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Caught a Smallmouth Bass Fishing Trip in Branson
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Branson, MO
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The Smallmouth Bass belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 12 and 27 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. - Habitat includes lakes and rivers with rocky structure. - Popular among anglers for their fighting ability and aggressive strikes.
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 smallmouth bass using advanced techniques like jigging and baitcasting around submerged timber and brush piles. Perfect for experienced anglers looking to refine their skills, trips include all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment. Early morning starts at 6 a.m. in summer and 7 a.m. in winter maximize bite times when fish are most active. The clear waters and scenic Ozark setting provide an ideal backdrop for productive fishing sessions targeting quality panfish and bass species.
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. This expert-guided trip includes all fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment with early morning departures to maximize fish activity. Rick specializes in advanced crappie techniques and location strategies, working submerged timber and brush piles where fish concentrate. Licensed and experienced, he provides in-depth guidance to help seasoned anglers increase their catch success across Branson's productive waters. 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 the productive waters around Cape Fair and Table Rock Lake's submerged structure where crappie and smallmouth bass thrive. Rick uses proven techniques like jigging with Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shads and strategic baitcasting to target fish holding at different depths. The trip covers prime fishing areas including timber lines and brush piles that attract feeding panfish throughout the season.
May offers excellent conditions with warming waters bringing fish up shallow and clear visibility for sight fishing opportunities. The scenic Ozark backdrop and calm morning waters create ideal fishing conditions while Rick shares local knowledge about seasonal patterns and productive techniques that work consistently on these Missouri lakes.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass in Table Rock Lake are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability in the clear, rocky waters. These bronze-backed fighters prefer structure like submerged timber, rock ledges, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. In May, smallmouth move into shallower areas for feeding, making them accessible to anglers using jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Rick targets them around the same structure that holds crappie, often resulting in mixed bags that keep the action exciting throughout the 4-hour trip.
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 anglers. Trips start early morning at 6 a.m. during summer months and 7 a.m. in winter to take advantage of prime feeding times. Rick provides expert instruction on advanced crappie techniques and shares local knowledge about seasonal patterns and productive areas. The boat is comfortable and stable for all skill levels, with a livewell to keep your catch fresh. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for a full day on Missouri's premier fishing waters.
Fishing in Branson, MO: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and ranks among the most sought-after freshwater gamefish. Known for their bronze-colored bodies with dark vertical stripes and red or brown eyes, these aggressive fighters thrive in the clear, rocky waters of Table Rock Lake. In Branson waters this May, smallmouth become increasingly active as temperatures warm and they move into shallower feeding areas.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
This member of the black bass family is prized by anglers for its pound-for-pound fighting ability and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Smallmouth prefer cooler, clearer waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, making Table Rock Lake's structure-rich environment ideal habitat. They're opportunistic predators that feed on crayfish, minnows, and aquatic insects.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
In Missouri's Ozark lakes, smallmouth bass inhabit rocky points, submerged timber, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Table Rock Lake's clear waters and abundant structure provide perfect conditions, with fish often found in 10-30 feet of water near bluff walls and creek channels. They prefer areas with current flow and rocky cover that offer both feeding opportunities and protection.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Table Rock Lake smallmouth typically range from 12 to 27 inches in length, weighing between 1 to 4 pounds. Trophy fish over 4 pounds are caught annually, with the lake's excellent forage base supporting healthy populations of quality-sized bass. Spring fishing often produces fish in the 2-3 pound range as they feed aggressively before spawning.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
These bass are primarily crayfish eaters, with their diet also including shad, minnows, and insects. They're most active during low-light periods at dawn and dusk, though they can be caught throughout the day around structure. Smallmouth are known for their aggressive strikes and tendency to jump when hooked, making them exciting targets for sport fishing.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, typically April through May in Missouri waters. Males build nests in shallow, rocky areas and guard eggs and fry aggressively. During this period, they become highly territorial and will strike lures that invade their nesting areas, though many anglers practice catch-and-release during spawning to protect the population.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include jigging with tube baits or grubs around rocky structure, casting crankbaits over submerged points, and working soft plastic crawfish imitations along the bottom. In May around Branson, anglers find success with 1/4-ounce jigs in brown or green colors that mimic crayfish, particularly when worked slowly around timber and rock piles where these bass ambush prey.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, making it suitable for grilling, baking, or frying. Rich in protein and low in mercury, it provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain populations, but kept fish should be cleaned promptly and kept cold for best quality.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?
A: Crayfish-colored jigs, tube baits, and soft plastic crawfish work exceptionally well. Live bait like minnows and crayfish are also highly effective, especially around rocky structure.
Q: Where can I find smallmouth bass near Branson?
A: Table Rock Lake's rocky points, bluff walls, and submerged timber provide prime habitat. Focus on areas with 10-30 feet of water near creek channels and drop-offs.
Q: Is smallmouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, smallmouth bass has excellent flavor with firm, white meat that's mild and sweet. It's versatile for cooking and provides good nutritional value with high protein content.
Q: When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening hours are most productive, though they can be caught throughout the day around structure. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when fish are actively feeding.
More specie you can explore on this trip
Branson Champion Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Rick runs a well-maintained bass boat perfectly suited for navigating Table Rock Lake's varied structure and depths. The boat features comfortable seating for 2 anglers, a reliable trolling motor for precise positioning around timber and brush piles, and a quality fish finder to locate productive areas. With ample storage for tackle and a functional livewell system, the setup allows for efficient crappie and bass fishing techniques while providing a stable platform for both jigging and casting presentations.
