Lake Chesdin Multi-Species Fishing Report: A Productive Morning
- Captain Dan Szajta
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
There is nothing quite like the anticipation of a morning on the water, especially when the goal is filling the cooler with quality panfish. On June 4, 2026, I had the pleasure of hosting David, Joanne, Travis, and Dalton—all local to the Richmond area—for a morning outing on Lake Chesdin that proved to be as educational as it was productive. With a 7:00 am start, we were met with perfect conditions; the water temperature began at a crisp 74°F and steadily rose to 77°F, keeping the fish active and hungry throughout our morning session.
To ensure our guests had the best advantage for this Lake Chesdin multi-species trip, we outfitted the boat with our go-to setup: Catch the Fever Precision Cast Rods. These rods provide the perfect sensitivity to detect light bites while maintaining the backbone needed to handle the unexpected, like the surprises we encountered later in the trip. We spooled up with Slime Line, which offers the durability and low visibility necessary for these conditions, and secured our lines in SmackDown Rod Holders to keep everything organized and ready for action.
We kicked things off by trolling a spread of two Arkie 220s and two Bandit 300 crankbaits. The bite was nearly instantaneous—within five minutes of our first pass, the action began. We started a steady rhythm, pulling in a consistent stream of crappie and white perch. The bite was so aggressive at one point that we even experienced a double-hookup, landing two beautiful crappie simultaneously.
By 8:45 am, we noticed the water clarity shifting as we moved further up the lake. Recognizing that a change in water quality often calls for a change in scenery, we relocated to the opposite side of the pasture and worked our way back down-lake. This adjustment paid off with more crappie, but the real excitement came when we pulled an unexpected striped bass, a rare treat for these waters.
As the sun climbed higher, the bite slowed, forcing us to put our search skills to the test. We rotated through a few different structures, which resulted in a nice largemouth bass, a trophy-sized white perch, and even a baby walleye—a truly uncommon catch for this fishery.
We rounded out the final minutes of our trip with a channel catfish and one last white perch, capping off a morning that showcased the incredible diversity of Lake Chesdin.
If you are looking to replicate this kind of success, I highly recommend checking out the custom rigs available on our website. Whether you are targeting panfish or looking to land a trophy, having the right terminal tackle makes all the difference.
I want to extend a sincere thank you to David, Joanne, Travis, and Dalton for joining me on the water. It was a pleasure sharing the boat with you all. If you are ready to book your own angling adventure, head over to our website to secure your date. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon.
Trip Catch Summary
Species | Number Caught |
Crappie | 17 |
White Perch | 4 |
Striped Bass | 1 |
Largemouth Bass | 1 |
Walleye | 1 |
Channel Catfish | 1 |
Total Fish | 25 |
Captain Dan Szajta is a USCG Master and IGFA Captain who brings a unique, analytical edge to the waters of Central Virginia. When he isn’t guiding clients to "river monsters" on the James River, Dan serves as a high school math teacher—a background that fuels his precision-based approach to angling. By combining formal maritime expertise with a teacher’s knack for breaking down complex patterns, Dan specializes in breaking the code on trophy Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass for anglers of all skill levels.
Operating Goober Time Guide Service, Dan offers a versatile experience tailored to the water's demands. Whether you are hunting giants from his fully equipped main vessel or launching a kayak or raft to reach remote, low-pressure fisheries, his mission is to provide more than just a day on the water. Every trip is an opportunity to learn the "why" behind the bite, blending high-energy adventure with the technical insights of a true multi-species specialist.
Captain Dan Szajta
USCG Master Charter Captain
804-592-0456
*Contents of this article may not be reproduced without the prior consent of Goober Time Guide Service, LLC.
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