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Caught a Largemouth Bass Fishing Charter in Branson
Largemouth Bass Fishing in Branson, MO
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The Largemouth Bass 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 and renowned game fish. - Green or olive-green color body with dark horizontal markings.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Rick Skidmore in August
Meet your Guide Rick Skidmore
- Branson MO Fishing Guide, Reel in Adventure Today
Summary
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 across submerged timber and brush piles. Starting at 6 a.m. in summer and 7 a.m. in winter to maximize bite times, all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are provided. Captain Rick shares in-depth local knowledge to help experienced anglers refine their skills and increase catch success on these productive Ozark lakes. The clear waters and warming temperatures make May an excellent time for targeting panfish species in the scenic Branson area.
Fishing Charter with Guide Rick Skidmore – Rates & Booking
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 is designed for experienced anglers looking to refine their techniques and target quality fish in Branson's productive waters. Trips start early at 6 a.m. during summer months and 7 a.m. in winter to take advantage of prime feeding times. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are included, with Rick providing expert guidance on advanced crappie fishing techniques and location strategies. Book your Branson fishing adventure online or call for current rates and availability.
Highlights of Branson Crappie Fishing Charter on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo
This charter focuses on the clear, productive waters of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, where submerged timber and brush piles create ideal habitat for crappie and bass. Guide Rick uses a combination of jigging and baitcasting techniques, working different depths to locate where fish are holding. The scenic Ozark setting provides a beautiful backdrop while you target quality panfish species. May offers excellent conditions with warming waters bringing fish up shallow, making it prime time for both crappie and largemouth bass fishing.
The 4-hour trip allows plenty of time to cover productive areas and try various techniques. Rick shares local knowledge about seasonal patterns, bait selection, and structure fishing that helps experienced anglers improve their success rate. Whether you're working Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shads around timber or targeting bass with precision casting, this charter delivers both education and action on two of Missouri's premier fishing destinations.
Local Species Insights: Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass thrive in the clear waters of Table Rock Lake, using the abundant submerged timber and rocky structure as ambush points. These fish are most active during early morning and late evening hours, making dawn trips particularly productive. In May, bass move into shallower areas as water temperatures warm, positioning themselves near spawning beds and feeding aggressively. Rick's expertise with both heavy and light tackle techniques allows anglers to adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior throughout the day.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment for up to 2 guests. Rick provides rods, reels, and a variety of lures and baits suited to current conditions. The boat is equipped for comfortable fishing with easy access to productive areas on both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Early start times ensure you're on the water during peak feeding periods, and Rick's local knowledge helps maximize your time in the most productive spots. Dress in layers for changing morning temperatures and bring sun protection for later in the day.
Fishing in Branson, MO: Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) stands as the most famous and largest member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae, belonging to the order Perciformes. This renowned game fish displays a distinctive green to olive-green coloration with dark horizontal markings along its body, earning it the nickname "black bass." In Branson waters this May, these aggressive predators are moving into shallow areas as temperatures warm, making them prime targets for experienced anglers.
Largemouth Bass Overview
Largemouth bass are apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, known for their explosive strikes and powerful fights. They feature a slightly forked tail and soft dorsal fin rays separated by deep notches. The species gets its name from the large mouth that extends past the eye when closed, allowing them to consume prey up to half their body length.
Largemouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with abundant cover. In Missouri's Table Rock Lake, they utilize submerged timber, rocky points, and brush piles as ambush locations. They prefer water temperatures between 65-75°F and are commonly found in depths ranging from shallow flats to 20-foot drop-offs near structure.
Largemouth Bass Size and Weight
Adult largemouth bass typically range from 15 to 32 inches in length, weighing between 2 to 22 pounds. The average fish measures 12-24 inches and weighs 1-4.5 pounds, though Table Rock Lake produces trophy specimens exceeding these averages due to excellent forage and habitat conditions.
Largemouth Bass Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed on crayfish, shad, bluegill, and other baitfish. They hunt primarily during dawn and dusk hours, using cover to ambush unsuspecting prey. During spring spawning season, males become highly territorial and aggressive, striking lures that invade their nesting areas.
Largemouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically from March through May in Missouri waters. Males create circular nests in shallow areas with hard bottoms, then guard eggs and fry aggressively. This protective behavior makes spring an excellent time for anglers targeting aggressive bass.
Largemouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include jigging with soft plastics around structure, casting spinnerbaits over submerged timber, and working topwater lures during low-light periods. In May around Branson, anglers find success using Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shads near brush piles and rocky points, varying retrieval speeds to trigger strikes from both active and neutral fish.
Largemouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Largemouth bass offer mild, white meat with a firm texture when properly prepared. They're excellent grilled, fried, or baked, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations. The meat is low in mercury and provides good protein content, making it a healthy dining option.
Largemouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for largemouth bass?
A: Live bait like shiners and crayfish work well, but artificial lures such as soft plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are highly effective and allow for more precise presentations around structure.
Q: Where can I find largemouth bass near Branson?
A: Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer excellent bass fishing, with fish concentrating around submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels. Focus on areas with structure in 8-15 feet of water.
Q: Is largemouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, largemouth bass have mild, flaky white meat that's excellent when fresh. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery for future generations.
Q: When is the best time to catch largemouth bass?
A: Early morning and late evening provide the best action, especially during spring and fall. In May, pre-spawn and spawning bass are particularly aggressive and easier to locate in shallow water.
More specie you can explore on this trip
Branson Champion Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Guide Rick operates a well-equipped bass boat designed for navigating Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo's varied waters. The boat features comfortable seating for up to 2 anglers with easy casting access from multiple positions. All safety equipment is onboard including life jackets and emergency gear. The boat's shallow draft allows access to productive timber areas and brush piles where crappie and bass concentrate. Rod holders and tackle storage keep gear organized, while the quiet trolling motor ensures stealthy approaches to structure without spooking fish.
