Half Day Afternoon Fishing - Lake Tawakoni
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour afternoon trip targeting catfish, striped bass, and white bassAll fishing gear, tackle, and bait provided by experienced guideStable boat accommodates up to three guests on Lake Tawakoni
When you're looking for solid afternoon fishing action without the early morning alarm, this 4-hour trip on Lake Tawakoni hits the sweet spot. Guide Brett Kilmer knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his patient teaching style makes this trip work whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. Starting at 1:00 PM from Quinlan, you'll spend quality time targeting some of North Texas' best fighting fish - Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass. Brett's got all the gear sorted, so you just need to show up with your Texas fishing license and get ready to learn why Lake Tawakoni has earned its reputation as one of the region's most productive fisheries.
This isn't your typical rushed charter where you're fighting for elbow room. With just three anglers max, you'll have plenty of space to work and Brett's full attention when you need it. The afternoon timing works perfectly for these species - the morning boat traffic has died down, and fish start getting more active as the day cools off. Brett's boat is set up specifically for Lake Tawakoni's conditions, with comfortable seating and all the electronics needed to find fish in this 37,000-acre lake. You'll meet at 800 Tomahawk Dr in Quinlan, then head out to productive areas that change with the seasons and conditions. Brett reads the water daily, so he'll adjust the game plan based on what's working right now, not what worked last month. The relaxed pace means you'll actually learn techniques you can use on your own, rather than just hoping the guide puts fish in the boat.
Lake Tawakoni fishing requires different approaches depending on your target, and Brett's tackle selection reflects years of fine-tuning what works here. For stripers, you'll likely work with medium-heavy rods and live shad or proven lures like spoons and swimbaits. The key is covering water efficiently while staying ready for those sudden bursts of activity that stripers are famous for. White bass fishing often means lighter tackle and smaller presentations - these schooling fish can be incredibly aggressive when you find them, but they're picky about bait size and action. Channel catfish require a completely different mindset, with bottom rigs, circle hooks, and the right bait presented where these fish cruise for food. Brett provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but he's also happy to show you exactly what he's using so you can replicate success on future trips. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where these species congregate throughout the day.
Channel Catfish in Lake Tawakoni are the bread and butter fish that keep anglers coming back. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can easily push into double digits, especially during late spring and summer months. They're active feeders in the afternoon heat, making this timing perfect for consistent action. What makes catching them so satisfying is their hard-pulling fight and the fact that they're excellent table fare. Brett knows the creek channels, humps, and structure where these fish hold, and his bait selection takes advantage of their opportunistic feeding habits. Striped Bass are the lake's premier gamefish, with most fish running 3-8 pounds and occasional giants pushing well over 10. These are open-water predators that school up and feed aggressively, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find in North Texas. When you hook into a good striper, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the region to fish Tawakoni. White Bass might be smaller, typically 1-3 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. During their spring and fall runs, you can catch dozens in a single afternoon, and their scrappy fight on light tackle provides non-stop entertainment.
Brett's afternoon trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. This isn't just another guided fishing trip - it's a chance to learn from someone who's dedicated his career to understanding Lake Tawakoni's fish populations and seasonal patterns. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to try different techniques and locations without feeling rushed, while the afternoon start means you can sleep in and still have a full fishing experience. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to fishing, or just enjoy a productive afternoon on one of Texas' best lakes, this trip delivers consistent results with a guide who genuinely cares about your success. Don't forget that Texas fishing license - it's required for everyone 17 and older, and you can grab one online before you head out to Quinlan.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are Lake Tawakoni favorites, typically running 2-8 pounds with some bruisers pushing 20+. These whiskered fighters hang around deeper structure - submerged timber, creek channels, and drop-offs where they use those barbels to hunt crawfish and baitfish. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. What makes them special? They fight harder than most people expect and taste fantastic on the table. My go-to trick here is using cut shad or chicken liver on a Carolina rig near those old creek beds. Let it sit still - channel cats hunt by smell, so patience pays off. Their slippery skin and sharp fins keep things interesting when you're landing them.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are Lake Tawakoni's premier gamefish, averaging 5-15 pounds with some real monsters over 20. These silver torpedoes with dark horizontal stripes patrol main lake points and channels, often following schools of shad in 15-30 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months - fall through spring - when water temps drop and they feed aggressively. What sets them apart is their powerful runs and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Around here, I focus on areas where creeks meet the main lake, especially during low light periods. Live shad or large swimbaits work best, but the key is finding the bait schools first - where the shad go, the stripers follow.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are Lake Tawakoni's scrappy schooling fish, usually running 1-3 pounds with silver sides and distinct dark stripes. They roam open water and points, often suspending 10-20 feet deep over main lake structure. Spring and fall are prime time when they chase shad in feeding frenzies that'll bend your rod double. These fish are pure fun - they hit hard, stay aggressive through the fight, and travel in schools so you can catch several quickly. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky meat. My local trick is watching for bird activity over deep water - when gulls are diving, white bass are usually pushing bait to the surface. Small jigs or spoons work great when you find them feeding.
Lake Tawakoni