Family-Friendly Gasconade River Smallmouth Adventure

Published Date: October 5, 2025
Fishing

Missouri
$350 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun day out with the family? Join guide Tommy Bench for some smallmouth bass fishing on Missouri's Gasconade River. This 8-hour trip is perfect for parents and kids who want to spend time together on the water. You'll learn new fishing techniques, explore quiet stretches of the river, and hopefully catch some nice smallmouth. The trip can handle up to four people, so it's great for families of different sizes. Prices start at $350 for one angler, $500 for two, and $250 for each additional person. Tommy will show you the best spots and help you improve your fishing skills. It's a relaxed day on a beautiful river, with plenty of chances to make memories. Don't forget to call ahead to confirm where and when to meet. Whether you're experienced anglers or new to fishing, this trip offers something for everyone in the family.

Family-Friendly Gasconade River Smallmouth Adventure

River Fishing Action

Angler with fishing rod enjoying the outdoors in MO

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Family Smallmouth Fishing on the Gasconade

Get ready for a day of pure Missouri fun on the Gasconade River! This family-friendly fishing trip is all about making memories and reeling in some feisty smallmouth bass. Your guide, Tommy Bench, knows these waters like the back of his hand and can't wait to share his favorite spots with you and the kids. Whether you're teaching the little ones to cast or looking to land that trophy smallmouth, this 8-hour adventure has something for everyone.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're drifting down the scenic Gasconade, surrounded by lush Ozark hills, with your family by your side and fishing rods at the ready. Tommy's got the boat kitted out with all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to the hottest lures for smallmouth. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to river fishing, or help you fine-tune your technique if you've got some experience under your belt. The Gasconade's known for its clear waters and rocky bottom, creating the perfect habitat for smallmouth bass. You might even spot some wildlife along the banks – keep your eyes peeled for deer, turkey, or even a bald eagle soaring overhead.

Fishing Know-How for All Ages

Don't worry if you've never held a fishing rod before – Tommy's got you covered. He'll teach you and the kids everything from how to tie a proper knot to reading the water for those prime fishing spots. You'll learn to cast like a pro, whether you're tossing a topwater lure or working a plastic worm along the bottom. The Gasconade's got plenty of structure – think fallen trees and rocky outcroppings – where those wily smallmouth like to hide. Tommy will show you how to present your bait just right to entice a strike. And when you hook into a fighter, he'll be right there to help you land that trophy and snap a pic for the family album.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks rave about fishing the Gasconade with Tommy. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's the whole package: the peaceful river, the quality time with family, and the chance to learn from a true local expert. Parents love watching their kids light up when they catch their first fish, and seasoned anglers appreciate Tommy's knack for finding those honey holes where the big ones lurk. Plus, with the flexibility to bring up to four people, it's a perfect outing for parents, grandparents, and kids to bond over the shared excitement of a day on the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the stars of the show on the Gasconade, and for good reason. These bronze bombers are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll find in freshwater. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs that'll have your drag singing. Smallmouth in the Gasconade can range from scrappy 1-pounders to trophy fish pushing 5 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but they'll bite all summer long if you know where to look. Tommy's got the inside scoop on their seasonal patterns, whether they're chasing baitfish in the riffles or holding deep in rocky pools.

While smallmouth are the main attraction, don't be surprised if you tangle with some other Gasconade residents. Largemouth bass hang out in the quieter backwaters and can grow to impressive sizes. You might also hook into some hard-fighting spotted bass, which are like smallmouth's cousins and put up a great fight on light tackle. And if you're really lucky, you could land a monster flathead catfish – these river giants can top 50 pounds and will give you the battle of a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some lasting family memories on the Gasconade? Tommy's trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. With rates starting at $350 for one angler and options for larger groups, it's a great value for a full day of guided fishing and family fun. Remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so pick your day and commit to an adventure you won't forget. Give Tommy a call to check availability and get the lowdown on meeting spots. Before you know it, you'll be out on the Gasconade, making memories and maybe even landing the catch of a lifetime. So grab the kids, pack some sunscreen, and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and some serious fish tales on one of Missouri's finest rivers!

Learn more about the species

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers. Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown. They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays.

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms. Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year.

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended.

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers. A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook.

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on. What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing. Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.

About the Reed Craft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 85

Gather the family for a fun day of smallmouth bass fishing on the beautiful Gasconade River in Missouri. Guide Tommy Bench will lead your group on an 8-hour private adventure, perfect for parents and kids to bond over the excitement of reeling in fish together. You'll cruise peaceful stretches of river while Tommy shares his expert tips and techniques. This trip welcomes up to four guests, so bring the whole crew along. Rates are $350 for one angler, $500 for two, and $250 for each additional person - allowing flexibility for families of all sizes. Beyond just catching fish, you'll create lasting memories exploring one of Missouri's scenic waterways. Remember to call ahead to confirm your meeting spot and time. Get ready for a day of laughter, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches on the Gasconade!

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