Half Day Guided Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour guided crappie fishing on Toledo Bend LakeCaptain with 40 years local experience and modern equipmentPerfect for families and groups up to four guests
If you're looking to get into some serious crappie action without burning a whole day on the water, Captain Damon Borel's half-day trips on Toledo Bend Lake are exactly what you need. This top-rated guide has been working these waters for six years professionally, but he's got 40 years of experience reading every creek, channel, and structure on this massive lake. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in your crappie game, Damon's got the knowledge and gear to put you on fish. The trip launches right from 342 Ramsey Dr in Hemphill, so you're not wasting time with long boat rides – you're fishing prime water within minutes of departure.
You'll be fishing from Damon's 30-foot Crestline Party Barge, which is a perfect setup for crappie fishing. This isn't some cramped boat where you're bumping elbows – there's plenty of room for up to four anglers to spread out and work different depths. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: a cabin for when the Texas sun gets hot, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, GPS to mark productive spots, and a quality fish finder to locate schools. Damon provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks and drinks. The four-hour window gives you enough time to really get into a rhythm and try different techniques without feeling rushed. Most trips start early morning when crappie are most active, but Damon can adjust timing based on seasonal patterns and your group's preferences.
Toledo Bend crappie fishing is all about understanding structure and depth, and that's where Damon's decades of experience really shine. You'll be using light tackle – typically ultralight spinning rods with 6-8 pound test line that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle crappie bites. The primary techniques depend on the season and water conditions, but expect to do a lot of vertical jigging around submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels. Damon keeps a variety of jigs in different weights and colors, plus live minnows when the fish are being picky. He'll show you how to read the fish finder, how to position your bait at different depths, and most importantly, how to detect those light taps that crappie are famous for. Spider rigging is another favorite technique here, where you'll run multiple rods at once to cover more water and different depths simultaneously. Don't worry if you've never tried it – Damon breaks it down step by step.
Crappie are what make Toledo Bend legendary among freshwater anglers, and for good reason. These fish are abundant, fight well for their size, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Toledo Bend crappie typically run 10-14 inches, with plenty of slabs pushing 15+ inches and 2+ pounds. The best action usually happens in spring during the spawn when fish move shallow into coves and around timber, but these fish are catchable year-round if you know where to look. In summer, they'll suspend in deeper water around main lake structure, while fall finds them following shad schools. Winter can actually be excellent, with fish holding tight to deeper brush piles and creek channels. What makes crappie so fun to target is their schooling behavior – once you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're also perfect for families because they bite consistently when you're on them, and kids can handle the light tackle easily. The bite is subtle but distinct, and there's something deeply satisfying about working a school of quality crappie with the right technique.
Captain Damon's half-day crappie trips offer the perfect balance of professional guiding and hands-on learning without the commitment of a full day. His six years of guiding combined with 40 years on Toledo Bend means you're fishing with someone who knows where crappie hold in every season and condition. The 30-foot Party Barge provides comfort and stability, while his patient teaching style works great for beginners and families. At the same time, experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to share advanced techniques and local knowledge. With space for up to four anglers, it's ideal for small groups who want personalized attention. Toledo Bend consistently ranks among the top crappie lakes in the country, and Damon's track record of putting clients on fish speaks for itself. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class crappie fishing with a guide who truly knows these waters inside and out.
Captain Damon's 30-foot Crestline Party Barge is built for serious crappie fishing on Toledo Bend Lake. This spacious motorboat handles up to 4 guests comfortably while you work the best fishing spots. The Mercury 200 HP engine gets you to productive waters quickly, cruising at 25 MPH across the lake. Inside the cabin, you'll stay comfortable during weather changes, while the livewell keeps your catch fresh all day. The fighting chair gives you a solid spot to work bigger fish, and Damon's GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating schools of crappie. With all fishing gear provided and Damon's 40 years of lake knowledge guiding every move, this well-equipped party barge puts you right where the fish are biting on Toledo Bend.
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