Sunset Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend Lake

Sunset Crappie Fishing on Toledo Bend Lake

Ready for some laid-back evening fishing on one of Texas' top crappie lakes? Join Captain Damon Borel for a 2-hour sunset trip that'll have you reeling in slabs as the sky turns orange. With four decades of experience on Toledo Bend, Damon knows exactly where those crappie are hiding. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure, this trip is the perfect way to unwind and hopefully land some dinner while you're at it.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll meet Captain Damon at his dock on Ramsey Drive in Hemphill, TX, right as the day starts cooling off. His 30-foot Crestline Party Barge is decked out for comfort and fishing success, with a cabin if you need a break from the sun, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and state-of-the-art electronics to find those crappie hotspots. There's even a fighting chair if you happen to hook into something bigger than expected! With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for families or a group of buddies looking to unwind after work. Damon's easygoing style means you'll be chatting and laughing while he shares local stories and his best crappie fishing tips.

Crappie Fishing 101

If you're new to crappie fishing, you're in for a treat. These tasty panfish are known for their light bite and delicious white meat. Damon will show you the ropes of vertical jigging - dropping your bait straight down next to structure where crappie like to hide. You might use live minnows or soft plastic jigs, depending on what the fish are biting that day. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools, so you're not just casting blindly. As the sun sets, crappie often become more active, giving you a great shot at filling the livewell. Don't worry if you're not an expert - Damon's patient teaching style means even first-timers often go home with a good catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the stars of this show, and Toledo Bend is famous for producing some real slabs. Both white and black crappie call these waters home, with fish over a pound not uncommon. These feisty panfish are known for their paper-thin mouths and light bite, making them a fun challenge even for experienced anglers. In the spring, they move to shallow water to spawn, often found around brush piles and submerged timber. As summer heats up, they head to deeper water, but Damon knows just where to find them. Fall and winter can see some of the biggest catches as crappie fatten up for the cold months. No matter the season, there's something special about feeling that distinctive tap on your line and reeling in a fish that looks like a silver dollar in the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's a reason Toledo Bend consistently ranks as one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country - but locals know it's just as good for crappie. The lake's endless coves, creek channels, and submerged timber create perfect crappie habitat. Damon's years on these waters mean he can put you on fish when others are coming up empty. Plus, there's something magical about being on the water as the sky turns pink and purple, with the chance of hooking into a slab crappie at any moment. It's a low-pressure way to introduce kids to fishing or just decompress after a long day. And let's not forget - if you have a good evening, you might be heading home with the makings of a delicious fish fry!

Top Catches This Season

While Toledo Bend is world-renowned for its largemouth bass, crappie fishing has been on fire lately. Anglers have been pulling in limits of fish in the 1-2 pound range, with some real monsters pushing 3 pounds showing up occasionally. Spring has seen some incredible spawning action in the shallows, while summer evenings have produced steady action over deeper brush piles. Fall is shaping up to be equally promising as the crappie fatten up for winter. Damon's trips have been averaging 15-30 fish per outing, with plenty of keeper-sized slabs for the dinner table.

More Than Just Fishing

Sure, the fishing is the main draw, but don't forget to soak in the scenery. Toledo Bend straddles the Texas-Louisiana border, offering beautiful piney woods shorelines and countless quiet coves to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife - you might spot deer coming down to the water's edge for an evening drink, or ospreys diving for their own fish dinner. The lake's 185,000 acres mean there's always a peaceful spot to drop a line, even on busy weekends. And those Texas sunsets? They're worth the trip even if the fish aren't biting. It's the perfect backdrop for making memories with family and friends.

What to Bring

Damon provides all the fishing gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you arrive - you can get one online or at most local sporting goods stores. Bring along some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you're out on the water. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket for when the sun goes down. A camera is a must for capturing those sunset views and your big catches. Oh, and if you're planning on keeping fish for dinner, you might want to bring a cooler for the ride home.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Toledo Bend for some evening crappie action, don't wait to book your trip with Captain Damon. These sunset slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a local looking for a quick after-work fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience some of Texas' best crappie fishing, this 2-hour trip is the perfect introduction to Toledo Bend. With Damon's expertise, top-notch equipment, and a lake full of hungry crappie, you're in for a relaxing evening with a good chance of tight lines. So grab your fishing buddies or round up the family - it's time to make some memories on the water!