1 Review
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The Lepomis Gulosus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 4 and 12 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 2 lbs. Habitat: river, lake, swamp, muddy, vegetation. - Known by 16 different nicknames including Strawberry Perch and Google-eye. - Belongs to the sunfish family like Largemouth Bass. - Larger mouth than similar species like Rock 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 warmouth using advanced techniques like jigging and baitcasting around submerged timber and brush piles. Early morning departures maximize bite times when fish move shallow in warming spring waters. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are included, making this charter perfect for seasoned anglers looking to refine their skills on two of the Ozarks' most productive lakes. Captain Rick provides in-depth guidance on location strategies and technique adjustments to help increase your catch success throughout the trip.
Guide Rick Skidmore of Champion Guide Service on Monday May leads 4-hour crappie and warmouth fishing charters starting at $350 for up to 2 anglers. Trips begin at 6 a.m. during summer months and 7 a.m. in winter to take advantage of prime feeding times when fish are most active. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment are provided, so you can focus on learning advanced techniques and location strategies. Book online or call to reserve your spot on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.
This charter focuses on targeting crappie and warmouth around submerged timber and brush piles using specialized techniques like jigging with Crappie Slammer Split Tail Shads and precision baitcasting. Guide Rick shares decades of local knowledge about reading water conditions, finding productive structure, and adjusting your approach based on seasonal patterns. The clear waters and diverse habitat of both lakes provide excellent opportunities to catch quality panfish while learning from an experienced local guide.
Table Rock Lake's deep, clear waters and Lake Taneycomo's tailwater fishery offer contrasting fishing environments within the same trip. You'll experience different techniques and target species as conditions change, making this an educational and productive day on the water for serious anglers looking to expand their skills.
Warmouth thrive in the vegetated coves and muddy bottom areas of Table Rock Lake, particularly around fallen timber and brush piles where they ambush prey. These scrappy panfish are most active during spring warming periods when they move shallow to feed aggressively. In May around Branson waters, warmouth often hold near structure in 8-15 feet of water, making them perfect targets for vertical jigging and careful baitcasting presentations.
Your charter includes a fully equipped bass boat with modern electronics, all fishing rods and tackle, and safety gear for up to 2 guests. Guide Rick provides hands-on instruction throughout the 4-hour trip, helping you understand seasonal patterns, structure reading, and technique refinement. Trips launch from convenient ramps on Table Rock Lake, with the flexibility to fish both Table Rock and Lake Taneycomo depending on conditions and your learning goals.
The Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) is a distinctive member of the Centrarchidae family, order Perciformes, known by over 16 colorful nicknames including Strawberry Perch, Google-eye, Mud Bass, and Stump Knocker. This scrappy panfish resembles the Rock Bass but features a notably larger mouth and heavier build. In Branson waters this May, warmouth become increasingly active as spring temperatures warm the shallows around Table Rock Lake.
Warmouth are aggressive predators that belong to the sunfish family alongside largemouth bass and bluegill. They're prized by anglers for their fighting ability and willingness to strike lures, making them excellent targets for both novice and experienced fishermen. Their distinctive large mouth and mottled coloration help distinguish them from similar panfish species.
These adaptable fish thrive in muddy-bottom lakes, swamps, rivers, and heavily vegetated areas throughout the southeastern United States. Around Branson, Missouri, warmouth concentrate in the shallow coves and timber-lined areas of Table Rock Lake, particularly where fallen trees and brush piles provide ambush cover.
Typical warmouth range from 4 to 12 inches in length, weighing between 1 to 2 pounds. While not the largest panfish, their stocky build and aggressive nature make them feel much larger when hooked on light tackle.
Warmouth are opportunistic predators that feed on small fish, crayfish, insects, and aquatic invertebrates. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, often holding tight to structure where they can ambush passing prey. During spring months, they become more aggressive as they prepare for spawning activities.
Spawning typically occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Males create circular nests in shallow, protected areas with sandy or gravel bottoms, often near vegetation or fallen timber. This spawning behavior makes them more accessible to anglers during spring months.
Effective techniques include jigging small plastics around structure, casting spinnerbaits near fallen timber, and using live bait like worms or minnows. Light tackle enhances the fight, while precise casting to specific structure is key. In May around Branson, anglers find success working brush piles and timber edges in 8-15 feet of water with small jigs and soft plastics.
Warmouth offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor. They're typically filleted and fried, though larger specimens can be baked or grilled. The meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for fish dinners.
Q: What is the best bait for warmouth?
A: Small jigs, live worms, minnows, and tiny spinnerbaits work best. Focus on presentations near structure like fallen trees and brush piles.
Q: Where can I find warmouth near Branson?
A: Table Rock Lake's shallow coves, particularly areas with fallen timber, vegetation, and muddy bottoms provide ideal warmouth habitat.
Q: Is warmouth good to eat?
A: Yes, warmouth have firm, white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent fried, baked, or grilled.
Q: When is the best time to catch warmouth?
A: Early morning and evening hours during spring and fall months when they're most active around shallow structure.
Guide Rick runs a modern bass boat equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate the best crappie and warmouth structure on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. The boat comfortably handles 2 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish around timber and brush piles. All safety equipment is onboard and the boat's shallow draft allows access to productive coves and backwater areas where panfish concentrate during spring feeding periods.