Largemouth Bass Fishing with Rick in Kimberling City

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) represents the most famous and largest member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae within the order Perciformes. This renowned game fish displays a distinctive green or olive-green body coloration with dark horizontal markings that earned it the nickname "black bass." In Branson waters this May, anglers find these aggressive predators around Table Rock Lake's extensive timber structure.

Largemouth Bass Overview

The largemouth bass stands as North America's most popular freshwater game fish, prized for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Distinguished by its large mouth that extends past the eye when closed, this bass species thrives in diverse freshwater environments from small ponds to large reservoirs like Table Rock Lake.

Largemouth Bass Habitat and Distribution

These adaptable fish inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs throughout their range. In Missouri's Ozark region, largemouth bass flourish in Table Rock Lake's clear waters, utilizing submerged timber, rocky points, and shallow coves for feeding and spawning. They prefer areas with cover and structure where they can ambush prey.

Largemouth Bass Size and Weight

Adult largemouth bass typically measure 15 to 32 inches in length and weigh between 2 to 22 pounds. Most recreational catches range from 12 to 24 inches, weighing 1 to 4.5 pounds. Trophy specimens over 8 pounds are considered exceptional catches that represent years of growth in productive waters.

Largemouth Bass Diet and Behavior

These opportunistic predators feed on crayfish, smaller fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. They're most active during dawn and dusk, using ambush tactics near cover. Seasonal behavior changes dramatically, with spring spawning bringing them into shallow areas where they become more aggressive and easier to target.

Largemouth Bass Spawning Season

Spawning occurs when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically April through June in Missouri waters. Males create circular nests in shallow areas with hard bottoms, becoming extremely territorial and aggressive during this period. This spawning behavior makes spring an excellent time for anglers targeting bass.

Largemouth Bass Fishing Techniques

Effective techniques include jigging with soft plastics, casting spinnerbaits around cover, and working topwater lures during low-light periods. Popular baits include plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and live bait like shiners. In May, anglers around Branson find success targeting shallow spawning areas with sight fishing techniques and working jigs near timber structure.

Largemouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?

Largemouth bass offers mild, white meat with a firm texture when properly prepared. The flesh is lean and high in protein while being relatively low in mercury compared to some fish species. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations, though bass can be excellent table fare when filleted and prepared fresh.

Largemouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for largemouth bass?

A: Soft plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are most effective. Live shiners and crayfish also work well, especially during spawning season when bass are aggressive.

Q: Where can I find largemouth bass near Branson?

A: Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer excellent bass fishing around submerged timber, rocky points, and shallow coves. Focus on areas with structure and cover where bass ambush prey.

Q: Is largemouth bass good to eat?

A: Yes, largemouth bass provides mild, white meat that's high in protein and low in mercury. The flesh has a firm texture and mild flavor that works well with various cooking methods.

Q: When is the best time to catch largemouth bass?

A: Early morning and evening provide the best action, with spring spawning season offering exceptional opportunities. May through June is prime time in Missouri waters when bass are shallow and aggressive.