Expert-Guided Lake Fishing in Texas

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Quinlan, TX
$200 - $400 price range

Summary

Get ready for a fun day on the water with Castaways Fishing Guide! We'll head out to Lake Tawakoni or Lake Fork for 5 hours of prime fishing action. Our expert guides know just where to find the best spots for catfish, white bass, crappie, and more. We'll provide all the gear you need, so you can focus on reeling in some great catches. This trip is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors. We'll meet at Rabbit Cove Landing RV/Marina at 8 AM, then it's off to wherever the fish are biting that day. With room for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of opportunity for everyone to get in on the action. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, we'll make sure you have a great time out on the lake.

Lake Fishing Action

Fishing in Texas

2 big fish caught in Texas while fishing

Best Fishing spot in Lake Tawakoni

Two hardhead sea catfish, 14 inches long, caught by a person in Quinlan

Best crappie lures in Texas

Crappie fishing jigs in Dallas

Reel in the Big Ones: Lake Tawakoni Fishing

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the best fishing waters Texas has to offer? Grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're headed out to Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork for a private 5-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Castaways Fishing Guide has got you covered for a day of hauling in catfish, white bass, crappie, and more. We'll get you on the fish and show you why these lakes are considered some of the top fishing spots in the Lone Star State.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You and a buddy, out on the pristine waters of Lake Tawakoni or Lake Fork, with nothing but blue skies above and fish-filled waters below. We'll meet up at Rabbit Cove Landing RV/Marina at 8 AM sharp, where your guide (that's me!) will be waiting with a fully-rigged boat and all the gear you need. Don't worry about bringing anything but your excitement and maybe a snack or two. We've got top-notch rods, reels, and bait all ready to go. Over the next five hours, we'll hit up the honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. And trust me, with years of experience on these lakes, I know exactly where those spots are.

Fishin' 101

Alright, let's talk technique. Depending on what's biting and where they're hiding, we might do some trolling for those hard-fighting white bass, or maybe we'll anchor up and bottom fish for some monster catfish. If the crappie are schooling, we might break out the jigs and do some vertical jigging around structure. Don't know what any of that means? No sweat! I'll walk you through everything, from baiting your hook to setting the drag on your reel. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro and telling fish tales of your own.

Target Species

Crappie: These tasty pan fish are a favorite among anglers, and for good reason. They're fun to catch and even better to eat. In the spring, you'll find them in shallow water, getting ready to spawn. Come summer, they head to deeper water and hang around submerged trees and brush piles. We'll use light tackle and small jigs to entice these speckled beauties.

White Bass: Also known as sand bass, these feisty fighters are a blast to catch. They school up and chase shad, creating exciting topwater action. Spring is prime time for white bass as they make their spawning runs up river tributaries. We'll troll or cast small spinners and crankbaits to get them fired up.

Channel Catfish: These whisker-faced bottom dwellers are plentiful in both Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork. They'll eat just about anything, but we'll use stink bait or cut bait to lure them in. Channel cats are most active at night, but we can still catch plenty during the day if we know where to look.

Blue Catfish: The big boys of the catfish world, blue cats can grow to enormous sizes in these lakes. Lake Tawakoni is known as the "Catfish Capital of Texas" for good reason. We'll use heavier gear and bigger baits when targeting these giants. Hold on tight when one of these bruisers takes the bait!

Barred Sand Bass: Cousin to the white bass, these fish are often caught while fishing for other species. They put up a good fight for their size and are fun to catch on light tackle. We'll use similar techniques as we do for white bass, focusing on areas where they're chasing bait fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, I've been guiding on these lakes for years, and I still get excited every time I head out. There's something special about the way the sun rises over the water, the anticipation of that first bite, and the thrill of reeling in a big one. But don't just take my word for it. Folks come from all over to fish these waters, and they leave with smiles on their faces and coolers full of fish. Whether you're looking to stock up your freezer or just want to experience some world-class fishing, Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork deliver the goods.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to join me for a day on the water you won't forget? With Castaways Fishing Guide, you're not just getting a fishing trip; you're getting a chance to make memories, learn new skills, and maybe even catch the fish of a lifetime. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the spots – all we need is you. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the best fishing Texas has to offer. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and the time is right. See you at the dock!

Learn more about the species

Barred Sand Bass

Barred sand bass don't actually live in our lakes, but we have similar fish called white bass and hybrid stripers. These hard-fighting fish hang out in open water chasing shad. They average 1-3 pounds and school up to feed, often near points and humps. Spring and fall are prime times when they push bait to the surface. Use lures that mimic shad like small jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. They fight hard for their size with strong runs. The meat is white and flaky. Local tip: Watch for gulls diving on the water - that usually means bass are pushing bait up top. Cast into the frenzy for fast action.

Blue Catfish

Blue cats are the big boys of Lake Tawakoni. These bruisers average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 50. You'll find them in deep water along river and creek channels. Use heavy tackle and big chunks of cut bait like shad or carp. Blues feed heavily in fall and winter when the water cools. They put up an incredible fight - get ready for some sore arms! The meat is good eating, especially from smaller fish. Local tip: To target trophy blues, use fresh caught shad and fish deep holes at night. Big blues often feed after dark and follow bait schools.

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are a Lake Tawakoni staple. These whiskered fish average 2-4 pounds but can reach over 20. Look for them along drop-offs, creek channels, and flats, especially near cover like stumps or logs. They're most active at night and feed by smell, so stinky baits work well. Cut bait, nightcrawlers, or prepared stink baits are all good choices. Use a sturdy rod and reel combo with 20-30 lb test line. Channel cats put up a good fight, especially the bigger ones. The meat is mild and great for frying. Local tip: For big channels, try drifting or slow trolling with cut bait near the river channel. The cats cruise these areas looking for an easy meal.

Crappie

Crappie are fun to catch and great eating fish. You'll find them hanging around brush piles and submerged timber in 10-20 feet of water. They average 7-12 inches but can get up to a couple pounds. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Use light tackle and small jigs or minnows under a bobber. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, so set the hook gently. They tend to school up, so if you catch one, there's likely more nearby. Night fishing with lanterns can be productive too. Crappie put up a decent fight for their size and are some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. Local tip: Try vertical jigging with a 1/16 oz white or chartreuse jig around brush piles - the crappie can't resist it.

White Bass

White bass are a blast to catch when they're schooling and feeding. These silvery fish with dark stripes average 1-2 pounds but can reach 3-4 pounds. You'll find them in open water chasing shad, often near points and humps. Spring is prime time as they run up rivers and creeks to spawn. Use light tackle and small lures like jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. White bass fight hard for their size, making long runs and even jumping occasionally. They often feed in big schools, so you can catch a bunch quickly when you find them. The meat is mild and flaky. Local tip: Watch for seagulls diving on the surface - that usually means white bass are pushing bait up top. Cast into the frenzy for nonstop action.

About the Sportsman Masters 227

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 44

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some laid-back lake fishing? Join us for a 5-hour trip on Lake Tawakoni or Lake Fork in Texas. We'll set out from Rabbit Cove Landing at 8 AM, aiming to reel in catfish, white bass, crappie, and whatever else is biting that day. Our experienced guide knows all the best spots and will help you maximize your chances of landing a good catch. This trip is perfect for a couple of friends or family members looking to spend a relaxing morning on the water. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourselves, some snacks, and your fishing licenses. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time, you'll enjoy the peaceful lake scenery and the excitement of feeling that tug on your line. Get ready for a fun day of fishing and making memories out on these beautiful Texas lakes.