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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 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 around submerged timber and brush piles. Early morning starts at 6 a.m. in summer maximize bite times when fish move shallow in warming waters. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are included, with Rick providing in-depth guidance on location strategies and seasonal patterns. Perfect for experienced anglers looking to refine their skills on Branson's productive lake fishing waters, these charters focus on quality catches and hands-on learning in the scenic Ozarks.
Fishing Charter with 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 starting at $400 for up to 2 anglers. Trips begin at 6 a.m. during summer months and 7 a.m. in winter to target peak feeding times when fish are most active. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are provided, along with Rick's expert guidance on advanced techniques and productive locations. Licensed and experienced, Rick specializes in helping seasoned anglers refine their skills while exploring the best fishing spots around Branson. Book online or call to reserve your Table Rock Lake fishing adventure.
Highlights of Branson Crappie Fishing Charter on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo
This charter focuses on advanced crappie fishing techniques around submerged timber and brush piles where fish concentrate during feeding periods. Rick shares location strategies developed through years of guiding on these productive Ozark waters, helping anglers understand seasonal patterns and structure fishing. The trip covers both jigging and baitcasting methods, switching between depths to locate active schools.
Table Rock Lake's clear waters and diverse structure create ideal habitat for both crappie and largemouth bass. May offers excellent conditions with warming waters bringing fish shallow, making it prime time for sight fishing and working cover. The scenic Ozark setting adds to the experience, with calm morning waters perfect for precision fishing techniques.
Local Species Insights: Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass thrive in Table Rock Lake's varied structure, from shallow coves with timber to deeper points and ledges. These fish relate strongly to cover, especially during spring when they move shallow for spawning activities. Rick targets them around brush piles, fallen trees, and rocky points using both finesse and power techniques. The lake's clear water requires careful presentation, but rewards anglers with quality fish that average 2-4 pounds with occasional trophy bass exceeding 6 pounds. Morning and evening periods produce the most consistent action when bass are actively feeding.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter includes a fully equipped bass boat with modern electronics for locating fish and navigating Table Rock Lake's 43,000 acres safely. Rick provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for the techniques you'll be using. The boat comfortably accommodates 2 anglers with plenty of room for casting and fighting fish. Safety equipment including life jackets are provided, and Rick maintains all required licensing and insurance. Dress in layers for early morning starts, and bring sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for protection on the water.
Fishing in Branson, MO: Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) represents the most celebrated member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae, order Perciformes. Distinguished by its olive-green coloration with dark horizontal bands and slightly forked tail, this iconic gamefish has captivated anglers across North America for generations. In Branson waters this May, these bass are particularly active as they transition from spawning to post-spawn feeding patterns.
Largemouth Bass Overview
The largemouth bass stands as North America's premier freshwater gamefish, prized for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Its distinctive large mouth extends past the eye when closed, separating it from its smallmouth cousin. The species thrives in diverse freshwater environments from natural lakes to man-made reservoirs like Table Rock Lake.
Largemouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish prefer waters with abundant cover including submerged timber, brush piles, and rocky structure. Table Rock Lake's clear Ozark waters provide ideal habitat with depths ranging from shallow spawning coves to 200-foot main lake points. They seek water temperatures between 65-75°F for optimal feeding, making spring and fall prime seasons around Branson.
Largemouth Bass Size and Weight
Adult largemouth bass typically range from 15 to 32 inches in length, weighing between 2 to 22 pounds. Table Rock Lake produces quality fish averaging 2-4 pounds, with trophy bass over 8 pounds caught annually. The Missouri state record of 13 pounds, 14 ounces demonstrates the potential for truly exceptional fish in Ozark waters.
Largemouth Bass Diet and Behavior
Opportunistic predators, largemouth bass feed on crayfish, shad, bluegill, and other forage fish. They ambush prey from cover, using their powerful suction feeding to engulf victims. Dawn and dusk periods trigger the most aggressive feeding, though they remain catchable throughout the day when using proper techniques and presentations.
Largemouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically March through May in Missouri. Males construct circular nests in shallow, protected areas with firm bottoms. During this period, bass become highly territorial and aggressive, making them vulnerable to well-presented lures and baits near spawning areas.
Largemouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include flipping jigs into heavy cover, working spinnerbaits around structure, and throwing topwater lures during low-light periods. Soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style excel in timber, while crankbaits cover water efficiently when locating active schools. In May around Branson, anglers find success targeting shallow cover during morning hours before fish retreat to deeper structure.
Largemouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Largemouth bass offers mild, flaky white meat with excellent protein content and low mercury levels. The flesh is versatile for grilling, frying, or baking, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery. Smaller bass under 15 inches typically provide the best table fare with firmer texture and milder flavor.
Largemouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for largemouth bass?
A: Plastic worms, jigs, and spinnerbaits consistently produce results, with live bait like shiners and crayfish also highly effective during slower periods.
Q: Where can I find largemouth bass near Branson?
A: Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer excellent bass fishing, with shallow coves, timber lines, and rocky points holding the most fish throughout the year.
Q: Is largemouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, largemouth bass provides excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's high in protein and low in mercury when properly prepared.
Q: When is the best time to catch largemouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening hours during spring and fall offer peak action, though bass remain catchable year-round with proper techniques and location selection.
More specie you can explore on this trip
Branson Champion Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Rick's bass boat is perfectly set up for Table Rock Lake fishing with modern electronics to locate fish and navigate the lake's structure safely. The boat provides comfortable seating for 2 anglers with plenty of casting room and storage for all the gear you'll need. Equipped with a reliable outboard motor and all required safety equipment, it's designed for both shallow water fishing around timber and accessing deeper structure where crappie and bass hold throughout the seasons.
