Missouri Changes Table Rock Lake Rules, Anglers Upset

The Missouri Department of Conservation has just made some changes for bass fishing at Table Rock Lake and there are some fishermen who are not please with the new regulations.

The Missouri Department of Conservation just shared a press release yesterday about new regulations for spotted bass fishing at Table Rock Lake. Their statement says the following:

"the new minimum length limit for the spotted bass (also called Kentucky bass) will lower from 15 inches to 12 inches. This new minimum length regulation will go into effect April 30"

The minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass will remain 15 inches. Why then are some Missouri fishermen not happy? Intuitive Angling With Randy Blaukat on YouTube explained the issue he and many other veteran fisherman have with the new Table Rock Lake spotted bass rules.

While I highly recommend listening to Randy's much more informed and detailed explanation, I can share the simple version. His belief is that the Missouri Department of Conservation believes the 11 to 14 inch spotted bass are taking over Table Rock Lake, but he believes the 15 inch and larger bass are being greatly lessened by tournament fisherman and those who are fishing for meat and eating the bass instead of releasing them. There's also the factor of fisherman using modern technology and lures which are capable of reaching the depths were bass had sanctuaries before. Yes, this is a complicated issue.

I caught a 7 1/2 pound bass while fishing with my dad when I was a kid in Missouri and I thought I had accomplished something great. That's small potatoes compared to the monster bass some are catching at Table Rock Lake. Let's hope the fishermen and the Missouri Department of Conservation can come to an understanding of what's best for Table Rock Lake moving forward.