The Ozark Angler

Now THAT'S some tacklebox!

In addition to being an expert marksman and hunter, Dad was an accomplished salt and fresh-water angler. After moving the family to Lake Norfork in 1947 and establishing Blackberry Hill Resort, his angling skills became known throughout the region. He won so many Fishing Derby trophies sponsored by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that after winning four years in a row the paper just dispatched a reporter to cover Dad in the next tournament. Business picked up for the Lodge as more and more guests would return with their friends who wanted "in on the action".

THE FIRST FIBERGLASS BOAT ON LAKE NORFORK
(Registration # AR-1BX)

In 1953, Dad "starred" in a motion picture travelogue produced by Hal M. Ayres for Continental Pictures. The film was called "Razorback Rainbows" and was released for television after a short run through select theaters in the US. The film was shot in 16mm Techicolor and got the complete "Hollywood Treatment"...... script, editing, titles, and a music track. The story was about a "local fisherman" who favored artificial lures over live bait. Dad's longtime friend and river guide, Acie Dickerson, was also featured in the film. The balance of the movie was about the struggle between the two men to see who would catch the biggest/most trout. The loser would eat his hat. Needless to say, Acie gets his big scene as the hat-eater in the end. Of course, the "meal" was served in the Lodge dining room.

A few years ago I discovered a 16mm film print of this rare gem and have since converted it to video. Click on the image below and watch this film posted on the Vimeo media site.

Razorback Rainbows from Bob Ketchum on Vimeo.

Champion Skeet Shooter
Veteran of the US Navy

Back to CCS Home Page