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Expert Guided Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend
What you will be catching:
Crappie
- Half-day crappie fishing trips on Toledo Bend with experienced guide
- Fully-equipped 30-foot party barge accommodates groups of 3-5 anglers
- All tackle and equipment provided for hands-on fishing experience
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Half Day Crappie Bonanza on Toledo Bend
Ready for a crappie-catching adventure on one of the South's best lakes? Captain Damon Borel's got you covered with his half-day guided trip on Toledo Bend. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, this 4-hour outing is perfect for reeling in some slabs and making memories on the water. Damon's been guiding for six years, but he's got a whopping 40 years of experience on Toledo Bend under his belt. That means you're in for a day of expert tips, prime fishing spots, and plenty of laughs along the way.
What to Expect on the Water
Your crappie quest kicks off at 342 Ramsey Dr in Hemphill, TX, where you'll hop aboard Damon's 30-foot Crestline Party Barge. This isn't your average fishing boat – we're talking a fully decked-out vessel with a cabin (hello, shade on sunny days), a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and even a fighting chair for when you hook into something big. Damon's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait, so all you have to bring is your excitement and maybe a snack or two. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect setup for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.
Crappie Catching 101
Alright, let's talk crappie fishing. On Toledo Bend, we typically use two main techniques: spider rigging and single-pole jigging. Spider rigging is like fishing on steroids – we'll set up multiple rods off the front of the boat, creating a wide spread to cover more water. It's a great way to find schools of crappie and figure out what depth they're hanging at. Once we locate a honey hole, we might switch to single-pole jigging, where you'll get hands-on with a lightweight rod, dropping jigs near structure or brush piles. Damon's boat is equipped with top-notch electronics, including GPS and a fish finder, so we'll be zeroing in on those crappie hotspots in no time. Whether you're a beginner or an old pro, Damon's got the patience and know-how to help you improve your technique and put more fish in the boat.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Toledo Bend isn't just any lake – it's consistently ranked as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country, but let me tell you, the crappie fishing here is world-class too. The lake's vast expanse (it covers over 185,000 acres!) means there's always a new spot to explore. And with Damon's deep knowledge of the lake, you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of Toledo Bend's best crappie hangouts. Plus, there's something special about being out on the water, surrounded by the piney woods of East Texas, with the possibility of a cooler full of tasty crappie at the end of the day. It's no wonder folks keep coming back year after year for another round with Captain Damon.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Crappie might be the star of the show on this trip, but Toledo Bend is home to a variety of other game fish too. Let's break down what you might find on the end of your line:
Crappie: These pan-sized powerhouses are the main target on this trip. Toledo Bend is home to both black and white crappie, with fish averaging around 1-2 pounds. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing when they move into shallow water to spawn, but Damon knows how to find them year-round. Crappie are known for their light bite and tasty white meat – they're often called "papermouths" due to their delicate mouth structure.
Largemouth Bass: While we're focused on crappie, don't be surprised if you hook into a lunker bass. Toledo Bend is famous for its big bass, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon. They're aggressive predators and put up a great fight on light tackle.
Catfish: Channel and blue catfish also call Toledo Bend home. These bottom-dwellers can grow to impressive sizes and are fun to catch when they decide to crash the crappie party.
White Bass: Also known as sand bass, these scrappy fighters often school up and can provide fast action when you find them. They're especially active in the spring during their spawning run.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching to get out on Toledo Bend and fill a stringer with some slab crappie, Captain Damon's your guy. With his years of experience, fully rigged boat, and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a treat. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes of crappie fishing or just want a relaxing day on the water with a good chance of a fish fry at the end, this half-day trip hits the spot. Remember, Toledo Bend's a popular destination, so don't wait to book your spot. Give Captain Damon a call, and get ready to make some waves (and catch some crappie) on one of the South's best lakes. Trust me, once you've experienced crappie fishing on Toledo Bend, you'll be hooked!
Learn more about the species
Crappie
Crappie (Poxomis)
Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.
Crappie Habitat and Distribution
Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.
Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.
Crappie Size and Weight
Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.
Crappie Interesting Facts
Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.
- Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
- Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
- Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
- Crappie travels in schools.
- Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
- Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.
Is Crappie Good to Eat?
Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.
When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.
Crappie Spawning
Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.
Crappie Food
Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.
Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:
Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.
Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.
Fly Fishing for Crappie:
- Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
- The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
- Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.
Crappie Baits and Lures:
- Spinners
- Pan-fish jigs
- Small crankbaits
- Insects
- Worms
- Streamer flies
- Small minnows
- Nymphs
About the Borderline Crappie Trips
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 12
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
