5.0(7 Reviews)Half Day Morning Catfish And Bass Trip
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fivehour morning trip targeting striped bass and catfishAccommodates two anglers with optional additional guestsCovers freshwater and inshore fishing locations
Lake Tawakoni's morning bite is something special, and this 5-hour guided fishing adventure puts you right in the action when fish are most active. Starting early when the water's still cool and fish are feeding aggressively, you'll target some of East Texas's finest gamefish including striped bass, white bass, and channel catfish. The trip accommodates up to two anglers for $400, with additional spots available at $100 per person. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this morning trip delivers consistent action on one of Texas's most productive lakes.
Your morning starts before sunrise, when Lake Tawakoni comes alive with feeding fish and the promise of steady action. This isn't just a casual boat ride – it's a focused fishing mission designed to put you on productive water when conditions are prime. The 4-6 hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots, adjust techniques based on what's biting, and really dial in your approach. You'll move between freshwater structure and inshore areas where baitfish congregate, creating perfect ambush points for hungry gamefish. The guides know these waters inside and out, constantly adapting to seasonal patterns and daily conditions to keep your lines tight. Every angler gets personal attention, whether you need help with basic casting mechanics or want to master advanced jigging techniques for deeper structure.
Lake Tawakoni fishing success comes down to reading the water and matching your presentation to what fish want that day. You'll learn vertical jigging techniques over submerged timber, perfect for pulling stripers from deep structure. Live bait fishing with cut shad or nightcrawlers works magic for channel catfish, especially around creek channels and drop-offs. When white bass are schooling, nothing beats the excitement of casting small spoons or grubs into surface-busting action. The guides provide quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for each technique, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you've got one. Electronics play a huge role – you'll see firsthand how sonar reveals fish-holding structure and bait concentrations that make the difference between an average day and a memorable one. Terminal tackle varies from Carolina rigs for bottom-hugging cats to inline spinners for active bass.
"Jay worked hard on a tough day to put our group on the fish and made it a successful outing." - Gary. "We had a great time, the lake was flooded and conditions were far from perfect… but Jason and Debbie went ABOVE and beyond to help us have a great time. We were fishing in a guided tournament and even though we didn't place, Jay made sure we made it to the checkin on time and took us back to our vehicle. We caught fish and caught a buzz. Perfect day or friends, fun and fishing." - Binx. "Our guide Tyler was exceptional. he went above and beyond with our group. Tyer will have a story to tell future groups he takes out about our adventure. He put us on fish right way and went home with enough fish for all." - Fred.
Striped bass are the marquee species on Lake Tawakoni, and for good reason. These silver rockets can stretch 20+ inches and fight like bulldogs when hooked. Spring through early summer offers the best striper action as fish move shallow to feed on abundant shad. They're structure-oriented, holding tight to submerged timber and creek channel edges. When you hook one, expect long runs and head-shaking fights that test your drag system. What makes stripers special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, giving you options based on conditions and personal preference.
White bass provide non-stop action when you find them schooled up. These scrappy fighters average 12-15 inches but make up for size with aggressive attitudes and numbers. Summer mornings are prime time when whites push baitfish to the surface, creating visible feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. They're perfect for anglers who love fast-paced casting action – when the school's hot, you can catch one on every cast. Their willingness to hit small jigs, spoons, and even topwater lures makes them incredibly fun on light tackle.
Channel catfish are Lake Tawakoni's bottom-dwelling heavyweights, with fish over 5 pounds common and giants pushing double digits always possible. These whiskered fighters are most active during low-light periods, making morning trips ideal. They're drawn to deep creek channels, submerged structure, and areas with current flow. What catfish anglers love most is the anticipation – that steady pull that could be a 2-pounder or a true trophy. Cut bait, live shad, and prepared baits all produce, and the fight is pure muscle with none of the aerial acrobatics of bass species.
Barred sand bass round out the morning's possibilities, offering another willing participant when conditions align. These striped bass cousins share similar habitat preferences but tend to school in more predictable patterns. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action when located. Sand bass respond well to the same techniques that work for stripers but often show more consistent feeding patterns throughout the morning hours.
Lake Tawakoni's morning bite waits for no one, and the best fishing days book up fast with local anglers who know the score. This top-rated charter combines expert local knowledge with prime fishing hours to give you the best shot at multiple species action. The guides' commitment shows in every review – they're not just running a boat service, they're creating fishing memories that last long after you head home. With techniques you'll use on future trips and locations marked in your memory, this morning adventure pays dividends beyond just the fish you'll catch. Don't let another season pass wondering what you're missing on one
This restored 2012 24' Blazer Bay center console is your ticket to Lake Tawakoni's best catfish and bass action. Powered by a reliable 350HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 45 knots, getting to those productive fishing spots is quick and smooth. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or shallow cover where the big ones hide. Fish finder tech helps locate schools and underwater features, while GPS navigation ensures you can mark and return to hot spots. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers and plenty of deck space for fighting fish, this boat handles everything from finesse bass techniques to heavy catfish rigs. The center console layout gives everyone easy access to the action while keeping gear organized and within reach.
Paralabrax NebuliferWhile barred sand bass aren't native to Lake Tawakoni's freshwater environment, they're worth knowing about if you fish coastal waters. These gray-green fish with vertical bars typically measure 10-15 inches and provide solid action on lighter tackle. They prefer sandy bottoms near rocky structure in 60-100 feet of water, though smaller ones come shallow. Peak season runs May through October, with evening and night fishing producing best results, especially during full moons. Anglers appreciate their willingness to bite various baits and their decent table quality. They're also fun because they school up, so multiple hookups are common. The key technique is finding the right depth where they're feeding - start deep and work your way up with plastics or live bait until you connect. Once you dial in their depth, you can usually stay on them for consistent action throughout the trip.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the workhorses of Lake Tawakoni - reliable fighters that'll bend your rod and fill the cooler. These whiskered bulldogs typically weigh 2-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 20 pounds or more. They hug the bottom around structure like submerged timber, creek channels, and rocky areas. Summer nights are prime time when they move shallow to feed, though they bite year-round. What folks love is their strong, steady fight and how good they taste fried up. They're also great for kids since they're not too picky about bait. Here's what works: use stinkbait or fresh cut shad on the bottom near cover. Fish the deeper creek bends during hot weather, and don't be afraid to fish at night with a good headlamp. Keep your drag loose - they'll make powerful runs when they feel the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the main attraction here - powerful fish that can grow over 20 pounds and stretch your gear to its limits. These silver beauties with distinctive black stripes love structure like drop-offs, points, and submerged timber. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, especially dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What hooks people is their bulldogging fight and how they'll make screaming runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat. My go-to tip: focus on areas where creeks meet the main lake during low-light periods. Use live shad when you can get it, or work large swimbaits slowly along the bottom near structure. Be patient - these fish are worth the wait.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you a good workout on light tackle. These silvery fish with dark horizontal stripes typically run 10-12 inches and weigh up to 3 pounds, though some reach 18 inches. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Look for them in open water around points, humps, and creek channels, especially during early morning and evening hours. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - they're some of the best eating fish in the lake. Here's a local trick: when you spot birds working the surface, get there fast. White bass often push baitfish up, creating feeding frenzies that'll have you catching fish on every cast with small spoons or jigs.
5.0 out of 5.0Jay worked hard on a tough day to put our group on the fish and made it a successful outing.
We had a great time, the lake was flooded and conditions were far from perfect… but Jason and Debbie went ABOVE and beyond to help...
Awesome captain. Great knowledge of the fishing we were doing and the lake. Got tips during the day from other guides. all trying ...
Our captain Tyler put us on the spot all day, even answered a million questions from my nephew, and we never had a Chance to not h...
Our guide Tyler was exceptional. he went above and beyond with our group. Tyer will have a story to tell future groups he takes ou...
Captain Mike got us on a good run of fish after a slow start. He kept calling others and checking the best spots until we hit the...
We had a great time on our trip! The crew was very attentive to our needs and made it fun for us. We highly recommend using them f...
Texas