Half Day Kid Friendly Fishing - Lake Tawakoni
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour afternoon fishing trip targets catfish and bass speciesKidfriendly guided experience with patient instruction and provided equipmentStable boat accommodates up to three guests on Lake Tawakoni
If you're looking to get the kids hooked on fishing without the hassle of a full-day commitment, this afternoon trip with Brett Kilmer hits the sweet spot. Starting at 1:00 PM from Quinlan, you'll spend four quality hours on Lake Tawakoni targeting some of North Texas's most reliable species. This isn't about breaking records or complicated techniques – it's about watching your young anglers light up when that rod tip starts dancing. Brett's got the patience of a saint and knows exactly how to keep kids engaged while teaching them the fundamentals that'll serve them for life on the water.
Lake Tawakoni stretches over 37,000 acres of prime fishing water, and Brett knows every productive spot worth hitting during those afternoon hours. You'll meet up at 800 Tomahawk Dr in Quinlan, where Brett will get everyone situated before heading out to areas where the fish are actively feeding. The beauty of this trip lies in its relaxed approach – no need to worry about bringing gear since everything's provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Brett runs a stable, well-equipped boat that's built for comfort and safety, which means parents can actually relax while the kids learn. The afternoon timing works perfectly for families since it avoids those early morning wake-up calls that can make or break a trip with young ones. Plus, Lake Tawakoni's afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal, especially when targeting the species that call this lake home.
Brett keeps things straightforward with methods that kids can actually master – we're talking bottom fishing and light trolling, depending on what the lake's giving you that day. Bottom fishing is perfect for beginners because it's easy to feel those bites, and there's something magical about watching a kid's face when they realize there's a fish on the other end. The trolling setup is equally beginner-friendly, letting young anglers experience the excitement of a fish hitting while moving. Brett provides all the tackle, so you don't need to worry about having the right hooks, weights, or bait. He'll set up each rod specifically for the conditions and target species, then spend time showing everyone how to feel for bites, set the hook properly, and fight fish without losing them. The hands-on instruction means even complete beginners will feel confident by the end of the trip. Lake Tawakoni's structure and depth changes make it ideal for these techniques, with plenty of drop-offs, submerged timber, and creek channels that hold fish consistently.
Channel Catfish are the bread and butter of Lake Tawakoni, and they're absolutely perfect for young anglers. These whiskered fighters typically run 2-5 pounds in Tawakoni, with plenty of bigger ones lurking in the deeper holes. They're active year-round but really turn on during those warm afternoon hours when the water temperature rises. Kids love catfish because they fight hard, make the rod bend, and aren't too finicky about bait presentation. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner. The lake's rocky points and creek channels hold tons of channels, and Brett knows exactly where to find them.
Striped Bass bring the excitement factor that gets kids talking about fishing for months afterward. Tawakoni's stripers are landlocked, meaning they spend their entire lives in the lake, and they can grow impressive – we're talking 10-20 pounders that'll give young anglers a workout they'll never forget. These silver bullets are most active during spring and fall, but summer afternoons can produce some fantastic action, especially when they're chasing shad in open water. When a striper hits, there's no mistaking it – the drag screams, the rod doubles over, and suddenly everyone on the boat is paying attention. Brett's light trolling techniques are perfect for covering water and finding these roaming predators.
White Bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and aggressive attitudes. During their runs, you can catch them one after another, which keeps kids engaged and excited. These scrappy fighters typically run 1-2 pounds in Tawakoni and are absolutely perfect for building confidence in young anglers. They school up tight, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. White bass are also more predictable than stripers, often relating to specific structures and depths that Brett can target consistently. Their smaller mouths mean lighter tackle, which lets kids feel every head shake and run.
This half-day afternoon trip strikes the perfect balance between giving kids a real fishing experience and keeping everyone comfortable and engaged. Brett's patient teaching style, combined with Lake Tawakoni's consistent fishing, creates the ideal environment for young anglers to develop their skills and passion for the sport. The 1:00 PM start time means no early morning rush, and the four-hour duration keeps kids interested without wearing them out. With all gear provided and a maximum of three guests, you get personalized attention that makes all the difference when teaching kids to fish. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before heading out – it's required for anyone 17 and older. Book this top-rated family fishing experience and watch your kids discover why so many of us can't stay away from the water.
Your family fishing adventure on Lake Tawakoni happens aboard our reliable 2013 Blazer Bay 24-footer, powered by a smooth 200 HP Yamaha engine. This stable fishing platform gives you and up to 2 kids plenty of room to cast lines and reel in catches without feeling crowded. The boat's GPS navigation system helps us quickly reach the best fishing spots on the lake, while the fish finder shows exactly where those Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass are hiding below. Built specifically for North Texas waters, this 24-foot setup handles Lake Tawakoni's conditions with ease, keeping everyone comfortable and safe during your 4-hour afternoon trip. The boat's layout makes it simple for kids to learn proper casting techniques and gives parents space to help with any tangles or catches. We'll cruise to productive fishing areas where the action stays consistent, and the stable deck means even first-time young anglers can focus on having fun rather than worrying about their footing.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are Lake Tawakoni favorites, typically running 2-5 pounds with some reaching 10+ pounds. These whiskered fighters hang around deeper structure and muddy bottoms where they use their incredible sense of smell to hunt. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when the water heats up. Kids love catching them because they fight hard and are pretty forgiving - once hooked, they stay hooked. Plus, they make excellent eating with that sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use stinkbait or chicken liver on the bottom near creek channels and drop-offs. The smellier the better with these guys - their whole body is covered in taste buds, so they'll find your bait even in murky water.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the heavyweight champions of Lake Tawakoni, commonly running 5-15 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 20+. These silver torpedoes with dark horizontal stripes love open water and main lake structure, especially around humps and creek channels in 20-40 feet. Spring through fall are prime time, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Families get a real thrill from these powerful fighters - they'll test your drag and make kids feel like they're battling a monster. The meat is outstanding too, with firm white fillets that taste great. During afternoon trips, I like trolling near the dam and main points where they chase shad schools. Local secret: watch for birds diving - that's usually stripers pushing baitfish to the surface.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy little fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds in Tawakoni, with silver sides and dark horizontal stripes. They school up in open water and around points, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. These guys love to feed in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find a bunch. Families enjoy targeting them because they bite aggressively and put up a solid fight for their size. They're also great eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. During afternoon trips, look for them suspended in 15-20 feet of water near the main lake points. Pro tip: once you hook into a school, keep your bait in the same area and work it fast - white bass are competitive feeders.
Lake Tawakoni