Trip Report 6/14 To 6/16 And 6/29

[Goggle-Eyed]

Have floated Prosperine to Lead Mine a couple of times in the past couple of weeks.

First trip we put in on 6/14 late afternoon and spent a couple of nights on the water. The fishing was great and we had one fish that went over 21". Didn't keep track of numbers but had well over 250 Smallies in 2.5 days of fishing. Most came on White Rapala Slash Bait and/or Crankbait. The pig came off of a 1/2oz jig.

Second trip did the same float but was speed floating and had to get it done in one day. This float is way to long for me to make in one day but Girlfriend wasn't interested in staying on a gravel bar with the current heat wave!

She actually kept track of my fish so it worked out well. I had 40 Smallies biggest was 14" most were 10-12". 4 largemouth, and 3 goggle-eye.

Caught most everything on Rapala and Crankbait. Didn't even throw any jigs or soft plastics, we really only slowed down a few times to fish. Never really stopped and worked an area.

Two great trips and one more scheduled for next week!

Joe

[Tom Tricamo]

When you go on a multi-day trip on the niangua, what kind of boat do you use and what type of sleeping accomodations do you pack?

Thanks,

Tom

[Goggle-Eyed]

Tom,

I like to be comfortable and use a 17' Lowe Paddle Jon. I pretty much take everything but the kitchen sink for comfort. I have even been known to take a full size fish cooker and 10lb propane bottle! This year we kept it simple with two tents, two tarps, coleman air mattress, pillow and light blanket.

I have also just taken an air mattress and tarp before.

As far as the posted sections of the river. I have a couple of nice gravel bars that I usually stay on. One was "gone" this year and I had to move down the river to a new one. I usually don't pay any attention to the signs posted by Niangua River Land an Cattle. They just irritate me. I have been known to camp on the small Island right below the first sign (but that was a few years ago and I was a rebel without a cause!!!) Now I just use common sense and have never had an issue.

Joe

[Tom Tricamo]

Awesome! Thanks for the info! One last question: what is a "paddle john"? Is this something you've created or a boat that Lowe sells? Can't say I've ever heard of such a craft.

[Goggle-Eyed]

Lowe quit making them back int he 80's or 90's but it is a long narrow jon. I am not very technical so the best description is that "both ends look like the front". They draft very little water but are pretty stable. The advantage of the "double ended" boat is that you can stop it very easily in the current since there is no "flat transom" to catch the current. I actually spend most of my time with the trolling motor in reverse either holding or slowly backing up into a good looking spot.

Please post a trip report after you go.

[Wayne SW/MO]

As far as I know Lowe made a run of Paddle Jon in the mid 80's and that was the last. Shortly after OMC went belly up and Lowe went with them for the time being.

The P-Jons were 17' long with a 32" bottom.

[Greasy B]

I ran across a Tracker river John on white river last weekend. I'm not sure when they stopped making them but it was a beautiful boat, 22' long with a wonderful rocker that would allow it to turn on a dime. I think Charley Cambell helped design it. I don't understand why i don't see many true river johns north of the Arkansas line, IMO they are the ideal boat for our Ozark rivers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The Lowe boat was designed from a Gasconade wooden jon. They also made some copies of the old Grumman Sport boat for a short time I was told, but never saw one. This was when Carl and Dianne Lowe owned the company.

[Goggle-Eyed]

Blazer is making a Paddle Jon but it is built in typical blazer fashion. Very thick bottom and sides, I have only seen one about 15 or 16' long. Drafts a ton of water compared to the Lowe. VERY HEAVY can't imagine dragging it down the river in low water. Good looking boat just way to heavy for what I need.

We have three of the Lowe paddle jons left but two of the three leak like crazy. the one I use the most is an 1987 model that has two live wells built into it. I would prefer NO live wells but the old man I bought it from custom ordered with one and then had Voyager add another one. For me they just add weight and take up space. I bought the boat, trailer and 57' Evinrude 5.5hp for $500 about 8-10 years ago. I used the rest of the good out of the motor and then just switched to a trolling motor. I am just glad I didn't "throw out an offer" when I was talking to the original owner (I would have offered way to much). The bottom is now getting very thin in places and I still wouldn't take $1000 for just the boat. Well at least not until I can find a very similar new construction boat!

Joe