Full Day Fishing Trip - Lake Tawakoni
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
6.5hour guided fishing trip targeting catfish and bass speciesExpert guide provides all equipment and local fishing techniquesFullday experience accommodates up to 3 guests on Lake Tawakoni
Looking for a proper full-day fishing adventure in North Texas? Guide Brett Kilmer's 6.5-hour trip on Lake Tawakoni is exactly what serious anglers have been asking for. Starting at 7:30 AM from Quinlan, this extended guided experience gives you the time you need to really work the lake and dial in on what's biting. Whether you're chasing stripers, white bass, or channel cats, this trip lets you cover ground and adapt your approach as conditions change throughout the day. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for small groups who want a personalized experience without feeling rushed.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Brett structures these full-day trips to give you the complete Lake Tawakoni experience, starting early when the bite is often most active and staying out long enough to hit the evening feed. You'll launch from the marina at 800 Tomahawk Dr and immediately head to productive areas based on current conditions and what's been producing lately. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility – if one spot isn't firing, you've got plenty of time to relocate and try different techniques. Brett's boat is set up for comfort during these longer trips, with plenty of space to move around and all the amenities you need for a full day on the water. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and be ready to put some fish in the boat. The extended time frame means you're not watching the clock – you can really settle in and enjoy the fishing.
Brett's approach to Lake Tawakoni is all about reading the conditions and matching your technique to what the fish want that day. Trolling is a go-to method for covering water and locating active schools of stripers and white bass, especially during the warmer months when baitfish are scattered across the main lake. When you mark fish, you'll switch to drifting with live bait or casting to structure, depending on what's working. Bottom fishing comes into play big time for channel catfish, particularly around creek channels, humps, and drop-offs where these fish stage throughout the year. Brett provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you're always fishing with gear that's matched to the technique and conditions. He'll have you set up with everything from medium-action spinning rods for white bass to heavy baitcasting setups for big stripers. The key is staying versatile – Lake Tawakoni can change throughout the day, and having multiple approaches ready is what separates successful trips from average ones.
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Lake Tawakoni, and for good reason. These fish grow fat and healthy in this lake, with plenty of 2-5 pounders and occasional giants pushing double digits. They're most active during warmer water periods but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Catfish here love structure – submerged trees, creek channels, and rocky points are all prime real estate. What makes them so popular with guests is their willingness to bite and the fact that they put up a solid fight without being overly technical to catch. Brett's patient approach works perfectly for targeting these fish, especially for anglers who want to learn proper bottom fishing techniques. The white bass fishing on Tawakoni can be absolutely electric when you find them schooling. These fish travel in large groups and when they're feeding on shad, the action can be non-stop. They're typically most active during spring and fall, but summer early mornings and evenings can produce excellent results. White bass are perfect for light tackle fishing – they're scrappy for their size and great for building confidence in newer anglers. Striped bass are the lake's premier gamefish, growing large on the abundant shad population. These fish can range from schooling 2-3 pounders up to true trophies in the 10+ pound range. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer trips can be productive if you're willing to fish deeper water and adjust your timing. Stripers are what bring many experienced anglers back – they're challenging to pattern, fight hard, and represent the pinnacle of Lake Tawakoni fishing.
If you're serious about fishing Lake Tawakoni the right way, this full-day trip with Brett gives you everything you need for success. The extended time on the water means more opportunities, more techniques, and a better chance at connecting with quality fish. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, introduce friends or family to guided fishing, or simply want a full day away from everything else, this trip delivers the complete North Texas fishing experience. Brett's approach works for everyone – beginners get the instruction and patience they need, while experienced anglers appreciate the local knowledge and access to productive water. Don't wait too long to book, especially during prime seasons when these full-day slots fill up fast. Lake Tawakoni is fishing as good as it has in years, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guide who knows every productive spot on the lake.
Your fishing platform for Lake Tawakoni is a 2013 Blazer Bay 24-footer that's built for serious angling. This 24-foot motorboat runs on a reliable 200 HP Yamaha engine, giving you the power to reach productive fishing spots across the lake efficiently. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 passengers with a stable design that keeps you steady while working lines for Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass. You'll have GPS navigation to pinpoint the best structures and a fish finder to locate schools and individual targets below. The setup is perfect for the varied techniques you'll use throughout the day - whether you're trolling open water for stripers, drifting for whites, or bottom fishing for catfish. The boat's design prioritizes fishing functionality while maintaining comfort during your 6.5-hour adventure on the water. This is a working fishing boat that gets you where the fish are and keeps you there in comfort.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are Lake Tawakoni's most reliable catch, with good fish running 2-5 pounds and trophy cats pushing 15-20 pounds. These whiskered fighters love deeper channels and structure like submerged timber. They bite year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they're more active. What makes cats special is they're tough fighters that don't give up easy, plus they make excellent eating with that sweet, flaky meat. Their barbels help them hunt by smell and taste, so they'll hit everything from stinkbait to fresh shad. Here's a local trick - when bottom fishing, keep your bait just off the lake floor with a small sinker. Cats cruise a foot or two up looking for food, and that presentation gets more bites than sitting right on bottom.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the heavyweight champions of Lake Tawakoni, with most fish running 5-12 pounds and some reaching 20-plus. These silver torpedoes with dark stripes patrol open water and deeper structure, especially around the main lake points. They're most active during cooler months - fall through early spring - when water temps drop. Stripers are what serious anglers come for because they fight hard, make long runs, and test your drag. Plus they're fantastic eating with thick, meaty fillets. Look for them in 20-40 feet of water following schools of shad. The key to consistent striper fishing here is trolling with umbrella rigs or big swimbaits along the main lake ledges. Stay patient and cover water - when you find them, they'll usually bite.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are some of the most fun fish in Lake Tawakoni, typically running 12-15 inches and putting up a scrappy fight. These silver-sided schooling fish love open water and points where they chase shad to the surface. Spring and fall are prime time when they feed aggressively, but summer early mornings can be hot too. What guests love about white bass is the fast action - when you find a school, you can catch them one after another. They're also great eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish fries. You'll usually find them in 15-25 feet of water around structure. My go-to tip is to watch for birds diving - that's white bass pushing baitfish up. Get there fast with small jigs or spoons and you'll load the boat.
Lake Tawakoni