Click logo to return

Interview
with
club member
Darian
(Signguy)

Fishing is my major passion in life next to my family. I also love art & sports, but this is a fishing club interview, so I will focus on the fishing ! I grew up bass fishing in northern Virginia in ponds, lakes and the Potomac River. I would also fish at the beach with my grandparents. I took a partying hiatus during a few college years and then got back into fishing full swing. About 10 years ago I was introduced to winter time crappie fishing and saw a whole new world in front of me. I enjoyed the new challenge and shortly thereafter decided to go after every freshwater trophy possible. I am now a Level 2 Master Angler with 10 species under the belt … 15 more to go. I have largemouth, smallmouth & striped bass, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, chain pickerel, gar, flathead & blue catfish (of course!) I have my expert angler for blue cats, but of those who fish for them … who doesn't !? My personal best cat is 60 lbs. with @ 30 trophies.
Any help with oddball species … I'll take it !

Do you remember the first time you went fishing? 

I believe it was on a lake from the shore with the stereotypical bobber and worm catching bluegills. I remember catching a little mud cat and just grabbing it. That was my first experience with catfish spines ! I think it was quite some time before I touched another catfish ! ha ha ha
I also remember my grandmother catching a huge stingray off a pier in Florida when I was 5 … not sure which came first ! The picture with the redfish is from that trip and the only fishing picture I have from any young age !

What’s the best memory you have of fishing?

When was the first time you fished for catfish?

The first time specifically fishing for catfish was in the summer when it got hot and bass fishing slowed, we would go down to Hanes Point on the Potomac River with chicken livers. We caught many big channel cats, some over 20 lbs. The local folk loved us … we always gave them the fish ! Man I wish I registered fish back then … I'd have 3 more species under the belt !  :D
Fishing on the James, which seasons do you prefer and why?

Fishing on the James, which seasons do you prefer and why?

Fall, Winter, Spring !!!!!
OBVIOUS … OBVIOUS ... OBVIOUS ...
Fall is great crappie fishing and once fall sets in you can catch the big cats almost at will thru spring, along with several other species. No bugs, no sweating. no heat, no ice, no pleasure boaters !!!!!!
Not into summer fishing anymore …. but will suffer through on occasion.

Any other bodies of water in Virginia that you fish?  If so, which ones?

Tell us about your boat and fishing gear.

What’s your favorite rod/reel combo and why?

My Shimano 4500 Baitrunner w/ heavy duty ugly stick. That rod has caught me more big fish and just keeps on getting it !

What other hobbies do you have?

I still skateboard and play sports and art is another passion. I like a lot of things …  :D

What’s your view on the future of catfishing?  

The James is a phenomenal fishery ! I have grown to love it, since I have been in Richmond and especially since I discovered the tidal river 10 years ago. Every time you think you have figured it out … something new right around the corner. Keeps you guessing and keeps the challenge alive, but then rewards you for doing your honework ! As long as we keep the man made issues out of the river it will be bountiful for years to come. The fish will continue to get bigger and the records will continue to be broken ! Always exciting and always fun … but life is what you make of it anyway !