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Expert-Guided DFW Lake Fishing Trip | Carey Thorn

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Lavon
  • $150 - $650 price range
  • Updated Date: August 21, 2025

Summary

Join Carey Thorn Fishing for a private half-day trip on the lakes around Dallas-Fort Worth. We'll head out early morning or late afternoon, with room for up to 4 anglers per boat. The fishing's good year-round, but we adjust our tactics with the seasons. In spring, we target spawning crappie in shallow cover. Once summer hits, we use Live Scope to find fish hiding deep in submerged timber. You might also hook into some bass, bluegill, or catfish while you're at it. The price is $400 for 1-2 people, with extra anglers at $100 each. We provide all the gear and know-how - you just need your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the cooler. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time. Just remember to give us a week's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Expert-Guided DFW Lake Fishing Trip | Carey Thorn

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

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3 white bass fish caught in Plano

Cooler full of Lake Lavon catfish and white bass

Four white bass and striped bass caught in Plano

Chilled and loaded with Lake Lavon white bass!

Angler with white bass catch in Plano

Heavy haul of Lake Lavon white bass—impressive!

Fishing in TX

Massive pile of Lake Lavon white bass—insane!

Angler with a large Largemouth Bass caught in TX

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3 anglers fishing in TX

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Seven people fishing in TX

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9 white bass and striped bass caught while fishing in TX

Loaded with Lake Lavon white bass!

7 white crappie fish caught in TX

Stacked with slab Lake Lavon crappie!

Photograph of a blue catfish caught in TX

Sunset catfish on Lake Lavon—massive!

3 white bass fish caught in Plano

Cooler full of Lake Lavon catfish and white bass

Four white bass and striped bass caught in Plano

Chilled and loaded with Lake Lavon white bass!

Angler with white bass catch in Plano

Heavy haul of Lake Lavon white bass—impressive!

Fishing in TX

Massive pile of Lake Lavon white bass—insane!

Angler with a large Largemouth Bass caught in TX

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3 anglers fishing in TX

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Seven people fishing in TX

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9 white bass and striped bass caught while fishing in TX

Loaded with Lake Lavon white bass!

7 white crappie fish caught in TX

Stacked with slab Lake Lavon crappie!

Photograph of a blue catfish caught in TX

Sunset catfish on Lake Lavon—massive!

3 white bass fish caught in Plano

Cooler full of Lake Lavon catfish and white bass

Four white bass and striped bass caught in Plano

Chilled and loaded with Lake Lavon white bass!

Angler with white bass catch in Plano

Heavy haul of Lake Lavon white bass—impressive!

Fishing in TX

Massive pile of Lake Lavon white bass—insane!

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DFW's Best-Kept Secret: Half-Day Lake Fishing

Get ready to cast your line into some of the best fishing spots around Dallas-Fort Worth. Carey Thorn Fishing offers a private half-day trip that'll have you reeling in memories faster than you can say "fish on!" Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to escape the city and wet a line. With year-round availability and expert guidance, you're in for a real treat on the local lakes.

Trip Overview

For just $400, you and a buddy can hop aboard for a half-day of guided fishing bliss. Want to bring more friends? No problem! Up to two more anglers can join for $100 each, maxing out at four guests total. We'll hit the water early at 6 AM for the morning bite, or if you're more of an afternoon person, we've got a 3:30 PM launch that'll put you on the fish as they start feeding for the evening. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite drinks. We've got all the gear and water covered, so you can focus on what matters - catching fish!

What to Expect on the Water

We keep things flexible to make sure you're on the fish no matter when you visit. In spring, we're all about that crappie spawn action. We'll be finessing jigs around shallow cover or slow-trolling near structure to load the boat with slabs. Once May rolls around, it's time to break out the big guns - Live Scope technology. This game-changer lets us pinpoint fish hiding deep in timber and brush piles, turning what used to be guesswork into a precision operation. But don't think we're one-trick ponies. Throughout the year, we'll also be targeting black bass, bluegill, and both channel and blue catfish. It's like a freshwater buffet out there, and we know just where to find the hot spots.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love our trips because we keep it real and productive. No fancy-pants outfits or stuffy attitudes here - just good old-fashioned fishing know-how and a passion for putting clients on fish. We've got years of experience navigating these waters, and we're always happy to share tips and tricks to help you improve your game. Plus, with our flexible booking and reasonable cancellation policy (just give us a 7-day heads up), it's easy to plan your perfect day on the water without stress. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, finally land that personal best, or just enjoy a peaceful morning away from the hustle and bustle, we've got you covered.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluegill: Don't let their size fool you - these feisty panfish are a blast to catch and make for some excellent eating. In the spring and summer, you'll find them swarming around shallow areas, ready to attack small jigs and worms. Kids especially love catching these colorful little fighters, and they're a great way to introduce newcomers to the joy of fishing.

Black Bass: The crown jewel of freshwater fishing, largemouth bass in the DFW area can grow to impressive sizes. These ambush predators love to hang around structure, so we'll be flipping jigs into heavy cover or working topwater lures across points and drop-offs. The explosive strikes and acrobatic fights make bass a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels.

Crappie: Often called "papermouths" due to their delicate lip structure, crappie are prized for both their fight and their flavor. In the spring, we'll target them during their spawn in shallow water. As the weather warms, we'll use our Live Scope to find schools suspended around deeper structure. Light tackle and a steady hand are key to success with these speckled beauties.

White Bass: Also known as "sand bass," these schooling fish can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're famous for their spring spawning runs up creeks and rivers, but we can target them year-round in the main lake bodies. When a school is feeding on the surface, the frenzy of splashing water is a sight to behold.

Blue Catfish: The heavyweight champs of our local lakes, blue cats can grow to enormous sizes. We'll use cut bait or prepared stinkbaits to tempt these bottom-dwelling giants. The fight of a big blue cat is something every angler should experience at least once - it's like trying to reel in a submarine!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about the awesome fishing opportunities waiting for you in the DFW area, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor wanting to sample some Texas-sized fishing action, our half-day trips offer the perfect blend of convenience and excitement. With our expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and intimate knowledge of the local waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. So why wait? Grab your fishing buddy (or three), and let's make some waves. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is just a cast away. Book your trip with Carey Thorn Fishing today, and get ready to create some reel memories on the lakes of DFW!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are a popular target for both recreational and sport anglers along the Atlantic coast. These striking fish are known for their dark, patterned bodies, with males often displaying vibrant blue and green hues during spawning season. Typically found near rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks, Black Sea Bass feed on small crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Their firm, white flesh makes them a favorite on the dinner plate, prized for both flavor and versatility in cooking.

Anglers often target Black Sea Bass using bottom rigs, jigs, or bait like squid and crabs. They are relatively slow-growing but can live over a decade, reaching weights up to 5–6 pounds and lengths of 20 inches or more. Black Sea Bass are not only a fun catch for sport but also contribute to healthy marine ecosystems by keeping invertebrate populations in balance. Their seasonal migrations and tendency to school make them ideal for group fishing adventures or guided trips along the coast.

Black Sea Bass

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the bruisers of our lakes, with trophy potential to excite any angler. While most run 5-20 pounds, giants over 50 are possible. You'll find them in deeper channels and holes, often near structure or drop-offs. Late spring through fall is prime time. Folks love targeting blues for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating qualities. To hook into a big one, try bottom fishing with cut bait like shad or skipjack. My local tip: anchor up on a channel edge and put out a spread of rods with baits at different depths. Blues often cruise these edges looking for an easy meal. Fresh bait and patience are key - when that rod doubles over, hang on tight!

Blue Catfish

Bluegill

Bluegill are feisty little panfish that pack a lot of fun into a small package. Most run 6-8 inches, but big ones can hit a pound. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas near shore, especially around docks and fallen trees. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're spawning, but you can catch them year-round. Folks love targeting bluegill because they're scrappy fighters on light tackle and taste great in the frying pan. To land a bunch, try a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Work it slowly around structure and you're bound to get some bites. My local tip: early mornings are best, before the sun gets high. The bluegill bite really fires up at first light.

Bluegill

Crappie

Crappie are popular gamefish that school up in our lakes and rivers. Most run 8-12 inches and weigh under a pound. You'll find them hanging around brush piles, submerged timber, and other structure. Spring is prime time during the spawn, but we catch them year-round. Folks love crappie fishing because they're fun to catch and make excellent table fare. To get on a good bite, try spider rigging with small jigs around deeper structure. My top local tip: use your electronics to find schools suspending over brush piles, then drop your baits right on their heads. When you find the school, you can often catch a bunch before they scatter. Light line and a sensitive rod are key for detecting those subtle bites.

Crappie

White Bass

White bass are scrappy fighters that make for exciting light tackle action. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds. You'll find them schooling in open water, often chasing shad near the surface. Spring is prime time when they run up creeks and rivers to spawn, but summer and fall can be great too. Folks love white bass because they're aggressive strikers and you can catch them by the dozens when you find a school. To get in on the action, watch for surface activity and cast small jigs or spoons into the fray. My local tip: keep an eye out for gulls diving - that often means white bass are pushing bait to the surface. Follow the birds and you'll find the fish.

White Bass

About the Sandy

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 31

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Ready for some laid-back fishing in the heart of Texas? Join us for a half-day adventure on the lakes around Dallas-Fort Worth. Our seasoned guide knows all the best spots to reel in crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish. We've got the gear and know-how to make your trip a success, whether you're casting in shallow coves during the spring spawn or using high-tech sonar to find those deep-water hotspots in summer. Bring a buddy or come solo – our boat comfortably fits up to two anglers, with room for more if you want to make it a group outing. We'll provide the boat, tackle, and local expertise; you just need your fishing license and some snacks. Choose a sunrise start or an afternoon session to fit your schedule. With year-round fishing and a variety of species to target, there's always something biting in the DFW lakes. Come see why locals and visitors alike love wetting a line in these waters.

Carey Thorn Fishing

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Ready for the ultimate fishing adventure? Book your trip with Carey Thorn Fishing today and experience the best of Texas waters—unforgettable catches await!

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