First Kayak Guide Trip of the Year: Multi-Species Success with Oliver
- Captain Dan Szajta
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Spring is officially in high gear, and there is no better way to experience the changing seasons than from the seat of a kayak. On April 26, 2026, we hit the water for our very first kayak-specific guide trip of the year.
We were thrilled to welcome back one of our regular guests, Oliver, for a special mission. Oliver is a seasoned angler, but today was all about expanding his horizons and mastering the art of kayak fishing as he considers buying his first fishing kayak.
Trip Conditions & Logistics
Metric | Details |
Date | April 26, 2026 |
Time | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Water Temp | 66°F - 68°F |
Barometric Pressure | 30.02 inHg (Steady) |
Weather | Overcast with light morning breezes |
Tide | Incoming |
The Lesson: Kayak Control & Management
We spent the first 45 minutes focusing on kayak fundamentals. Transitioning from a boat to a kayak requires a different approach to rod management and boat positioning. We worked on:
Maintaining a consistent trolling speed.
Understanding "kayak swing" while turning.
Managing multiple lines without the clutter.
Oliver was a natural, picking up the nuances of kayak control in record time. Once he felt comfortable in the cockpit, we turned our attention to fishing.
The Action: Long Lining & Multi-Species Mayhem
We spent the morning long lining and trolling crankbaits, a highly effective spring tactic for covering water and finding active schools. The bite was consistent from start to finish!
The Journey Out
As we transitioned toward our first creek, the rods didn't stay quiet for long. Captain Dan landed a solid Crappie, and Oliver quickly followed suit with a chunky White Perch to get his day started.
Creek #1: A Variety Pack
The first creek was a goldmine. Oliver experienced the heart-pounding thrill of his first-ever Chain Pickerel, though it managed a "long distance release" right at the boat! He bounced back quickly, landing three Largemouth Bass in short order. We also saw plenty of panfish action, with Captain Dan netting a Shellcracker and Oliver landing his first-ever Crappie!
Creek #2: Closing the Deal
Moving into our second location, the variety continued. Oliver added a Yellow Perch, another Crappie, and a Bluegill to his tally. He also redeemed himself by successfully landing a Chain Pickerel, officially checking that species off his list.
The Final Count
We saw incredible variety on the water today! By long lining and trolling crankbaits, we were able to target several different species moving through the creeks. Here is the final tally for the trip:
Species | Total Caught |
Largemouth Bass | 4 |
Crappie | 5 |
Chain Pickerel | 3 |
White Perch | 2 |
Yellow Perch | 2 |
Bluegill | 2 |
Shellcracker | 1 |
Grand Total | 19 Fish |
Thank You, Oliver!
We want to give a huge shout-out to Oliver for joining us. It’s always a pleasure having a regular back on the boat (or in this case, the kayak). Watching you master the "yak" and cross off two "first-ever" species made for a fantastic morning on the water.
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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