Lost on the Lake - Table Rock; April 2024 - Issue 14

April 2024 - Issue 14

Lost on the Lake TABLE ROCK

Lake Lifestyle Magazine

INSIDE: Spring Fishing Solar Eclipse What Lies Beneath Easy Boat Snacks 1- Lost on the Lake

COLE CURRIER AD COPY

WelcomeFriends!

Back We are so excited to be back...

What a frigid Winter we had and then Spring hit a little early, thanks to El Nino - hallelujah!

We are back with all your favorite articles and we are welcoming some new contributors and ideas! We are going to have some amazing events and concerts coming to the lake this season, I am so ready to get back out there and see all of you.

This issue is our first ever to print, its such an exciting milestone! There is a distribution list on the website so you can grab a copy.

Thank you for continuing to come along side of us through this journey, we love sharing our view of Table Rock Lake!

The water is slowly warming and the lake is calling, see you on the water~

Be Happy,

Myra Thornton

CREATIVE EDITOR Myra Thornton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric Prey Julie Blanner Darrell Hornick The Rogue Chef Edward Jones Tom Koob CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric Prey Julie Blanner Darrell Hornick Tom Koob ADVERTISING SALES Myra Thornton

Find us on Facebook

Publisher Myra Thornton email: hello@lostonthelake.us

Phone: 417-593-1167

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Table Rock Lake is one of the best winter bass fisheries in the U.S., the combination of Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted bass and the abundance of Threadfin Shad create opportunities to catch bass twelve months a year. Finding bass throughout the winter can be a bit challenging as the season progresses but if you can locate schools of shad, you will find and catch bass.

The key to locating shad is water temperature, as the water temperature falls through winter and rises again in the spring shad follow a predictable pattern. Knowing where the bait moves as the temperature changes is the one key to helping you locate bass all year long.

Low 60’s: Usually from October through the middle of November the surface water temperature on the lake is in the low to mid 60’s. This can be a difficult time to find shad and fish because they will be scattered. Generally, shad will begin to move into the upper portion of the water column usually less than 30’ deep attracted to the warmer water and plankton near the surface. This can be frustrating, while the shad may only be 10’ – 30’ deep, they can and will suspend over as much as 200’ of overall depth making it harder to locate and fish around the bait. Locating loons and gulls can make the search easier, finding a group of birds on the surface and diving is a clear indication that shad will be present, and bass will be close by.

Catching fish around these suspended schools of bait is a challenge; lure selection is relatively easy but staying on a school of shad being chased by bass can be difficult. Small swimbaits, Jewel Live Spins and Blade baits are all great options, opt for heavier baits that you can cast a long way versus baits with a slow fall, it is important to get your lure in front of a fish and draw reaction strikes. Using forward Facing Sonar makes this process easier but being able to track the bait and fish is key. The technique is simple, find the shad, cast to them, and swim your bait around and under them to draw strikes.

The 50’s Water temperatures in the 50’s is Prime Time for winter bass fishing on Table Rock. Shad will begin to group up in large schools covering hundreds of square feet and remain relatively stationary in an area for days. The cooler water slows their metabolism and they feed and follow plankton much less becoming an easy meal for bass. Look for shad to be schooled up on long tapering gravel points on the main lake and in larger creek and river channels.

Again, birds will make it easier to find the bait, loons and gulls will group up over the shad diving down to feed or waiting on fish to push the shad towards the surface. Shad will be deeper than when the water is in the 60’s, usually in large groups 40’ – 60’ deep with bass surrounding them.

Vertical presentations are the ticket when water temperatures

April 2024 - Issue 14

CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE: 10

Spring Fishing Crappie Spring Timeline

16

Easy Boat Snacks

38

Kids Activity Pages

40

The Rogue Chef

44

Financial Focus

47

What Lies Beneath

IN THIS ISSUE: 14

Pirate Crossword

20

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

24

Lake Life - Spring Things

28

A Lakeside Dream

34

In The Garden

36

Solar Eclipse 2024

42

Local Marinas 9- Lost on the Lake

Spring FISHING

TABLE ROCK CRAPPIE SPRING TIMELINE

By Eric Prey - Focused Fishing Guide Service More anglers everyday are realizing that Table Rock Lake has an abundance of crappie, they’re also realizing crappie on a deep clear lake are not as easy to find and catch as they are on shallow dirty water lakes. Just like their cousins in dirty water lakes, crappie on Table Rock follow an easily recognizable pattern in the spring and if you hit it right, you’ll fill your live well with some tasty fish.

Crappie, just like most freshwater fish, spawn in the spring, to spawn they move from their deeper water haunts to the shallows where they lay eggs and keep 10- Lost on the Lake

the species going for another year. In this article we’ll breakdown the timing, locations and triggers that crappie on Table Rock use throughout the spring spawn.

Pre-Spawn The pre-spawn season generally is February through mid-April, water temps range from mid-forties to upper fifties.

Early in the pre-spawn crappie are not truly staging but they do begin to position themselves shallower and closer to spawning habit. During this period, Febru-

ary through March, you will find schools of crappie moving from deep treetops and brush piles to shallower trees and brush. There are multiple triggers that cause the fish to start moving but the most important are water temperature and the amount of daylight throughout the day. Water temperatures from 45-50 and daylight of ten hours or more will get a crappie’s biological clock ticking faster and they will start to move.

On Table Rock we look for fish to move

from 20’ – 30’ deep to 10’- 20’ over brush and trees. This move can happen very quickly and because they are “on the clock” they can move day to day sliding up shallower and closer to spawning locations. Crappie anglers have the most success early in the spawn on the ends of channel swing banks close to deep water.

Large creeks and rivers see the crappie move first, areas like Long Creek, Piney Creek and the Kings River tend to turn on before areas down lake. Start on deeper brush and trees moving progressively shallower until you find where crappie

are holding. Once you find crappie, light weight crappie jigs and soft plastics in natural colors like Monkey Milk or Pearl are great offerings, if they are ignoring your lures switching to a live minnow on a slip bobber rig will almost always put fish in the boat.

Water temps climbing into the low sixties and twelve hours of daylight will start a mass migration towards the bank.

Crappie will still be off the bank in a prespawn mode, but they will be shallower and much more aggressive. Shallow brush

around docks and points is always a good bet when the water is this warm, look for docks and points close to spawning pockets to hold most of the fish. Don’t overlook large laydowns and logs in the rivers and creeks as well, crappie love to follow cover that leads from deep water to shallow when moving up to spawn.

Lure selection remains the same as when water temperatures were cooler, but minnows tend to be an emergency back up plan. cont. page 12 11- Lost on the Lake

Spawn Crappie anglers have better hearing than the best watchdog in the world when the spawn begins, you’ll see them around bait shops, tackle stores and boat ramps listening for six little words: “the crappie are on the bank”. This is the best thing a crappie angler will hear all year, it means the fish are shallow and extremely aggressive, limits are quick and easy. If you don’t want to spend your days hanging out at the bait shop, triggers that move crappie up to spawn are easy to spot.

Start looking less than five feet deep in late April through mid-May, water temperatures will be in the mid-sixties and daylight lasts more than 12 hours a day.

Rivers and creeks will have spawning crappie before the main lake will, find warm stained water and cast crappie jigs and small soft plastics around any wood cover less than five foot deep on gravel 12- Lost on the Lake

and rock / gravel mixed banks in pockets and coves. While some anglers will still use live bait, seasoned crappie anglers prefer artificial lures because they can cover water quickly and efficiently. The spawn is by far the most fun time of the year to catch crappie, the action is fast, and the bite is great.

Post Spawn Much like other freshwater fish, post spawn crappies can be tough to catch early in the post spawn. The fish are recovering from the spawning process and can be a bit skittish and lethargic.

Within a few days of leaving the spawning ground crappie will move back to the shallow brush, trees, and laydowns they used in the pre-spawn. They will become aggressive again trying to regain weight lost during the spawn and warmer water will have their metabolism burning calo-

ries faster than before the spawn. Look for fish to be on brush and standing timber again over 10’ – 20’ of water, crappie will be schooled up again and when you find a group and start feeding catching several out of a school is likely. Crappie jigs and soft plastics are usual offerings but having a bucket of minnow and a slip bobber rig can save the day when all else fails.

Table Rock Lake isn’t known as a crappie fishing destination but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up in the average size of fish caught. Spring is the

best time to find and catch crappie everywhere and Table Rock is no exception.

Pay attention to water temperature and daylight hours and you should be able to follow crappie through their annual spawning run and put a few meals of fresh caught filets on the table.

Eric Prey is the Owner/Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes To book a trip or contact him: www.focusedfishing.com or Call: 417-860-4743

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Easy BOAT SNACKS By: Julie Blanner www.julieblanner.com

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SNACKLE BOX IF you love to snack, you’re going to love snackle boxes! They are everything you love about charcuterie boards, wrapped into the cutest container for travel. Tackle box charcuterie for the win!

Not much, in my humble opinion!

This is such a cute way to customize a snack board for your family. We enjoy them on the dock and on the boat all summer at the lake, and the adults love them as much as the kids!

Basically, you’re slicing your favorite fruits, veggies, meats and cheeses and placing them in a tackle box for a clever storage and display method. Add nuts, crackers, cookies and more… we’ll show you all the best ideas.

What’s more fun than a delicious snack wrapped into an adorable container?

We can fill them with a delicious variety of bite sized treats, and we get a big kick out enjoying them when we’re at the lake.

cont. on page 18

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HOW TO MAKE A SNACKLE BOX Start by placing ice boxes at the base of your box to keep the entire snackle box chilled.

Gather ingredients and slice any meats, cheeses and fruits or veggies.

Rinse your fruits and veggies first, of course!

We created salami “roses” for a cute touch – so simple, as pictured. Simply layer the salami into a circular wreath shape over the edge of a cup, and then fold into a flower for the container. (Note my nails after a long lake weekend – this is a no judgement zone, right?)

Add a layer of parchment paper and then start stacking! We filled the base with crackers and sturdy veggies in one, and in another, we placed squares of cookie and brownie bars.

Snap the lid on and enjoy!

HOW DO YOU KEEP SNACKLE BOXES COLD? Be sure to use ice packs (just like you’d use in a lunch box) at the base 18- Lost on the Lake

of your tackle box. That’s what makes these so portable and so handy – the ice is easy to carry in the container just like the food!

WHAT GOES IN A SNACKLE BOX? Anything your heart desires! Here are a few ideas.

Sliced cheeses (or cheese sticks) Cured Meats Crackers Cucumbers Carrots Sliced Peppers Cauliflower Cherry Tomatoes Nuts Olives Berries Grapes Cookies Brownies Pretzels Jelly or Jam Jerky Dried Fruit Gummy Bears or Worms Marshmallows HOW TO STORE At Room Temperature – Meats and cheeses can be stored safely at room temperature for up to two hours.

When it’s hot, be sure to store and serve on plenty of ice!

Refrigerate – You can make your snackle box ahead! Simply slice and store in airtight containers up to 48 hours before or after serving.

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Ruby-Throated HUMMINGBIRD In Southwest Missouri, you can expect to see the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird as the primary species. They are known for their bright green back and crown, with a gray-white underside. The males have an iridescent red throat, making them quite distinctive.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically begin to arrive in Missouri around mid-April. The exact timing can vary slightly due to factors like weather conditions and food availability, but mid-April is a good time to start looking out for them. They stay to nest and breed in the state before beginning their southward migration to their wintering grounds between mid-August and the end of October.

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Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be a delightful experience.

Here are some tips to help you create a hummingbird friendly garden: PLANT NECTAR-RICH FLOWERS: Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers, especially red, orange, and pink ones. Consider planting flowers like bee balm, phlox, and salvia which are known to be hummingbird favorites.

INCLUDE A VARIETY OF FLOWERS: Aim for a mix of annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees to provide a continuous bloom throughout the

growing season.

PROVIDE PERCHES: Hummingbirds need places to rest and survey their territory. Thin branches or wires work well for perches.

OFFER WATER: A shallow water source, such as a birdbath with a mister or dripper, can attract hummingbirds.

AVOID PESTICIDES: Hummingbirds also feed on small insects for protein, so it’s important to maintain a pesticide-free garden to ensure a healthy food supply for them.

By following these steps, you’ll increase the chances of hummingbirds visiting and enjoying your garden.

cont. on page 22

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RECIPE FOR FEEDER: The best nectar recipe for hummingbirds is a simple sugar water solution, which closely mimics the natural sucrose content of flowers. Here’s a classic recipe you can make at home: Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. For example, you can use 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water.

Heat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave to help the sugar dissolve and to eliminate any potential bacteria.

Allow the mixture to cool completely before filling your feeders.

REMEMBER: Do not add red dye, as it’s unnecessary and could be harmful to hummingbirds.

It’s best to use refined white sugar, as organic, raw, or brown sugar can contain iron, which is harmful to

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hummingbirds. Extra nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

This homemade nectar is nutritious and easily digestible, providing the energy that hummingbirds need to maintain their rapid wing flapping and flight. Enjoy watching these visitors in your garden!

References: https://www.birdadvisors.com/hummingbirds-missouri/ https://www.wildbirdscoop. com/when-do-hummingbirds-arrive-leave-missouri.html https://www.audubon.org/content/ how-create-hummingbird-friendly-yard https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/hummingbird-nectar-recipe

Lake Life

SPRING THINGS Spring in the Ozarks is amazing. From pop up thunderstorms, to cool nights and warm days the weather always keeps you guessing.

Even though it is still a little cool to jump in the lake, I have compiled some ideas for things to do this spring season.

Backyard Bon-Fires What is better than a hot bon-fire on a cool night?

Sitting around listening to music, laughing with friends, enjoying a few drinks and s’mores! The weather in April is perfect for a evening in the yard.

So, grab a light jacket and relax...

Boat Rides Get out on the water while the lake is still quiet. Take a leisurely cruise to a new cove or visit a boat to restaurant. Grab the family and friends and just head out.

When going out in April, don’t forget a light jacket and always be aware of the changing weather.

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Fishing Spring is one of the best times to fish on Table Rock Lake. Spawn is on and the fish are active.

So get out and get some sun on your face and a rod in the water.

That’s the best way to forget a long winter.

Dine-Out & Shop Winter can be brutal for businesses in a seasonal community. Please visit the restaurants and businesses in our lake cities and let them know how glad you are they are here.

There are some awesome new places popping up as well as some old favorites.

Remember it is hard to find help, so be patient and kind always.

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Table Rock LAKE

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A Lakeside Dream TAKES ROOT 28- Lost on the Lake

Lake Life Story

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The year was 1985.

Her dad, seeking an escape from the corporate world, bought a charming mom-and-pop resort in Aunts Creek. Over the next 35 years, it became our family’s haven, a place where our two daughters practically grew up on the lake.

I was 26, and my my father-in-law’s sage soon-to-be wife was 24. Following advice, we centered our water acStory & Photos By: Darrell Hornick

Long day on the water

Christi with Court & Caitlin 1991

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tivities near the White River, the lake’s sweet spot. Countless memories were made there: skiing, tubing, and lazy boat rides.

One that stands out to this day?

Our first boat-trip pizza pilgrimage to Shell Knob’s Pizza Hut, pretty much the only option back then.

As we cruised past Lampe/Baxter and the Point 17 bluffs, a playful dream took root. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a house here?” my wife and I would say, tongues firmly in cheek.

Fast forward 25 years. Retirement loomed, and with it, a new chapter. We explored several lakefront properties, but nothing resonated quite like a vacant lot perched high on a bluff in a new subdivision. Unbeknownst to

On the border

Mom with Court & Caitlin 1999 (Top)

Growing up on the lake

Caitlin & Court 2007 (bottom) cont on page 32

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us and completely unplanned, it was the very same spot we’d dreamt about all those years ago.

Today, our dream home stands there, a testament to the enduring power of connection and place. This wasn’t just a chosen retirement spot; it was a destiny fulfilled, a promise whispered on the wind decades ago. Preordained? Perhaps. But more importantly, it’s our happily ever after.

It was a destiny fulfilled,

a promise whispered

on the wind decades ago.

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Soaking up the rays

Larry & Theresa 2017 (above)

Destiny fulfilled 2023 (left)

Fishing on the dock 1995 (above)

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In the GARDEN

1

In April, the weather in Southwest Missouri is suitable for planting a variety of flowers. Here are some options you can consider:

2

1 - Marigolds: Known for their vibrant colors and pest-repellent properties.

2 - Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): These hardy flowers are droughttolerant and attract pollinators with their purple daisy-like blooms.

3 - Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): These produce lovely trumpetshaped blue flowers and are perfect for areas with some shade.

3

4 - Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): This sun-loving plant attracts butterflies with its clusters of orange flowers.

5 - Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’): A great ground-cover option that provides a carpet of color with its tiny flower spikes.

Remember to choose plants that are well-suited to your garden’s specific conditions, such as soil type and sunlight availability.

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4

5

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Solar Eclipse

APRIL 8, 2024 The solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024, is a highly anticipated event, especially for those in the path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun.

Southwest Missouri is on the outer edge of the total solar eclipse.

During the total eclipse, the sky will darken, and you’ll be able to see the sun’s corona, which is usually hidden by the bright solar disk.

Remember to use proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse to prevent eye damage. This event is a rare and spectacular sight, so if you have the chance to witness it, make sure to mark your calendar!

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Here’s what you can expect: Start of Partial Eclipse: The partial phase will begin at around 12:33 pm CDT. Start of Totality: The total eclipse will start at approximately 1:53 pm CDT. End of Totality: Totality will last for a brief period, ending around 2:02 pm CDT. End of Partial Eclipse: The partial eclipse will end at about 3:17 pm CDT.

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Activities for kids START 38- Lost on the Lake

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Fresh Recipe The Rogue Chef

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake Servings: 8-12 Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Ingredients Crust ● 1-1⁄2 C Graham Cracker Crumbs ● 8 T Butter, melted ● 1⁄3 C Granulated Sugar Cheesecake ● 40 oz Cream Cheese ● 6 Eggs ● 11⁄2 C Granulated Sugar ● 1 1⁄2 T Bourbon Toppings ● Bacon, cooked to crispy and chopped ● Caramel Sauce ○ Put 1⁄4 C Bourbon in a saucepan on medium-high heat until reduced to half. ○ Add 16 oz Bottle of Ghiradelli Premium Sea Salt Caramel Sauce. ○ Mix thoroughly.

Instructions Crust ● Blend graham crackers and sugar in a food processor into fine crumbs. ● Gradually pour melted butter into the mixture. ● Press into the bottom and slightly 40- Lost on the Lake

up the sides of a 10” springform pan.

Cheesecake ● Preheat the oven to 300oF. ● Put a 9 x 13 pan of water on the bottom shelf of the oven. ● Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. ● Add eggs, one at a time. ● Add Bourbon. ● Mix thoroughly. ● Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until lightly browned.

Finish ● Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. ● Drizzle with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. ● Sprinkle Top with Crispy Bacon. ● Enjoy!

Go Rogue by adding Toasted Almonds to the Bourbon Caramel Sauce and sprinkle on top of the finished cheesecake.

Want Chef Jeff to make this

delicious appetizer for you?

Contact him at: www.TheRogueChefBranson. com.

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Local

MARINAS CAMPBELL POINT MARINA

1363 Campbell Point Rd, Shell Knob

417-858-6331

www.campbellpointmarina.com

BIG M MARINA

26111 Big M Campground, Cassville

417-271-3853

www.bigmmarina.com

STATE PARK MARINA

380 State Park Marina Rd, Branson

417-334-2628

www.stateparkmarina.com

HIDEAWAY MARINA

1810 Hideaway Rd, Galena

417-538-2828

www.hideawaymarina1956.com

INDIAN POINT MARINA

3443 Indian Point Marina, Branson

417-338-2891

www.indianpointmarina.com

PORT OF KIMBERLING MARINA 201 Marina Way, Kimberling City

417-739-2315

www.portofkimberling.com 42- Lost on the Lake

EAGLE ROCK MARINA

31170 State Highway 86, Eagle Rock

417-271-3398

www.facebook.com/EagleRockMarina

CAPE FAIR BOAT DOCK & MARINA 1500 Shadrack Rd, Cape Fair

417-538-4163

www.capefairmarina.com

CRICKET CREEK MARINA

20515 Boat Dock Rd, Omaha, AR

870-426-3474

www.cricketcreek.com

THE HARBOR

363 Harbor Lane, Branson

417-338-2828

www.theharbor.com

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Financial FOCUS Slow and steady: A smart way to invest You’ve probably heard stories about fortunate investors who “get in the ground floor” of a new, hot company and quickly make a fortune. But while these things may happen, they are exceedingly rare and often depend on hard-to-duplicate circumstances — and they really don’t represent a viable way of investing for one’s goals. A far more tried-and-true approach is the “slow-and-steady” method.

To follow this strategy, consider these suggestions: • Start small — and add more when you can. When you’re first starting out in the working world, you may not have a lot of extra money with which to invest, especially if you’re carrying student loan debt. But one of the key advantages of the slowand-steady method is that it does not require large investment sums to get going. If you can afford to put away even $50 or $100 a month into individual stocks or mutual funds, month after month, you may be surprised and pleased at how your account can grow. And when your salary goes up, you can put away more money each month.

• Take advantage of an em44- Lost on the Lake

ployer’s retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar tax-advantaged retirement plan, try to take full advantage of it. Again, if you’re just beginning your career, you may not be able to put away much in this type of plan, but even a small amount is better than nothing. And as soon as you can possibly afford it, try to put in enough to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered. These types of plans can offer some key benefits — and perhaps the biggest one is that investing is automatic, in that the money is moved directly from your paycheck into the investments you’ve chosen within your 401(k) or other plan.

• Be prepared for downturns.

The financial markets will always experience ups and downs. So, you need to be prepared for those times when your investment statements may show negative results. By understanding that these downturns are a normal part of the investment environment, you can avoid overreactions, such as selling quality investments with good fundamentals just because their price has temporarily dropped.

• Chart your progress regularly. A key element of a slow-and-

steady investment approach is knowing how well it’s working. But it’s important to measure your progress in a way that makes sense for you.

So, for example, instead of measuring your portfolio’s performance against that of an external stock market index, such as the S&P 500, you may want to assess where you are today versus one year ago, or whether the overall progress you’re making is sufficient to help you meet the financial goals you’ve set for yourself well into the future. Another reason not to use a market index as a measuring tool is that the index only looks at a certain pool of investments, which, in the case of the S&P 500, is simply the

largest companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. But long-term investors try to own a range of assets — U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit, and so on.

“Slow and steady” may not sound like an exciting approach to investing. But it’s often the case that a little less excitement, and a lot more diligence, can prove to be quite effective.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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What Lies Beneath: Stories About What Is Buried By Table Rock Lake

Jim Owen © Tom Koob 2024 TODAY, all of the White River in Missouri and much of it in Arkansas is buried by the massage Corps of Engineer’s reservoir projects—Beaver, Table Rock and Bull Shoals. Before these huge lakes were filled, the White River flowed untrammeled through the interior Ozarks Mountains. The White and the many other free-flowing streams of the region attracted outdoor adventure seekers from around the nation for the fine scenery

Owen Theater downtown Branson c. 1937 and fishing.

Starting in the late 1800s, Ozarks float fishing developed as a distinctive sport creating the need for capable guides, special equipment like the johnboat, and outfitters who sponsored multiple-day trips down the regions clear, spring-fed rivers. cont on page 48

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Jim Owen started a float fishing business in Branson in 1935 and grew it to be perhaps the most successful regional fishing outfitter; certainly the best promoted and well-known. Owen was a master marketer and he employed his business and advertising background very effectively.

Jim Owen hired the best guides, had his boats crafted by the best builders like Jack Harris and Charlie Barnes, and provided full-service treatment for his clients on and off the water. He marketed his business extensively on a national basis.

Owen provided trips for well-known outdoor writers, radio personalities and Hollywood celebrities. These people became endorsers, promoting his enterprise and, at the same time, promoting the Ozarks.

Originally from Jefferson City, Owen adopted the Ozarks and specifically Branson as his home. He ran a tackle shop, opened a theater on Commercial Street in downtown Branson, sold real es-

tate and raised hunting dogs. He served three terms as mayor of Branson. Jim met his wife, Barbara, on a float trip and she became an effective business partner.

Jim Owen arranged float trips on several of the region’s rivers, but his most popular trip was the multiple-day float from Galena to Branson. In the 1940s, anglers could hire Owen’s crew for an 18mile float from Forsyth to Moore’s Ferry at a cost of $22.50. A much longer 10day trip put in at Beaver Town and plied the White sixty-five miles downstream to Branson.

Some of Owen’s floats were extravagant affairs. One three-day float made by a group of eight from Kansas City cost a record $1,170 and included a floating bar with a guide serving as bartender.

Jim Owen hired local, colorful guides like Tom Yocum and Little Hoss Jennings to take customers down the free-flowing streams, put them on fish, and regale

Jim Owen on a well-supplied float trip courtesy Branson Centennial Museum

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them with tales of the Ozarks hills. The Jim Owen Boat Line provided a huge draw to the White River Hills country and introduced thousands of visitors to the joys of Ozarks life until the big lakes covered up the unbridled streams.

Owen said in a 1958 letter to his customers, “The building of Bull Shoals Dam

Over its more than twenty years, Jim Owen Fishing Service developed the sport into a nationally recognized outdoor adventure. Owen took the basics of the traditional Ozarks float trip and expanded it into an attractive vacation experience that could be accessed and enjoyed by novices and experts alike. He made his last organized float in 1958. Jim Owen

Some of the guides working for Jim Owen Fishing Service 1939- left to right Claud Williams, Jake Benham, Little Hoss Jennings, David Barnes, Tom Yocum, Ted Barnes, Al Cunard, Glenn Henderson

took away all of my wonderful floating water on the lower White River and the just completed Table Rock Dam has done the same to the floating water on the upper White River.”

Owen catapulted the Ozarks float trip from an outing designed to put sportsmen on good fishing opportunities to an all-encompassing Ozarks adventure created to cater to city folk who wanted an Ozarks experience. He took advantage of the color and lore of the region to hype this experience and his business. Surely some of these adventures presented a positive image of the Ozarks. But at the same time, they built on and added to the stereotypical “hillbilly” images that made the region seem both attractive and distasteful.

suffered a stroke in 1966 and died in 1972.

One can still float Ozarks rivers today, but the experience is only a shadow of the long floats before the big dams; floats of several days, camping on the expansive gravel bars under the starry, starry Ozarks sky, fishing for scrappy river smallmouth and “jack salmon”, and partaking in hearty shore meals hauled by a commissary boat.

Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history. His work is available on Amazon “new” books or by contacting him at wolpublishing@gmail. com.

49- Lost on the Lake

51- Lost on the Lake

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

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