Quick Guided Crappie Sunset Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour guided sunset crappie fishing on Toledo Bend LakeCaptain Damon brings 40 years local experience and expertiseSpacious 30ft party barge accommodates up to six guests
When the sun starts dipping low over Toledo Bend Lake, that's prime time for crappie to get active and hungry. Captain Damon Borel knows this better than anyone, and his 2-hour sunset fishing trips put you right where the action is. You'll launch from his home dock at 342 Ramsey Dr in Hemphill, Texas, aboard his spacious 30-foot Crestline Party Barge that's built for comfort and serious crappie fishing. With 40 years of experience on this lake and 6 years guiding anglers just like you, Damon's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure everyone on board has a blast - whether you're 8 or 80 years old.
This isn't your typical rushed fishing charter where you're fighting crowds or racing against the clock. Damon keeps his groups small - maximum 6 people - so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The party barge setup is perfect for families because it's stable, safe, and roomy enough that kids can move around without anyone worrying. You've got a cabin for shade or weather protection, plus all the fishing essentials like a quality livewell to keep your catch fresh, GPS to hit the productive spots, and a fish finder to locate those crappie schools. The fighting chair is there if someone hooks into something bigger than expected, though crappie are the main target on these sunset runs. Damon provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, so just bring yourself and maybe a cooler with drinks and snacks.
Crappie fishing on Toledo Bend is all about finesse and knowing where they're holding. Damon typically runs light spinning rigs with small jigs, live minnows, or soft plastics depending on what the fish are hitting that day. You'll be working around structure - fallen trees, brush piles, and drop-offs where crappie love to suspend and ambush baitfish. The key is keeping your presentation subtle and your retrieves slow and steady. Damon's fish finder helps locate schools, but reading the structure and understanding crappie behavior is where his decades of experience really show. He'll teach you how to feel the light bite of a crappie and set the hook without pulling it away from them. The sunset timing is strategic too - as the light fades, crappie move shallow to feed, making them easier to locate and catch. You'll likely be fishing in 8 to 15 feet of water, perfect depth for both beginners and experienced anglers to stay connected to their bait and feel every nibble.
Crappie are hands down one of the best eating fish in Texas waters, and Toledo Bend grows them big and fat. These silvery, deep-bodied panfish typically run 10 to 14 inches here, with some slabs pushing 15 inches and 2 pounds if you're lucky. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're spawning in shallow water, but late summer and fall evenings can be fantastic too as they school up to feed on shad. Crappie have excellent eyesight, which is why they feed heavily during low-light periods like sunset - they can see their prey better than their prey can see them. What makes crappie so appealing to anglers is their light, flaky white meat that tastes amazing fried, baked, or grilled. They're also cooperative fighters - not overly aggressive like bass, but they'll give you a nice bend in the rod and some fun headshakes. Kids especially love catching crappie because they bite readily when you find them, and the action can be steady once you locate a school. Toledo Bend's clear water and abundant structure make it prime crappie habitat, and Damon knows exactly which creek arms, points, and timber lines produce the most consistent action throughout the season.
If you're looking for a relaxed evening on the water that combines beautiful scenery with quality fishing, this sunset crappie trip delivers exactly that. Damon's low-key approach and genuine love for sharing his home lake makes this feel more like fishing with a friend than a commercial charter. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect - long enough to get into fish but short enough that kids stay engaged and adults don't feel rushed. Plus, there's something special about being on Toledo Bend as the sun sets and the lake gets quiet except for the occasional splash of feeding fish. Whether you're trying to introduce someone to fishing, want a fun family outing, or just need a peaceful break from the everyday grind, this trip hits all the marks. Spots fill up quickly during peak crappie season, so don't wait too long to secure your date. Damon's repeat customers will tell you that once you experience his hospitality and local expertise, you'll be planning your next trip before this one ends.
Captain Damon's 30-foot Crestline Party Barge is built for serious crappie fishing on Toledo Bend Lake. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with room to move around while working the best fishing spots. The Mercury 200 HP engine gets you to the crappie holes quickly, cruising at 25 MPH across the lake's expansive waters. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and fish finder to locate schools of crappie, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and a fighting chair for when the fish are really biting. The onboard cabin provides shelter if weather rolls in during your sunset trip. All fishing gear is included, so just bring yourself and get ready to fill the cooler. With Damon's 40 years on these waters and 6 years guiding, you'll fish the productive structures and timber where Toledo Bend's crappie love to hang out.
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