No Icebergs for this Titanic

   LEBANON, MO - I wouldn't exactly say this trip was a luxury cruise like those on the long running television show "The Love Boat." Nor, would I consider it a complete catastrophie like the one experienced during the famous movie "The Perfect Storm."


   Instead, our day upon the beautiful Niangua River proved to be one filled with adventure, moments of excitement and plenty of laughter.

   Our vessel, the oddly named Niangua Titanic," must have appeared a bit strange to many of the canoeist and kayakers occupying this portion of the river. Fortunately, there were no icebergs floating on the Niangua River this day.

   With two slightly overweight outdoor writers perched in the front half, the relatively short jon boat seemed to be a bit front-heavy as it headed down the river. I can best describe this as trying to carry an otherwise empty and flimsy paper plate with two loaded quarter-pound hamburgers sitting on the outside edge.

   Due to the interesting weight distribution and his location in the back of the boat, a much smaller veteran river guide Chuck Anderson of Lebanon rode considerably higher in the water. To outsiders, it likely appeared he was steering this unusual craft from high above the poop deck.

   "I've never paddled a boat with this much weight in the front," he said in an almost apologetic manner as we spun in circles through the first riffle. "It might take me a little while to get the hang of it."

   Outdoor Guide magazine editor Bobby Whitehead occupied the middle of the boat, while I was precariously perched just inches above the waterline on the bow. I'd like the think that some folks on the river may have confused me with Leonardo DeCaprio and his famous "I'm the King of the World" scene in the "Titanic" movie.

   "One bright point is that you have an excellent view of the river ahead," Whitehead jokingly told our 20-year-old guide. "You are sitting much higher in the boat than either of us."

   Fortunately, the river was clear, relatively calm and running at about normal level. It wasn't long before Captain Chuck regained his composure and had our boat almost fully under control.

   This exceptionally scenic stretch of the river just outside Bennett Spring, the famous Missouri trout park, is loaded with smallmouth bass and goggle-eye, as well as rainbow and brown trout. We were all anxious to test our skill at landing a few of these fish.

   "I always seem to have my best success using a simple marabou jig," said Captain Chuck. "This little lure will catch just about everything in this river."

   Rummaging through my limited tacklebox, I soon discovered a lack of marabou jigs. However, I did have an ample supply of C.W. Wilson's Crappie Rockets (www.crappierocket.com). Though these particular lures were not made from marabou, past experiences have proven the hair and tinsel jigs to be excellent fish producers.

   Soon, I was casting my lure to various likely spots along the river. And, it was almost like these fish had never seen this particular lure. Soon, I was enjoying one of my best float trips ever on a Missouri stream.

   After my third smallmouth in as many casts, Whitehead commented that these lures might also need to be called "Smallmouth Rockets."

   This little lure also produced numerous feisty rainbow trout and several goggle-eye. Nearly every stretch of calm fishing water seemed to produce fish.

   The others in the boat, too, were enjoying excellent fishing. Whitehead was using a small inline spinner and Captain Chuck stuck with his known fish-producing marabou jig.

   Though most of the action came while fishing from the boat, we would occasionally pull over to a gravel bar and fish both ends of a riffle. Here, too, we seemed to enjoy good fishing success.

   Even with the occasional spurt of excitement caused by riding out another riffle, our short day on the water seemed to end too quickly. The best part about ending our float was the One-Eyed Willy's concession stand situated on the gravel bar where we pulled out. Here, we enjoyed some delicious hamburgers, brats and other snacks following our float trip.

   Missouri offers many excellent rivers and streams ideal for floating. However, the Niangua River would certainly rate among the state's finest. Here, anglers and canoe enthusiasts will find plenty of outfitters, lodging and campgrounds to fill their needs.

   This particular float trip was hosted by fine folks from Lebanon Tourism and One-Eyed Willy's Campground and Canoe Rental. Numerous other similar facilities can be found all along this stretch of river.

   Folks wanting to learn more about floating the Niangua River or wishing to arrange for canoes, rafts or other watercraft can contact One-Eyed Willy's at 417-993-2628 or Lebanon Tourism at 866-LEBANON.

   It has been several years since I last floated a Missouri stream. This particular trip was so enjoyable you can be assured I'll be returning soon.

   But, float trips are not the only reason to visit this fabulous community. Here, there are more still great sites and attractions. For one, Lebanon is considered the gateway to fabulous Bennett Spring State Park. This is one of the most scenic and popular trout fishing areas in the entire state.

   Along with great trout fishing, the park offers fine dining, exceptional lodging as well as a modern campground with all the amenities.

   Lebanon also offers numerous fine restaurants including Dowd's Catfish and BBQ Restaurant, Napoli's Italian Restaurant, Andy's 417 Restaurant and Ollie's Ozark BBQ. Among the countless other attractions in Lebanon include the Lebanon I-44 Speedway, the Shepard of the Hills Outlet (world's largest Case Knifes outlet), the Heartland Antique Mall, the Route 66 Museum and Research Center.

   With all this and much more, it should come as no surprise that Lebanon was named to Outdoor Life's "Top 200 Towns for Sportsmen" for the third consecutive year.