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The Micropterus Salmoides belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 15 and 32 inches in length, with a weight range from 2 to 22 lbs. Habitat: lake, pond, rivers. - Most famous member of the sunfish family. - Renowned game fish with green or olive-green coloration. - Features dark horizontal markings giving it the nickname black bass.
Guide Rick Skidmore of Champion Guide Service on Monday May offers expert-led fishing charters on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri. This 4-hour guided fishing trip targets crappie and largemouth bass using advanced techniques like jigging and baitcasting around submerged timber and brush piles. Starting at 6 a.m. in summer and 7 a.m. in winter to maximize bite times, the charter includes all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment. Captain Rick provides in-depth guidance on location strategies and crappie fishing techniques, making this trip ideal for experienced anglers looking to refine their skills on Branson's productive lakes. The scenic Ozark waters offer clear conditions and warming temperatures that bring fish up shallow during prime fishing months.
Guide Rick Skidmore of Champion Guide Service on Monday May leads 4-hour crappie and bass fishing charters on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. This guided fishing trip starts at 6 a.m. in summer and 7 a.m. in winter, includes all fishing gear and tackle, and accommodates up to 2 guests. Rick specializes in advanced crappie fishing techniques and location strategies around submerged timber and brush piles. Licensed guide with local experience on Branson's productive lakes. Contact Champion Guide Service for current rates and availability.
This expert-led charter focuses on crappie and largemouth bass using jigging and baitcasting techniques around Table Rock Lake's structure. Rick targets submerged timber and brush piles where fish hold during different seasons. The trip includes Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shad and other proven tackle for Ozark waters. Early morning starts maximize bite times when fish are most active in shallow areas.
Table Rock Lake's clear waters and scenic Ozark setting provide excellent fishing conditions from spring through fall. The charter covers different depths and techniques to locate fish, with Rick sharing in-depth guidance on reading structure and seasonal patterns. All safety equipment provided for a comfortable day on the water.
Largemouth bass thrive in Table Rock Lake's diverse habitat of submerged timber, rocky points, and shallow coves. These fish move between deep structure and shallow feeding areas based on water temperature and season. In May around Branson, bass become more active as waters warm, making them excellent targets alongside crappie. Rick uses both light and heavy tackle depending on cover and fish behavior, with baitcasting and jigging proving most effective around the lake's abundant structure.
Your 4-hour charter includes all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment with capacity for 2 anglers. Trips start early morning to take advantage of prime feeding times when fish are most active. Rick provides expert guidance on technique and location selection throughout the trip. The boat is equipped for comfortable fishing on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo's varied waters. Bring sun protection, snacks, and drinks for your Ozark fishing adventure.
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, these aggressive predators become increasingly active as temperatures warm.
The largemouth bass stands as America's most popular freshwater game fish, prized for its fighting ability and widespread distribution. Distinguished by its large mouth that extends past the eye when closed, this species features a slightly forked tail and soft dorsal fin rays separated by deep notches. Anglers value largemouth bass for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights.
These adaptable fish thrive in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with abundant cover. Table Rock Lake near Branson provides ideal habitat with submerged timber, rocky points, and shallow coves. Largemouth bass prefer areas with structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and vegetation where they can ambush prey.
Adult largemouth bass typically range from 15 to 32 inches in length, weighing between 2 and 22 pounds. Most fish caught by anglers measure 12 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 4.5 pounds. Trophy specimens over 8 pounds are considered exceptional catches in Missouri waters.
These opportunistic predators feed on fish, crayfish, frogs, and aquatic insects. They hunt by ambushing prey from cover, using their large mouth to create suction and engulf food items. Bass are most active during dawn and dusk, though they feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically April through June in Missouri. Males create circular nests in shallow areas with firm bottoms, aggressively defending eggs and fry. This protective behavior makes bass more aggressive and easier to catch during spawning periods.
Effective techniques include baitcasting with plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around structure. Jigging works well in deeper water, while topwater lures excel during early morning and evening. In May around Branson, anglers find success targeting shallow coves and timber edges where bass move to feed and spawn.
Largemouth bass offers mild, white meat with a firm texture when properly prepared. The flesh is lean and high in protein, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations. Smaller bass under 15 inches typically provide the best eating quality with fewer environmental concerns.
Q: What is the best bait for largemouth bass?
A: Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits work well, with live bait like shiners and crawfish also effective around structure.
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.
Q: Is largemouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, bass provides mild white meat that's high in protein, though many anglers practice catch-and-release for conservation.
Q: When is the best time to catch largemouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening during spring and fall, with spawning season in April-June providing excellent action in Missouri.
Captain Rick Skidmore's crappie fishing charter takes you out on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo for a focused 4-hour trip. You'll cruise these prime Branson, Missouri waters in a well-equipped boat designed for serious anglers. With room for two guests, there's plenty of space to cast your lines and reel in some impressive catches. The early morning departure means you'll be on the water when the fish are most active. Captain Rick provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to specialized crappie lures. His years of experience on these lakes means he knows just where to find the best spots. You'll learn advanced techniques to improve your crappie fishing game, picking up tips on everything from bait selection to interpreting fish finders. It's a hands-on experience perfect for those looking to level up their angling skills in some of the Midwest's most productive waters.