Rekindling An Ozarks Tradition

[Phil Lilley]

Kyle Kosovich's Newsletter

An overnight Longboat trip is more than floating an Ozarks stream in a long, wooden boat. It's more than fishing for trout or smallmouth. And it's definitely more than a streamside lunch of sandwiches and soda. While my service is unique, I have to admit—it's nothing new.

The tradition of the Ozarks float trip was established nearly a century ago. The cold, clear waters and stringers full of smallies brought stars and VIPs from all across the country. With important clients like that, simple snacks and pup tents would not suffice. Outfitters went all out, providing guests with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. Years later, they provided me with the inspiration for Longboat Outfitters.

Recently, I came across two videos on YouTube that showcase exactly what I aim to recreate. The first, "An Ozarks Float," was produced by the Missouri Conservation Commission in the late 1950s. The name of the river isn't mentioned, but I reckon it's the James—one of the credited guides is John Barnes, brother of boat-builder Charlie Barnes. The second in an early 1960s travelogue from KTVI, then the ABC affiliate in St. Louis.

"The Vanishing Ozarks" features the Current River shortly before the establishment of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which protects much of the Current and Jacks Fork. Both videos give a glimpse of the Ozarks float trip before the tradition faded into the past with the rising waters of an impounded White River. The overnight trips portrayed in the films recalled simpler, quieter times, even during the modern era of the '50s and '60s—a time we think of today as pretty simple and quiet.

If you want to experience a traditional Ozarks float trip for yourself, please call or email me. While I've updated a few details to improve comfort, the important elements of the classic overnight trip stay the same. You arrive at the gravel bar with camp already set. We cook your steaks over an open flame. The evenings end with recounting the day's adventure and tall tales of previous trips. The mornings begin with a sunrise glinting off a rippling river. And, most importantly, you'll make memories you'll keep the rest of your life.

Deal of the Month

Now that spring is here, the smallmouth have moved out of the spring branches and back into the rivers. Catfish are on the prowl, bucketmouths are brooding and goggle-eye are ready to play. Let me show you where to find them—book a warm-water trip by May 31 and I'll knock off 10 percent!

—Kyle Kosovich, Longboat Outfitters

[Justin Spencer]

If you've never fished with Kyle out of his longboat you owe it to yourself to do so. He will give you much more than a fishing trip, he will teach you about the ecosystem and you will eat like a king. Anyone with a kid that wants to get the most out of an overnight float trip this is the only way to go, memories to cherish for a lifetime, you can't put a price on that.

[strangercreek]

Kyle, thanks for posting these. I am working on a 40th bday trip for next spring and I haven't narrowed it down yet but I'm thinking about an Ozark trip like this.