Half Day Morning Fishing - Lake Tawakoni
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour morning trip targeting catfish and bass speciesAll fishing equipment and bait provided for convenienceExperienced guide teaches techniques on well-equipped boat
Looking for a solid morning on the water without burning your whole day? This 4-hour fishing trip with Guide Brett Kilmer hits the sweet spot. We're talking early morning departure at 7:30 AM from Quinlan, when the fish are most active and the lake is calm. Brett's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass depending on the season and conditions. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler wanting to learn Lake Tawakoni's secrets, this trip delivers. Plus, everything's provided - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you just show up ready to fish.
Brett runs a relaxed operation focused on putting fish in the boat while making sure everyone has a good time. His teaching style is hands-on but patient, perfect for beginners who need to learn the basics or experienced anglers looking to pick up local techniques. The boat is stable and well-equipped for up to 3 guests, giving everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably. You'll meet at 800 Tomahawk Dr in Quinlan, and from there it's just a short run to Brett's productive spots. Lake Tawakoni stretches over 37,000 acres, but don't worry about getting lost out there - Brett knows these waters like his backyard. The morning timing is no accident either. Fish are most active in the cooler hours before the sun gets high, and you'll be working the best structure and drop-offs when they're feeding hardest.
Brett switches up his approach based on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. Trolling is a go-to method for covering water and locating active schools of Striped Bass and White Bass, especially during their feeding windows. When you mark fish on the electronics, you'll switch to drifting live bait or working structure with bottom rigs for Channel Catfish. Brett's tackle selection is dialed in for Lake Tawakoni's conditions - medium to heavy action rods that can handle the lake's bigger Stripers, but with enough finesse for the smaller White Bass. Bait selection varies with the season, but expect to use everything from live shad and nightcrawlers to cut bait and proven artificial lures. The electronics on Brett's boat help locate fish-holding structure like submerged timber, creek channels, and drop-offs that make Lake Tawakoni such a productive fishery. Don't forget to bring your valid Texas fishing license - it's required for everyone 17 and older.
Channel Catfish are Lake Tawakoni's bread and butter, and for good reason. These whiskered fighters average 2-5 pounds but can push into the double digits if you're lucky. They're most active during low-light periods, making this morning trip perfect timing. Channel Cats love structure - fallen trees, creek channels, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to bite year-round and their hard-fighting nature once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Striped Bass are the lake's premier gamefish and the reason many anglers specifically target Lake Tawakoni. These silver rockets can range from 3-8 pounds on average, with occasional specimens pushing 15+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in schools, but Brett knows where to find them throughout the season. Stripers are pure adrenaline once hooked - they make long runs and jump when they feel the hook. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
White Bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. These schooling fish typically run 1-3 pounds and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior. When you find a school, it's often fast action with multiple hookups. White Bass are seasonal spawners that make impressive runs up tributaries, creating some of the most exciting fishing Lake Tawakoni offers. They're scrappy fighters that will test your drag, and Brett knows the seasonal patterns that put you on the biggest schools.
Lake Tawakoni's reputation as one of North Texas' top fishing destinations isn't by accident. With Guide Brett Kilmer, you're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop, combined with quality equipment and a patient teaching approach that works for any skill level. This half-day morning format gives you prime fishing time without eating up your entire day, perfect for families or anyone with afternoon plans. The early start means cooler temperatures, calmer water, and more active fish - everything you want for a successful trip. Whether you're after the hard-fighting Striped Bass, consistent Channel Catfish, or schooling White Bass, Brett's proven techniques and knowledge of Lake Tawakoni's structure will put you on fish. All gear is provided, so there's no excuse not to get out there and experience what this renowned East Texas fishery has to offer.
The 2013 Blazer Bay 24' serves as your fishing platform for this morning adventure on Lake Tawakoni. This 24-foot motorboat runs on a dependable 200 HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the productive fishing spots without any fuss. The boat's stable design handles the lake's conditions well, giving you a solid base whether you're trolling for stripers or working the bottom for catfish. Onboard GPS navigation helps locate those sweet spots, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of finding where the bass are holding. With room for up to 3 anglers plus Guide Brett, there's plenty of space to spread out and fish comfortably without getting in each other's way. The boat's layout works perfectly for the multiple techniques you'll use - from drifting live bait to trolling lures across the lake's structure. It's a no-nonsense fishing machine that gets you on the water at 7:30 AM and keeps you comfortable during your 4-hour trip targeting Lake Tawakoni's channel cats, striped bass, and white bass.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are Lake Tawakoni's steady producers, running anywhere from 2-3 pounds up to some real nice 15-20 pounders if you're lucky. These whiskered fighters love hanging around deeper structure and drop-offs, using their barbels to hunt crawfish, small fish, and anything else that smells right. They bite year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special is that solid, steady fight - they'll bend your rod and make long runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the lake. My go-to trick here on Tawakoni is using fresh cut shad on the bottom near submerged timber. Those whiskers can smell that bait from way off, and once they find it, they usually commit.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the big game fish that really get people excited on Lake Tawakoni. These landlocked stripers typically run 5-15 pounds, with some reaching 20-plus if you hit it right. They cruise open water chasing schools of shad but also relate to structure like submerged roads and creek channels. Cool weather months are best - spring and fall especially - when water temps are in that sweet spot. What makes them special is that raw power when they hit. They'll take drag and make long runs that test your equipment. The meat is top-notch too, firm and mild. My local tip is to focus on the old Sabine River channel during low light conditions. These fish follow that channel system, and trolling along the breaks with big swimbaits will put you on them.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are some of the most fun fish we target on Lake Tawakoni, typically running 12-15 inches and about a pound or two. These silver-sided school fish roam open water chasing shad, but they'll also cruise points and humps looking for an easy meal. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding, though we catch them all season. What guests love about white bass is how they fight - they're scrappy for their size and often travel in groups, so you might catch several in a row. They're also excellent on the table with sweet, flaky white meat. The key trick I've learned on Tawakoni is watching for birds working over schools of shad. Get a small jig or spoon in there quick and you'll usually hook up fast.
Lake Tawakoni