Captain Archie of Night Stalker Guide Service holding a trophy sized catfish

Capt. Archie is now fishing Guntersville and Wheeler Lakes on the Tennessee River starting his 34th year catfishing and 14th as a licensed Charter Capt. 

About Capt. Archie

Capt. Archie formerly fished the James River in Virginia for 33 years and was a highly successful and respected Fisherman and Guide. Always helping anyone new to the sport or just anyone in general with questions about catfishing, and started catfishing in 1990. He is a self taught catfisherman learning and perfecting the movements and patterns of the trophy blue cat, so he knows where to be and when to be there. Without a doubt he has put in the time and dedication needed to be a blue cat expert including being a former VA state record holder. When it comes to his accomplishments on the James River he is second to none. Capt. Archie also is a proud yearly supporter of our VA Wounded Warriors fishing events as a way to give back to our service men and women.


He is Coast Guard licensed, insured and certified in first aid and CPR so be sure to let him know of any medical conditions before your trip.

Here are a few of the 81 cats over 70 pounds Capt. Archie has caught. 19 of them over 80 pounds!

Most Proud Accomplishments 

  • Featured in 1997 article of North American Fishing Club - Catfishing Strategies
  • Two time VA Dept. Game & Inland Fisheries Blue Catfish Angler of the Year
  • Virginia State Record Blue Catfish 95 lbs 11 oz. - 7-15-06 to 5-20-09
  • Virgina Catfish Association 2007 Big Fish of the Year
  • James River Catfishing Club 2006, 2007, 2009 Big Fish of the Year Multiple Tournament Wins and well over 10,000 Citations Caught and Released Captain Archie is proud to have been on television fishing with Jeff and Nicole Bryant of Chasin Creation (video here on the website)
  • Archie was the first to bring a 70+ pound Blue Cat to a Tournament Scale and currently holds the heaviest 80+ at 88 pounds in a tournament, his Va. State Record of 95 lbs. 11 0z. was caught in a Tournament as well

Captain Archie Gold was fishing in the James River Catfishing Club Tournament out of Hopewell Marina the evening of July 2006 and landed a new Virginia state record blue catfish. The big-un weighed in at 95.7 pounds. It was 54.5 inches long and 38.5 inches in girth. Captain Archie's blue catfish state record was broken with a 102 pound, 4 ounce blue cat caught on the James on 5/20/2009. That new state record measured 52.75 inches in length with a girth of 41.5 inches.

Night Stalker Guide Service - A catfish charter plaque with gold text on a wood surface.

After all the hoopla, both big catfish were returned to the James River and was released alive and well to fight another day.

Capt. Archie promotes catch and release catfishing so that the Tennessee river can continue to produce world class trophies. Take a picture, release your fish and be a big part of our great fishery.

Here are some of the women and young ladies who have experienced a fishing trip of a lifetime.

Experience the thrill of reeling in trophy-sized catfish on the Tennessee River with our Night Stalker charter boat services. Captain Archie will take you to the best spots and provide all the equipment you need for a successful fishing trip.


Now booking our 2024 season.