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Caught a Largemouth Bass Fishing Trip in Branson
Largemouth Bass Fishing in Branson, MO
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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 earning the nickname "black bass".
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 bait casting. Perfect for seasoned anglers looking to refine their skills, trips start early to maximize bite times with all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment provided. Rick shares in-depth local knowledge to help you make the most of your time on these productive Ozark waters, whether you're working submerged timber for crappie or casting for bass along structure.
Fishing Charter with Rick Skidmore – Rates & Booking
Guide Rick Skidmore of Champion Guide Service on Monday May leads 4-hour fishing charters on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo starting at 6 a.m. in summer and 7 a.m. in winter. This guided fishing trip is designed for experienced anglers who want to master advanced crappie and bass techniques. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are included, with Rick providing detailed guidance on location strategies and seasonal patterns. Book your Branson fishing adventure online or call to check availability for your preferred dates.
Highlights of Branson Crappie Fishing Charter on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo
This charter focuses on the productive waters around Cape Fair and Table Rock Lake, where submerged timber and brush piles hold quality crappie and largemouth bass. Rick uses a combination of jigging and bait casting techniques, adjusting depths based on seasonal conditions and fish behavior. May offers excellent fishing with warming waters bringing fish up shallow, while clear conditions allow for precise presentations around structure.
The trip covers different areas of these connected lake systems, from the main lake points to protected coves where panfish congregate. Rick's local expertise helps anglers understand how to read the water and locate fish-holding structure, making this an educational experience as much as a productive fishing trip.
Local Species Insights: Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass in Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo thrive in the clear, structured waters of the Ozark region. These fish relate heavily to submerged timber, rocky points, and brush piles throughout the lake system. During May in Branson waters, bass move into shallow areas for post-spawn feeding, making them accessible to both jigging and casting techniques. The lake's consistent water levels and abundant forage create ideal conditions for growing quality bass that fight hard when hooked.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes a fully equipped boat with all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment for up to 2 guests. Rick provides rods, reels, and a selection of proven lures including Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shads and other effective presentations. Early morning starts take advantage of prime feeding times, with trips launching from convenient boat ramps around the Table Rock Lake area. Dress in layers for changing conditions and bring sun protection for a comfortable day on the water.
Fishing in Branson, MO: Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) represents the most celebrated member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae, belonging to the order Perciformes. This iconic game fish displays a distinctive green to olive-green coloration with dark horizontal markings along its sides, earning it the popular nickname "black bass." In Branson waters this May, these aggressive predators become increasingly active as water temperatures warm.
Largemouth Bass Overview
The largemouth bass stands as North America's premier freshwater game fish, prized for its explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Distinguished by its large mouth that extends past the eye when closed and a slightly forked tail, this species thrives in the structured waters of Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo where abundant cover and forage create ideal hunting grounds.
Largemouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout their range, showing a strong preference for areas with submerged timber, rocky structure, and vegetation. In the Ozark lakes around Branson, largemouth bass utilize the extensive timber and brush piles created by the lake's formation, along with natural rock formations and creek channels.
Largemouth Bass Size and Weight
Adult largemouth bass typically range from 15 to 32 inches in length, with weights spanning 2 to 22 pounds. Most fish caught by anglers measure 12 to 24 inches and weigh between 1 to 4.5 pounds, though Table Rock Lake produces trophy specimens that exceed these averages due to excellent habitat and forage conditions.
Largemouth Bass Diet and Behavior
As opportunistic predators, largemouth bass feed on crayfish, shad, bluegill, and other forage fish. They exhibit ambush feeding behavior, using cover to surprise prey with explosive strikes. Dawn and dusk represent peak feeding periods, though they remain active throughout the day when conditions are favorable, particularly during the spring and fall transitions.
Largemouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically March through May in Missouri waters. Males construct nests in shallow, protected areas with firm bottoms, becoming highly aggressive during this period. Post-spawn fish often feed heavily to recover energy, making late spring an excellent time for targeting quality bass.
Largemouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include casting spinnerbaits and crankbaits around structure, flipping jigs into heavy cover, and working soft plastics along drop-offs. Topwater lures produce exciting action during low-light periods, while deep-diving crankbaits and Carolina rigs work well in deeper water. In May around Branson, anglers find success targeting shallow cover and transition zones where bass move between spawning and summer patterns.
Largemouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Largemouth bass offers mild, white meat with a firm texture that adapts well to various cooking methods including grilling, frying, and baking. The flesh provides excellent protein content and essential nutrients, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations and preserve the fishing experience for future generations.
Largemouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for largemouth bass?
A: Plastic worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits all produce excellent results, with selection depending on water conditions, season, and structure being fished.
Q: Where can I find largemouth bass near Branson?
A: Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer excellent bass fishing, particularly around submerged timber, rocky points, creek channels, and brush piles throughout the lake systems.
Q: Is largemouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, largemouth bass provides mild, firm white meat that's excellent grilled, fried, or baked, though many anglers practice catch-and-release for conservation.
Q: When is the best time to catch largemouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening hours typically produce the best action, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing as bass feed actively during these transition periods.
More specie you can explore on this trip
Branson Champion Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
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.
