIED   4 Hour WEEKDAY Catfish Guide Trip on October 24, 2024
Will definitely have to go again!  It was a beautiful evening out on the river.  Never seen Richmond from water, it was great...
Jeremy V. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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Austin A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A great time

VERIFIED   6 Hour WEEKEND Catfish Guide Trip on December 28, 2024
Really great guys. They got us on some good ones and some eaters. Definitely worth the trip
Austin A. recommends Goober Time Guide Service
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