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Table Rock region a recreation Mecca

Up ahead a squadron of gulls hung in the stiff wind, reconnoitering the water below. Suddenly their simultaneous recognition sent them dive bombing the same spot. A victor would emerge with a few jealous followers, but most of the birds went back to the hunt. There was plenty of food to go around.

Shad were pouring through the Table Rock dam into Lake Taneycomo, and the trout were gorging themselves. The catching was quite easy for anglers. A white jig or a fly that imitated shad didn’t go long without being attacked.

While trout fishermen reveled in a shad kill, just over the dam on Table Rock Lake, bass anglers were taking large number of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass at 60 to 80 feet on dropshot rigs around huge balls of shad. Many of those anglers would opt for lighter tackle later, in spring, when the crappie bite picked up. Some would even be using the huge rods needed to snag the lake’s large paddlefish population.

South central Missouri is truly a sportsman’s Mecca. Besides the abundant fishing, the surrounding national forest provides tens of thousands of acres of public hunting in the state that boasts the largest wild turkey population in the nation.

Despite the plentiful, year around opportunities for sportsmen, the region is perhaps even better known as being one of the nations top entertainment centers. With 52 theaters, from an intimate 50-seat venue to 4,000-seat facilities, Branson lays claim as the live entertainment capital of the world. Music of all types, including big band, country, rock and roll, bluegrass and jazz, are featured in show throughout the calendar. Comedy, magic, animals and Broadway style productions are among the many types of entertainment also available.

Branson also boasts one of the country’s most popular theme parks in Silver Dollar City The 1880s-themed park features six festivals each year, more than 100 demonstrating craftsmen, 60 shops, 40 live shows daily and a dozen restaurants.

Based on Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills” is celebrating 100 years of family entertainment. Guests enjoy historical tours, shows, craftsmen, music and the 230-foot Inspiration Tower that offers breathtaking views of the Ozarks.

The ship-shaped “Titanic” museum ascends more than 100-feet above the Highway 76 Strip and includes original artifacts and a replica of the Grand Stairway. The “Bodies” museum offers displays of human physiology.

There is something for everyone in the Branson area. Golfers will be challenged by the rugged Ozark topography on courses designed by Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus and others. Wine connoisseurs can visit one of three wineries, Branson Ridge Winery, Mount Pleasant Winery and Stone Hill Winery.

Visitors can enjoy the region from a number of unique perspectives, including a helicopter ride or the Branson Scenic Railway, with its restored 1940s vintage dome cars. Or take a cruise on the Branson Belle, a paddle-wheel river boat that offers dinner shows on Table Rock Lake.

Summer is a great time to be in the Ozarks, and the kids will enjoy Branson’s two water parks or a swim at Table Rock’s moonshine beach. The whole family will enjoy a tour of the lake on one of the amphibious “Ducks.”

Historic downtown Branson is a must with the beautiful new Branson landing, a lakeside outdoor shopping and entertainment district.

And still there is much more to experience in the Branson-Table Rock Lake region. Careful planning is called for. Taking it all in on a single vacation would simply be impossible. But whatever your plans, be sure and leave enough time for the area’s great fishing.

Visit Table Rock
http://www.visittablerocklake.com/

Kimberling Inn
http://www.kimberling.com/

Branson Chamber of Commerce
http://www.bransonchamber.com/attractions/

Ozark Anglers
http://ozarkanglers.com/