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Kid-Friendly Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend Lake
What you will be catching:
Crappie
- 4-hour kid-friendly crappie fishing on Toledo Bend Lake
- Expert guide with 40 years experience teaches fishing techniques
- Spacious 30-foot party barge accommodates up to 6 children
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Kid-Friendly Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend
Looking for a fun day out with the kids? Captain Damon Borel's half-day crappie fishing trip on Toledo Bend Lake is just the ticket. With 40 years of experience on these waters, Damon knows how to show families a great time and put smiles on young faces. His spacious 30-foot party barge is perfect for groups up to 6 kids, making this an ideal outing for families or small gatherings. Whether your little ones are first-time anglers or budding pros, they're in for a treat on this 4-hour adventure.
Trip Overview
You'll meet Captain Damon at 342 Ramsey Dr in Hemphill, TX, right on the shores of Toledo Bend. His Crestline Party Barge is a floating classroom and fishing platform all in one. With a comfortable cabin, live well for your catch, and even a fighting chair for those bigger fish, it's set up perfectly for a day of family fun. Damon's got all the gear you need, including a GPS and fish finder to put you right on top of the crappie. The 4-hour trip is just long enough to keep kids engaged without wearing them out. Plus, with Damon's patient teaching style, even complete newcomers to fishing will be reeling in crappie in no time.
Crappie Fishing 101
Crappie fishing is a blast for kids because it's active and the fish are just the right size for small hands. Captain Damon will show everyone how to use light tackle and small jigs or minnows to entice these tasty panfish. He'll teach the basics of casting, feeling for bites, and the all-important skill of setting the hook. Depending on the season, you might be fishing around submerged brush piles, near drop-offs, or along the edges of weed beds. Damon's years on Toledo Bend mean he knows exactly where the crappie are hiding. Kids will love watching the fish finder light up when you pass over a school of crappie – it's like a video game, but better!
What to Expect on the Water
Toledo Bend is a massive reservoir, spanning over 180,000 acres along the Texas-Louisiana border. But don't worry – Captain Damon knows all the best spots. You'll cruise to productive fishing grounds in comfort aboard his spacious party barge. The boat's stable platform makes it easy for kids to move around safely. Expect to try a few different spots throughout the trip as Damon puts his local knowledge to work. He'll explain why crappie prefer certain areas and how their habits change with the seasons. It's not just about catching fish – it's a chance for kids to learn about nature, water safety, and the importance of conservation.
Species You'll Want to Hook
While this trip focuses on crappie, Toledo Bend is home to a variety of fish species. Crappie, both black and white varieties, are the stars of the show. These silvery, speckled fish typically range from 8 to 12 inches long, making them perfect for young anglers to handle. Crappie are known for their delicious, mild-flavored white meat, and they're a blast to catch. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallow water to spawn. But Captain Damon's experience means you can catch them year-round. Kids love crappie fishing because these fish are aggressive biters – when they're on, it's non-stop action that keeps even short attention spans engaged.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Captain Damon's trip isn't just about catching fish – it's about creating memories. Parents love watching their kids light up with excitement as they reel in their first catch. The relaxed pace and Damon's friendly, patient approach make it stress-free for families. Many guests report that their kids can't stop talking about their fishing adventure for days afterward. It's a chance to unplug from screens and connect with nature and each other. Plus, the skills learned on this trip – from basic fishing techniques to respect for the environment – stick with kids long after they leave the lake.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to give your kids a day they'll never forget? Captain Damon's half-day crappie fishing trip on Toledo Bend is a surefire winner. With his wealth of experience, kid-friendly approach, and a boat that's perfect for families, you're in for a treat. Whether you're local to East Texas or visiting from out of state, this trip offers a unique way to experience one of the best fishing lakes in the country. Spaces are limited to ensure personal attention for each young angler, so don't wait to book. Grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready for a morning or afternoon of laughs, learning, and hopefully a cooler full of crappie. Call now to reserve your spot – the fish are biting, and Captain Damon is ready to show your family the best of Toledo Bend!
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
