by one turn in. The nights are cool, even in midsummer, guaran- 

 teeing long and untroubled sleep. 



Float fishing history dates back nearly to the turn of the 

 century, but Jim Owen, for twelve years mayor of Branson, 

 Missouri, is credited with really putting it on a par with other 

 Ozark attractions in the Thirties. 



The three Barnes brothers of Galena were the first to take 

 fishermen on trips down the White River. Charlie Barnes still 

 builds the John boats for Owen. 



Another floater of long experience, Cliff David, arranges float 

 trips out of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Costs of the trips range 

 from five to twelve dollars a day per person, two to a boat. Tour- 

 ists and sportsmen will discover that all vacation costs in this 

 section of the Ozarks are low in comparison with most parts 

 of the nation. 



Old and comfortable clothes are the rule along these back- 

 country rivers. Fishing equipment is whatever you have and 

 however you want to fish. You can just drop a line over the side, 

 or you can bring your best casting equipment. These hillsmen 

 will take you to places where there are plenty of fish at the drop 

 of a hook. 



The John boats are 16 feet long, and wide enough to carry 

 the fishing and camping equipment for the floater and guide. 

 These men have known the rivers since they were toddlers. They 

 steer their craft with a paddle as they stand in the stern, varying 

 the pace of the slow jaunt by occasionally shooting short but 

 exciting rapids. 



Any time from May 15 to September 15 is good for float 

 fishing. In the spring there will be wild flowers along the banks 

 and under out-cropping limestone ledges. In the fall, there are 

 brilliant colors where the frost has touched the leaves. 



For the seasoned fisherman who has fished in northern lakes 

 for muskies and western mountain streams for trout, this is a 

 new and worth-while experience and one which probably will 

 demand a return engagement. For the uninitiated it's a thrill 

 which won't be forgotten soon. And for everyone, it's a quiet, 

 easygoing vacation, promised so often but rarely fulfilled. 



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