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Joe Bass Team Trail

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12 inch Kentucky-Spotted Bass & Truman Lake

Effective March 1, 2016, anglers will be allowed to include 12 inch Kentucky-Spotted Bass in their five fish tournament limit on Truman Lake.  Missouri Department of Conservation studies conducted over the past 5 years concluded that only 5% of Truman Lake spots reached the previous 15 inch limit on all black bass, while approximately half of the fish in the study exceeded 12 inches.

The two species are typically readily identifiable from each other based on obvious body configuration and markings, but the MDC lists the following as ways to positively identify the spotted bass:

  • The lower jaw of a Kentucky spotted bass will extend only to the middle of the eye, whereas a largemouth jaw will extend beyond the eye.
  • The dorsal fins of a Kentucky spotted bass are clearly connected while the largemouth’s dorsal fins are not well connected.
  • The Kentucky spotted bass will have a rough patch on its tongue whereas the largemouth tongue is smooth.

Anglers may want to use caution with the rough patch on the tongue method of identifying spots, as many apparent “hybrids” have been turned in to fishing tournaments on Lake of the Ozarks, which has a similar 12 inch minimum length limit on spotted bass.  These crosses appear to be typical largemouth in regards to body configuration, jaw length, and markings, but may have a rough tongue.  Make sure any fish in question meets all the criteria to be identified as a Kentucky prior to placing it in your creel.

While a limit of spots isn’t likely to win any Joe Bass events, having the ability to fill out a tournament limit with another pound or two of spots could be the difference between finishing in the money and going home empty-handed on a tough fishing day!

Be sure and consult the MDC fishing regulations for more information on change for Truman Lake in 2016.

Mark Thompson
Joe Bass Team Trail Pro Staff & Feature Writer

Read on…

I welcome this change to the spotted bass length limit on Truman Lake. Joe Bass Team Trail will allow anglers to weigh in 12 inch spots. But with that said I want you to read the section in our rules that covers length limits;

10) SCORING: Largemouth, small mouth, and spotted bass will be scored, five (5) fish limit. All lake rules apply. A short fish will result in the loss of all fish and disqualification. A dead fish will result in a .50 (1/2) pound penalty per fish. No more than five (5) fish are allowed in live well (in possession) at any time. Anyone bringing more than five (5) fish to the weigh-in scales will not be allowed to weigh in ANY fish. Bass Pro Shops Gator Grip Golden Rule will be the official measuring board. A courtesy bump tub will be provided.

While most if not all area trails, clubs, etc… read, “Short fish will result in a one (1) pound penalty plus the loss of the fish.” Joe Bass Team Trail does not nor will allow an angler to break MDC rules without severe penalty. Resulting in “A short fish will result in the loss of all fish and disqualification.” 

This rule has virtually stopped (with 1 or 2 exceptions) any short fish being presented for weigh in which I commend the anglers for heeding and knowing the rule will be enforced.

Please take the time to learn the differences between large and spotted bass species. Check this out. I look forward to weighing in more full limits this year on Truman.

See you there.

Bob<><

SKEETER INCENTIVE

SKEETER INCENTIVE

At each and every Joe Bass Team Trail event if you are the highest finishing participating Skeeter boat owner fishing from your Skeeter boat you could win an additional $500.00 with a minimum of $250.00 GUARANTEED!

Events Calendar

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7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Bull Shoals

February 18 @ 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Bull Shoals

Buck Creek

$180.00

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February 18
February 18 @ 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Bull Shoals

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February 18
February 18 @ 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Bull Shoals

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Lucas Oil Save A Receipt

Lucas Oil Save A Receipt

SPONSORING JOE BASS

Joe Bass Team Trail sponsors

LIVE RELEASE PONTOON

LIVE RELEASE PONTOON

Win a Pro pack each month filled with RAPALA products.

Win a Pro pack each month filled with RAPALA products.

Simply turn in an empty package from any Rapala, Sufix, VMC, or Storm product each month for the chance to win a Rapala, Sufix, VMC, Storm Pro Pack.

Trophy Graph Systems

Trophy Graph Systems

Looking for a reliable, affordable way to mount your marine electronics on your boat? Follow the link.

TAKE OFF & WEIGH IN TIMES

All Joe Bass Team Trail tournaments use the same take off and weigh in schedule based on what month they are held in.

Jan-Feb-Mar-Sep-Oct-Nov-Dec – 7am-3pm
Apr – 6:30am-3pm
May-Jun-Jul-Aug – 6am-3pm

Joe Bass Mailing Address

Joe Bass Team Trail
PO BOX 363
Strafford, MO 65757

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Joe Bass Contact Info

Rusty Darnell
Tournament Director Stockton/Bull Shoals
rusty@joebassteamtrail.com
417-838-0366

Timmy Newberry
Tournament Director Mark Twain
timmy@joebassteamtrail.com
314-220-7196

Directors

Kyle Uptegrove
Tournament Director Smithville/Ozarks
kyle@joebassteamtrail.com
816-916-4244

Rocky Carden Tournament Director Table Rock/Antique/Pomme
rocky@joebassteamtrail.com
417-773-5223

Directors

Bob Capps - Trail Mgr
Tournament Director Truman
bob@joebassteamtrail.com
417-818-3898

Contact your Director for any questions regarding your selected division.

Directors will respond to you within 24 hours, during regular business hours. All email correspondence is completely confidential.

Joe Bass Team Trail © 2023