Morning Family Fishing on Lake Tawakoni
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour morning trip targets catfish and bass on Lake TawakoniKidfriendly guided experience includes all equipment and patient instructionAccommodates up to three guests with stable boat and safe environment
Picture this: the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon at Lake Tawakoni, and you're already out on the water with your kids, watching them light up when they feel that first tug on their line. Brett Kilmer's half-day morning fishing trip is exactly what families need when they want to get their little ones hooked on fishing without the pressure or long hours that can wear kids out. Starting at 7:30 AM from Quinlan, this four-hour adventure gives you the perfect window to enjoy the lake's best fishing while keeping everyone engaged and happy.
Brett's got this whole family fishing thing down to a science. He knows that when you're dealing with kids, patience isn't just a virtue – it's absolutely essential. You'll meet up at 800 Tomahawk Dr in Quinlan, and from there, Brett will get everyone situated on his stable fishing boat that's perfectly suited for North Texas waters. The boat's got all the safety features you'd want when bringing the family, plus enough room for up to three guests to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Brett's hands-on approach means he's right there helping your kids learn how to hold the rod, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to stay calm when a fish is fighting on the other end. The morning timing is brilliant – kids are fresh, the fish are active, and you'll be back on shore before anyone gets cranky or sunburned. Don't worry about bringing any gear; Brett provides everything from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on making memories instead of hauling equipment.
Lake Tawakoni fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish are telling you. Brett keeps things simple and effective, which is exactly what works best with families. You'll primarily use bottom fishing techniques when targeting those tasty Channel Catfish – it's straightforward, kids can feel every bite, and there's less chance of losing expensive lures. When conditions are right, Brett might switch things up with some light trolling to find schools of White Bass and Striped Bass. The trolling setup is perfect for beginners because the boat does most of the work, and kids get to experience that steady pull of a fish fighting while the rod stays secure in a holder. Brett's tackle selection focuses on tried-and-true methods rather than fancy techniques that might frustrate young anglers. Circle hooks help ensure better hookups and easier releases, while his bait choices – usually live or cut bait for catfish and small jigs or spoons for bass – have proven successful on Tawakoni for years. The lake's structure includes submerged timber, creek channels, and points that hold fish consistently, and Brett knows exactly where to position the boat for the best action.
Channel Catfish are the bread and butter of Lake Tawakoni, and they're absolutely perfect for families with kids. These whiskered fighters typically range from 2 to 8 pounds, with some real bruisers pushing 15 pounds or more. What makes catfish so great for young anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior and the unmistakable way they grab bait and run with it. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter days can produce solid catches when you know where to look. Kids love the strong, steady fight catfish provide – no fancy jumps or line-stripping runs, just honest pulling power that builds confidence. Plus, catfish are excellent table fare, so your successful fishing trip can turn into a great family dinner.
White Bass bring the excitement factor that gets kids absolutely pumped about fishing. These silver rockets might only weigh 1 to 3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. When you find a school of White Bass feeding near the surface, it's pure chaos in the best possible way – multiple hookups, bent rods, and kids laughing and cheering as fish after fish comes to the boat. Spring and fall are prime time for White Bass action on Tawakoni, especially when they're chasing shad in shallow water. Their schooling behavior means when you find one, you've usually found dozens, making for fast-paced fishing that keeps everyone engaged.
Striped Bass are the lake's premier game fish and the catch that creates lifelong fishing memories. These powerful fish can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to genuine giants exceeding 20 pounds. What makes Stripers special is their unpredictability – they might hit gently like a catfish, or slam your bait so hard it nearly pulls the rod out of your hands. The cooler months often produce the best Striped Bass fishing on Tawakoni, when these fish move shallow to feed on shad. Landing your first Striper is a rite of passage for young anglers, and Brett's patient coaching helps ensure those hookups turn into successful catches and photos your family will treasure forever.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to create those core memories that turn kids into lifelong anglers. Brett's reputation for working with families comes from years of understanding that successful kids' trips require a different approach than hardcore fishing adventures. You get four solid hours of fishing during the lake's prime morning bite, professional guidance that actually helps your kids learn and improve, and all the equipment you need without the hassle of buying or transporting gear. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before heading out, and prepare for a morning that might just hook your family on fishing for good. Lake Tawakoni's diverse fishery means excellent chances for multiple species, and Brett's local knowledge ensures you're fishing the most productive spots rather than just hoping for the best. Book now and give your kids the gift of a morning they'll be talking about for years to come.
The 2013 Blazer Bay 24' serves as your floating fishing platform for this morning adventure on Lake Tawakoni. This 24-foot motorboat packs a reliable 200 HP Yamaha engine that gets you to the productive fishing spots without burning too much fuel or time. The stable hull design keeps things comfortable for families with kids, so nobody's getting seasick while targeting those Channel Catfish and Striped Bass. What makes this boat perfect for guided trips is the smart setup - GPS navigation helps locate the best fishing areas, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of where to drop your lines. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 people, giving everyone enough space to cast without tangling lines or bumping elbows. Kids especially appreciate the stable platform when they're fighting their first big fish. The Blazer Bay's layout works great for the mixed techniques you'll use - plenty of room for bottom fishing setups when going after catfish, and good mobility for light trolling when chasing stripers and white bass. Captain Brett has this boat dialed in for Lake Tawakoni's conditions, with all the gear organized and ready to go.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are Lake Tawakoni's most reliable fish, running anywhere from 2-15 pounds with occasional giants pushing 20+. They hang around deeper structure during the day - submerged timber, creek channels, and rocky drop-offs. These whiskered fighters use their barbels to hunt by smell and taste, making them active feeders even in muddy water. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they move shallow to feed. Kids love them because they bite consistently and put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming. The meat is sweet and flaky when prepared right. My go-to tip: use fresh cut shad or chicken livers on a Carolina rig near cover, and don't be afraid to let them run with the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are Lake Tawakoni's trophy fish, averaging 5-15 pounds with some reaching 25+ pounds. These silver rockets with distinct black stripes are structure-oriented, hanging around main lake humps, creek channels, and rocky points in 15-30 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - perfect for our morning trips. What makes them special is their powerful runs and head-shaking fights that'll test both you and your gear. The meat is firm and tasty, making them a favorite for the dinner table. They're also great for teaching kids about patience since they require more finesse than catfish. My local trick: troll live shad or large swimbaits along the dam face and creek channels where they ambush baitfish. When you hook one, be ready for a battle.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are Lake Tawakoni's action fish, typically running 1-3 pounds with silver sides and dark horizontal stripes. They're schooling fish that roam open water and points, often feeding near the surface in feeding frenzies that'll keep your rod bent all morning. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, but summer mornings can be hot too. You'll find them in 10-25 feet of water around main lake points and creek mouths. Families love targeting them because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size - perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. When you locate a school, work fast with small jigs or live minnows because they move constantly. Watch for birds diving - that's usually where the bass are busting baitfish.
Lake Tawakoni