Fishing Frenzy

Table Rock State Park is located around 6 miles from Hollister, MO, near the southern border of the state. Its beautiful surroundings offer outdoor enthusiasts a host of opportunities to get out in the fresh air. This includes an artificial lake that was created by the construction of a dam and visitors can try some Table Rock State Park bass fishing on this.

Private watercraft are allowed on the lake and can be launched at no cost using one of the boat ramps around the park. Those that want to leave their vessel in place on the water can do so at the State Park Marina. This modern facility boasts in excess of 600 boat slips that can accommodate a variety of boat sizes. These are available for yearly hire and ensure a boat is ready and available when needed.

Anyone interested in hiring a boat to get out on the lake can do so at the State Park Marina. It has a few different vessels available, which can be taken out for a few hours only or for the entire day. Groups of up to four fishermen should look to the Bass Boat for hire, which is set up with angling in mind. Larger parties can consider one of the bigger vessels such as a pontoon or tritoon, with these capable of taking up to 14 passengers.

Table Rock Lake has a shoreline that extends to over 700 miles. This provides plenty of opportunities to find a spot for those that do not want to get out on the water to catch some bass. Fishing in the lake is permitted for twenty four hours a day. However, there is a day-use only area and those using this should be aware that it is only available between the hours of six in the morning and ten at night.

Browsing the website of the Missouri Department of Conservation is a smart move for anglers prior to making a visit. It offers a variety of information on fishing conditions and the species that are most abundant in the lake. While white bass are present in the water, black bass species such as smallmouth and largemouth tend to be more common.

Bass fishing in Missouri has its own set of rules, with the Conservation Department being the best option to find these. They set out regulations that cover the legal size for caught bass that can be kept, permitted day catch limits, and the number of fish an angler can possess at any one time. The Department also provides helpful details on how best to fish for bass to make a catch more likely.

Those intending to spend some time fishing at the lake should ensure they have the appropriate license to do so. These can be purchased on a daily, annual, or lifetime basis and should be carried while fishing in case inspection is required. They can be purchased beforehand through the Department of Conservation although there are vendors in the area of the park that also have them available for anyone looking to buy on the day they fish.

The marina at Table Rock Lake has a store that caters to fishermen needing supplies before they get out on the lake. This includes basic angling gear, such as bait, tackle, and other accessories. Layout plans of the lake are also available and maps that show the best fishing spots. Other items that may be of use include boat accessories and clothing.