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Rivers to Run
by Larry Dablemont
Review by Terry W. Gardner
Rivers to Run is written by Larry Dablemont
and published by Lightnin’ Ridge Books. Just released this
year, this book will appeal to a variety of readers, from the
fisherman of small streams and lazy rivers to those that enjoy
the history and culture of days gone by. Larry grew up in the
Ozarks when the local rivers
ran wild and free. Fish and game were plentiful and the people
that lived along the rivers such as the Big Piney, the White and
the Current used the rivers to provide for their families on a
daily basis. From guiding float fishing and hunting trips for
sportsmen from the larger cities to harnessing the river’s
strength to float hand-hewn railroad ties down to the takeout
point at Van Buren, Mo. the rivers provided food and livelihood
for all in the area. There are chapters on the local people of
the Ozarks as well as the rivers themselves, the fish, the furbearers
and the birds of that area. Other chapters include material on
the history of float fishing, the old time guides themselves and
the origin of the johnboat. Larry discusses the history of the
rivers and the local people and agencies involved with them. He
also discusses in great length the boats that were used on the
rivers and why they were best suited for this use. There is a
chapter included in the book on how to build your own wooden johnboat.
The boat construction process is illustrated throughout with actual
photographs of Larry’s father, Farrel Dablemont, building
a old-fashioned 14’ johnboat. There are many interesting
stories in the book, such as the natural phenomenon of flying
bass or the encounters between the game wardens of the time and
the local river families who distrusted outsiders.
Larry Dablemont with a big Walleye |
Larry bridges the gap between the old and new
generations of the Ozark river people. His grandfather Fred Dablemont
built johnboats on the Big Piney River for years. Larry himself
holds a B.S. degree in wildlife management from the University
of Missouri and still lives today in the rural Ozarks hunting
and fishing whenever he gets the chance. He also leads interpretive
float trips several times a year. (His website
has details.) I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It talks
of a slower time when families spent time together doing things
they enjoyed. It tells of a time before the current generation
with all its hustle and bustle and better way of doing things
came along. And it tells of a time that is past and gone forever
Side note: Jim Michalak has two designs that
are patterned after the johnboats of the Ozarks’ wild river
days. They are the River
Runner and the Ozarkian.
Reviewer: Terry W. Gardner, 10/2004
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